A visit to a local market in any country provides an exciting experience for all five senses. The hustle and bustle give you an insight into the true local ambience, the chance to try out France and most importantly, discover the foodie scene with fresh seasonal produce and local specialities. As one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations, France is one of the best places in the world to enjoy this experience. And if you’re looking for the top spots to sample and buy fresh produce and French cuisine, try our list of the best food markets in France.
Best food markets in Paris
Unsurprisingly, Paris has the biggest choice of markets – at the last count, the capital has over 80, with the oldest dating back to the early 17th century. For our round-up, we’ve picked a trio of the best.
Oldest food market in Paris – Marché des Enfants Rouges
Tucked away in the atmospheric Marais district, this market is the capital’s oldest and possibly quaintest of covered markets. Feast your eyes on the historic surroundings before you turn your attention to the fresh food stalls and eateries, where you can dine around the world without stepping outside the precinct.
Where – 39 Rue de Bretagne
When – Tuesday to Saturday, 8.30am to 8pm, Sunday 8.30am to 5pm
On your must-buy list – a quick bite from Italy, another from Japan and yet another from Paris itself
Best food market in Paris with a view – Marché Saxe-Breteuil
If you fancy feasting your eyes on the Eiffel Tower while you browse your fromages, pommes and saucisson, this market is your go-to. One of Paris’ street markets, its stalls run along a good stretch of the Avenue de Saxe. Those views to the northwest combined with fresh fruits and vegetables, will put a spring in your step.
Where – Avenue de Saxe
When – Thursday and Saturday, 7am to 1.30pm
On your must-buy list – food from all over France
>>> Discover the Parisian foodie scene from the waterways
Best food markets in Northern France
Cheese, fish and seafood are stars of the dining table in this part of France, where we think you should head for these French food markets.
Best food market in Lille – Wazemmes
From its name, you can tell you’re near Flemish Belgium in Northern France and this market is one of the busiest in the north of the country. Stalls in the outside space come laden with fruit and vegetables, spices, olives and olive oil, and the flower stands provide an extra splash of colour.
Where – in the area around Place de la Nouvelle-Aventure and Rue Gambetta.
When – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 7am to 2pm
On your must-buy list – local cheeses such as Maroilles (perfect when paired with eggs, ham and mustard) and Boulette d’Avesnes (good with beer)
>>> Read our French cheese dictionary
Best food market in Rennes – Marché de Lices
Known locally as the “rendez-vous of Breton gastronomy”, this market ranks as the second largest in France. Around 250 producers of iconic french food and local treats including fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, cold cuts and cheeses come together on Saturdays for one of the region’s top events.
Where – in Place des Lices
When – Saturday 7.30am to 1.30pm
On your must-buy list – a galette saucisse, washed down with a glass of local cider
>>> See Brittany from your self-hire boat
Best food market in Strasbourg – Broglie
The capital of Alsace is also queen of the Christmas market, but the city has plenty of good food markets too. Among them, the Marché de Broglie ranks as one of the best and sells local foodie treats as well as arts and crafts. Its central location is just as lovely with the cathedral and opera house just next door completing your dose of French culture.
Where – Place Broglie
When – Wednesday and Friday, 7am to 6pm
On your must-buy list – an artisan pretzel, washed down with a glass of mulled wine in the colder months
Best food markets in Southwest France
You’ll find a wider choice of local fruit and vegetables as you move south, a land with a warmer climate. To discover this abundance, check out these must visit French food markets.
Best food market in Bordeaux – Marché des Capucins
Big, bright and busy describe the city’s largest food market and something of a mecca for lovers of fine wining and dining in France. The history of Marché des Capucins dates back to 1525, but its current modern façade is a 1999 creation. Inside, dozens of stalls sell the best in fresh produce including oysters, foie gras, cheese and wine. Some would argue you’ll find the best French food right here!
Where – in Place des Capucins
When – Tuesday to Friday, 6am to 2pm, weekends, 6am to 2.30pm
On your must-buy list – any local cold cut or cheese, plus a bottle of wine
>>> See the best of Bordeaux from the river
Best market in Toulouse – Marché de Victor Hugo
This busy market in the heart of Toulouse showcases the best of Haute-Garonne produce in its stalls and eateries that have been serving locals foodie treats since 1896. It also has highly-specialised stalls such as the chevrotiers and cavistes, and holds evening soirées in tune with local events such as carnival.
