Markets

Looking to find something unique to the local area or just browsing for a bargain, many of the local Towns and Villages have a weekly market. 

Exploring markets in the Mayenne, Normandy, and Brittany regions of France is a fantastic way to experience local culture, taste regional specialties, and discover unique crafts. Each region has its own distinct offerings, from fresh produce and seafood to artisan goods and antiques.

Mayenne Region

1. Laval Market

• Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays

• Description: The Laval Market is one of the largest in the Mayenne region. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, and local specialties like rillettes and cider. The market also features flowers, plants, and handcrafted goods.

• Highlights: Local cheeses, charcuterie, and the lively atmosphere.

2. Château-Gontier Market

• Days: Thursdays and Saturdays

• Description: This market is set in the picturesque town of Château-Gontier and is known for its selection of fresh produce, dairy products, and local crafts. The market is spread across several squares in the town, creating a vibrant atmosphere with plenty to explore.

• Highlights: Regional fruits and vegetables, local wines, and handcrafted items.

3. Mayenne Market

• Days: Saturdays

• Description: The Saturday market in Mayenne is a bustling event where locals and visitors alike can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other regional specialties. The market also features clothing, household goods, and plants.

• Highlights: Fresh regional produce and a wide variety of local cheeses.

4. Gorron Market

• Days: Wednesdays

• Description: Gorron Market is a lovely, authentic local market that offers a taste of rural French life. It’s an ideal spot for picking up fresh produce, local specialties, and enjoying the friendly atmosphere of this small Mayenne town.

• Highlights: The market features a variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Depending on the season, you can find everything from apples and pears to leafy greens, root vegetables, and berries.

5. Ernee Market

• Days: Tuesdays

• Description: Ernée Market is a quintessential French market experience, offering a delightful mix of fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal goods. Whether you’re looking to sample regional foods, pick up some fresh ingredients, or simply soak in the local culture, a visit to Ernée Market is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

• Highlights: Be sure to look for local Mayenne specialties like rillettes, a type of spreadable pork pâté, or cider, which is a popular beverage in this region.

6. Andouille Market

• Days: Thursdays

• Description: The Andouille Market is a delightful local market that showcases the best of what the town has to offer, particularly its famous andouille sausage. Whether you’re a food lover looking to sample regional delicacies or simply want to experience the charm of a small French market, a visit to Andouille Market is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

• Highlights: Try the Andouille: If you’re in Andouille, you have to try the local sausage, which is a specialty of the town. It’s often served cold in slices or used in cooking to add flavour to dishes.

Normandy Region

1. Rouen Market (Place Saint-Marc)

• Days: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays

• Description: The Place Saint-Marc Market in Rouen is one of Normandy's most famous and extensive markets. It offers everything from fresh seafood and produce to antiques, clothing, and crafts. The market is a vibrant hub of activity, especially on Sundays, when it is at its busiest.

• Highlights: Fresh seafood, Norman cheeses, and antiques.

2. Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet Market

• Days: Wednesdays

• Description: The Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët Market is a vibrant and extensive market that captures the essence of Normandy’s rich agricultural and culinary traditions. Whether you’re looking to buy fresh produce, sample local delicacies, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere, a visit to this market is a rewarding and memorable experience.

• Highlights: The market in Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët is one of the largest in the region, spreading across several streets and squares in the town centre. It attracts a diverse range of vendors and a large crowd of locals and visitors alike.

3. Bagnoles-de-l’Orne Market

• Days: Saturdays

• Description: The Bagnoles-de-l’Orne Market is a delightful experience that combines the best of Normandy’s culinary traditions with the serene and picturesque setting of a historic spa town. Whether you’re looking to buy fresh produce, sample local delicacies, or simply enjoy the charming atmosphere, a visit to this market is a highlight of any trip to Bagnoles-de-l’Orne.

• Highlights: This market is well-loved by both locals and visitors for its wide range of fresh produce, local specialties, and the unique ambiance that reflects the character of this elegant town.

4. Sourdeval Market

• Days: Tuesdays

• Description: The Sourdeval Market is a quintessential French market experience, offering a delightful mix of fresh produce, local specialties, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to shop for fresh ingredients, discover regional foods, or simply enjoy the ambiance of a traditional Norman market, a visit to Sourdeval Market is a rewarding experience.

• Highlights: Sourdeval Market is an excellent place to sample and purchase local Normandy specialties. Expect to find a selection of regional cheeses like Camembert, Livarot, and Neufchâtel, as well as fresh butter and cream.

