Do you want to discover the local culture and gastronomy of France? Here is the list of the 20 best markets in France.
The French love their markets. There are also more than a hundred in France, not counting the Christmas markets. A place of resistance against mass consumption, standardized by hypermarkets, small local markets are where the terroir survives.
People come to the market to shop and discover the gastronomy, culture, and local atmosphere. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to meet and mingle with the inhabitants of a city or village and learn a little about their daily lives.
Ready to tickle your taste buds, find treasures and immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere? Here is the list of the 20 best markets in France.
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The 20 Best Markets in France – Famous French Markets
1. The Red Children’s Market in Paris, France
The Red Children’s Market in Paris is on the top of the best markets in France list. Located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, this covered market dates back to 1628. The market has stalls from all over the world, just like Paris. Brittany, Asia, or Morocco are at your fingertips.
Open your senses wide, and you will not be disappointed by the visit to the oldest market in Paris.
2. The Aligre market in Paris, France
This time, go to the 12th arrondissement of the capital to discover a vast bazaar. Here, you can find everything: furniture, clothes, fruit, antiques.
After shopping among the stalls, sit on a terrace of the many bistros in the neighborhood and relax in the sun. A good time in perspective, in one of the most famous markets in France.
3. The Montbrison market, France
Recently elected the most beautiful market in France by a famous television show, the Montbrison market is worth a visit. More than eight centuries old, the market brings together two hundred passionate traders and small producers who offer quality local products.
You will also find flowers, clothes and many other things to discover.
4. The Wazemmes market in Lille, France
Welcome to one of the most bohemian markets in France! Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, one of the largest markets in France takes place in the Wazemmes district of Lille.
Lively and colorful, this market offers you an incredible atmosphere. As you listen to the accordion, you will discover local products, but not just that!
Flowers, fruits, spices, mulled wine and mint tea, books, flea markets, fresh fish, and cheeses, you will inevitably find your happiness in Wazemmes!
5. The Dieppe Market, France
See you on Saturday morning in Dieppe to discover one of the most beautiful markets to visit in France! Two hundred and thirty well-stocked stands await you.
Cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fish, and even clothes or mattresses are offered. Here, choice and quality are the watchwords. The Dippe market is one of the best markets in France.
6. The Carreau des Halles de Tours, France
Located near the old town of Tours and the sumptuous Saint Gatien Cathedral, this market of the halls offers good regional products. Do not miss the rillettes of the famous Charcuterie Bergeard.
7. The Market of the Halles de Narbonne, France
Les Halles, the market of Narbonne, is where all the atmosphere of this beautiful city is found. About seventy food shops are busy offering locals and tourists cold cuts, meats, pastries, fruits and vegetables, wines, flowers, and cheeses from seven o’clock in the morning.
You can do your shopping every day and enjoy the many bars and restaurants available to treat yourself.
8. The Lices market in Rennes, France
Your Saturday in Rennes will probably start with a short visit to the Lices market. Considered the second-largest market in France by the variety of exhibitors, the Lices market offers many local products in a magnificent place.
Taste some freshly caught fish and shellfish and taste the andouille de Vire or the sausage patty, accompanied by a glass of cider. The market also has a lovely flower market. The Lices market is one of the French’s best market.
9. The market of Brive-la-Gaillarde, France
Does this market tell you anything? You are right! Georges Brassens refers to it in one of his songs.
Under the Halles de la Ville, there is also, which bears his name, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, a charming market in Brthate-la-Gaillarde, where you can sample local products.
Enjoy the famous tourtous; black wheat cakes stuffed with cabécou or rillettes for lunch. A delight!
10. The Cahors market
Around the Place, Chapou stands the open-air market of Cahors, one of the most typical and pleasant markets in France. This is undoubtedly the ideal visit to immerse yourself in the heart of Occitane.
The spotlight is on Rocamadour cheese, cold cuts, and Pastis at the Cahors Market.
11. The Rodez market
Welcome to the Aveyron! On Saturday morning, around the cathedral, the Rodez market opens its doors to you. This market is a must if you like cold cuts and cheese: tripoux, dry sausages, aligot, cantal, and other specialties are to be tasted urgently.
12. The Sarlat market, France
Connoisseurs and lovers of good flesh come to explore this splendid little covered market, located in the old church of Sainte-Marie, to stock up on foie gras and other local specialties.
Fresh products and local atmosphere guaranteed! Be careful, the market is often crowded, and it is strongly advised to go there early enough in the morning or just before closing to avoid a stampede.
13. The Victor Hugo market in Toulouse, France
Since 1896, the Victor Hugo market has been a delight for the inhabitants of the pink city and its tourists. Superb local products are put on sale in the halls by the hundred exhibitors and dealers present.
There is something to delight you in sausage, Garcia ham, or foie gras in this place, considered one of the most popular markets in France.
14. The Sète market, France
We like to visit this market because of its products and atmosphere, singing, and joy. Discover the famous teille, an octopus pie, and hot tomato sauce or enjoy oysters and sea urchins washed down with a glass of picpoul, a regional wine.
15. The Provencal market of Aix-en-Provence, France
In the middle of the cobbled streets of the historical city of Aix-en-Provence, you will find one of the most beautiful markets to visit in France, dating back to the 16th century.
Place Richelme and Place des Prêcheurs, market gardeners, and other local producers are waiting for you. Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, flowers perfume the warm air of Provence.
At the nearby flea market, you will undoubtedly find a rare pearl. According to the anecdote, Paul Cézanne enjoyed visiting this colorful and fragrant market.
16. The Carcassonne market, France
Impossible to visit the beautiful city of Carcassonne without going to one of the most attractive markets in France.
On the Place Carnot, there is an excellent food market every Saturday morning, well stocked with local products, many of which are organic. A lovely visit to soak up this beautiful city’s warm and friendly atmosphere. It is one of the best markets in France.
17. The market of Saint-Rémy de Provence, France
Discover the charming little village of Saint-Rémy de Provence and its pretty market held every Wednesday morning from dawn. To the rhythm of the song of the cicadas, you discover with delight the Provençal art of living.
The market is very popular with tourists, and in summer, it is strongly recommended to get there before 10 am.
18. The Saleya market in Nice, France
Just a few steps from the famous Promenade des Anglais, the city’s old flower market is pure bliss for the senses.
The merchants with a singing accent offer you, in a friendly atmosphere, fruits and vegetables of the country, products based on olives and lemons, and the famous socca, the famous Nice cake made from chickpea flour.
Lined with cafes, bistros, and restaurants, the Saleya Market is ideal for relaxing and discovering the region’s products. The Saleya market is one of the best markets in France.
19. The Halles Bocuse market in Lyon, France
Welcome to the temple of French gastronomy! From the outside, this covered market is nothing extraordinary. It is only once inside that we measure the richness and diversity of the place.
Here, Lyon’s gastronomy is in the spotlight: and ouillettes, caillettes, sausages, oysters, or praline pies, you will, for sure, feast in this market, considered by many as one of the markets to visit in France.
20. The Annecy market, France
Located in the old town and on the Quai de l’Évêché, the Annecy market is held every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday morning, to the delight of tourists and the many ducks for relaxing and discovering Thiou.
They benefit from the generosity of merchants. The place is enchanting and deserves attention.
Some other most beautiful markets to visit in France
● in the beautiful town of Le Puy-en-Velay
● the Halles de Niort
● the market of Vannes
● the Municipal Halls of Menton
● the market of Toucy
● the market of Saint-Pierre la Réunion
Many other markets in France are worth a visit. Which is the best market in France, according to you?