Where – in Place de Victor Hugo (naturellement)
When – Tuesday to Sunday 7am to 2pm
On your must-buy list – a Paris-Toulouse cake, filled with cream noisette praline and created by Patisserie B.Authié
Best food market in Carcassonne – Prosper Montagné Hallé
The most famous citadel city in France has several weekly markets, but we like this one the best as we think it gives you the best taste of Carcassonne. The stalls laden with local produce are, of course, the star attraction, but the historic building comes a close second and is named after Prosper Montagné, a hallowed name in France since he wrote the first Larousse Gastronomic Dictionary in 1938.
Where – in Place d’Eggenfelden
When – Tuesday to Saturday 7am to 2pm
On your must-buy list – Lucques olives, grown locally in those groves you can spot on the horizon as you cruise the Canal du Midi
Best food markets in Southeast France
Provence and Lyon probably lay the biggest claims to the most foodie spots in France, so visitors are spoilt for choice of French food markets. We like the following:
Best market in Vaucluse – Apt
A classic on the French food market route, this weekly event brings together the best in fresh produce with asparagus, summer fruits and goat’s cheese taking centre stage. Apt market dates back to the 17th century and now plays host to over 300 producers from all over the Midi. It’s a wonderful example of France’s outdoor markets and bathing in the Luberon sunshine as you wander is blissful!
Where – throughout the centre, particularly in Place du Septier, Place du Postel and Place de la Cathédrale
When – Saturday 7am to 2pm
On your must-buy list – any seasonal fruit and vegetables
Best market in Aix-en-Provence – fruit and vegetable market
Feast your scent and taste buds on all the foodie perfumes of Provence at this bustling market, home to stalls selling the best in fruit and vegetables, olive oil, garlic, goat’s cheese and of course, those Provence herbs. Unusually, this market has two locations, depending on the day of the week.
Where – Place Richelme (daily) and Places Comtales (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
When – 8am to 1pm
On your must-buy list – a sachet or two of herbs for your own Provence creations
Best food market in Nice – Cours Saleya Marché
The Mediterranean sits literally a few yards away from Cours Saleya market, which started life selling flowers, but now has plenty of food stalls too. On Mondays, they all close and Saleya welcomes over 180 antique and bric-a-brac sellers, making it one of the most important vintage markets in the region. If you’re here for a while, between antique markets, artisanal products and French food, you’ll be awash with the very best of French culture.
Where – Cours Saleya and Place Pierre Gautier
When – antique market, Monday 7am to 6pm, food market Tuesday to Sunday, 7am to 2pm
On your must-buy list – a slice of socca from Chez Theresa where you’ll also find other Niçoise specialities.
Best food markets in Northeast France
The competition for best French food markets ramps up in this region because it’s home to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. But other cities will vie successfully for your taste buds.
Best food markets in Lyon – Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Lyon’s largest and most famous market dates back to 1859, but it wasn’t until 2004 that it reached its current status as a centre for excellence. Named after one of the country’s most iconic chefs (Paul Bocuse used to buy produce for his restaurants here), the market now occupies three floors over 13,500 square metres, home to 56 stalls and restaurants.
Where – Rue Garibaldi, Rue Lafayette and Rue Bonnel
When – Monday to Saturday, 7am to 1pm
On your must-buy list – cheese from La Mère Richard and a tarte à la praline from Sève.
Best food market in Dijon – Halles de Dijon
If you’re reminded by the Eiffel Tower when you visit this market, don’t be surprised – the 1873 plans take their design inspiration from the Eiffel company. Lofty arches flank four separate areas, each dedicated to a sort of food. On the stalls, you’ll find plenty of local delicacies, including, of course, mustard.
Where – Rue Odebert, Rue Quentin and Rue Bannelier
When – Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm, Sunday, 7am to 1pm
On your must-buy list – local truffles, on the stalls in November and December.
Discover more food markets in France
This list contains the most famous food markets in France, but the hundreds of others also have their unique charm, local flavour and foodie treats. All our river cruises, luxury barge holidays and self-hire boat trips visit towns and villages, each with their own food market.
Get your taste (literally) of the marché scene on a waterway holiday.
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