5. Caen Market (Place Saint-Sauveur)

• Days: Fridays

• Description: The market at Place Saint-Sauveur is one of the largest and most popular in Caen. It features an array of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, and flowers. The market is known for its friendly atmosphere and the quality of its products.

• Highlights: Regional cheeses, Normandy butter, and seafood.

6. La Ferte-Mace Market

• Days: Thursdays

• Description: La Ferté-Macé Market is a vibrant and essential part of the town’s life, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal goods. Whether you’re shopping for ingredients, looking for unique items, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, a visit to this market is a delightful way to experience the charm of Normandy.

• Highlights: La Ferté-Macé Market is known for its selection of local cheeses, including the famous Camembert, Livarot, and Pont-l'Évêque, which are often sold directly by local producers.

7. Bayeux Market

• Days: Saturdays

• Description: The Bayeux Market is held in the historic centre of the town, known for its proximity to the famous Bayeux Tapestry. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, local meats, seafood, and artisan goods. It’s a great place to sample regional specialties like Camembert and Calvados.

• Highlights: Camembert cheese, Calvados, and locally made crafts.

8. Dieppe Market

• Days: Saturdays

• Description: The Dieppe Market is one of Normandy’s largest and most vibrant markets. Situated near the port, it is particularly known for its fresh seafood. The market also offers a wide range of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and artisan products.

• Highlights: Fresh seafood, especially scallops, and local Norman specialties.

Brittany Region

1. Rennes Market (Marché des Lices)

• Days: Saturdays

• Description: Marché des Lices in Rennes is one of the largest and oldest markets in France. It’s a must-visit for food lovers, with an impressive selection of fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, and baked goods. The market also features flowers, plants, and artisan crafts.

• Highlights: Breton pastries, fresh oysters, and local cider.

2. Vannes Market (Place des Lices)

• Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays

• Description: The market in Vannes, held at Place des Lices, is a vibrant and colourful event where you can find fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. The market is also known for its selection of flowers, plants, and local crafts.

• Highlights: Fresh seafood, Breton cheeses, and traditional Breton cakes.

3. Quimper Market

• Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays

• Description: The Quimper Market is held in the heart of the historic town, known for its picturesque streets and half-timbered houses. The market offers a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and artisan products.

• Highlights: Kouign-amann (a traditional Breton pastry), seafood, and locally made pottery.

4. Saint-Malo Market

• Days: Tuesdays and Fridays (Indoor market daily)

• Description: Saint-Malo’s market, located within the walled city, is a great place to find fresh seafood, local produce, and Breton specialties. The indoor market, open daily, is known for its fresh fish and shellfish.

• Highlights: Fresh seafood, crêpes, and Breton butter.

5. Louvigne-du-Desert Market

• Days: Fridays

• Description: Louvigné-du-Désert Market offers a delightful glimpse into the local life of Brittany, with its variety of fresh produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods. Whether you’re looking to buy local specialties, experience the town’s community spirit, or simply enjoy a pleasant morning in a charming setting, a visit to this market is a rewarding experience.

• Highlights: Local cheeses, including Brittany’s lesser known but equally delicious varieties, are available at the market. You can also find freshly baked bread, pastries, and other baked goods, often made by local bakers.

6. Fougeres Market

• Days: Saturdays

• Description: Fougères Market is a vibrant and essential part of the town’s life, offering a diverse range of fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal goods. Whether you’re looking to shop for ingredients, taste regional delicacies, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere, a visit to this market is a highlight of any trip to Fougères.

• Highlights:  Brittany is known for its dairy products and cider, and the market offers a good selection of these local specialties. You can find rich butter, creamy cheeses, and a variety of ciders made from Breton apples.  Look out for Breton pastries such as kouign-amann, a buttery, caramelized treat that is a local favourite.

Visiting Tips

• Arrive Early: Markets are usually at their best in the morning, with the freshest produce and the widest selection of goods available.  Typically markets start early around 8:00 AM and finish around lunchtime 1:00 PM

• Bring Cash: While some vendors may accept cards, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially in smaller markets.

• Taste Local Specialties: Each region has its own culinary delights, so be sure to sample local cheeses, pastries, and other specialties.

• Reusable Bags: Bring your own bags or baskets for shopping, as it’s a common practice and helps reduce plastic use.

These markets offer a rich and authentic experience, showcasing the best of what the Mayenne, Normandy, and Brittany regions have to offer. Whether you're looking for fresh food, local crafts, or just soaking up the atmosphere, visiting these markets is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culture.