Get delicious food from local
markets!
Village
markets are one of the great joys of France. Many can support a market
twice or more a week. Of course you will find lots of tourists soaking
up the sights and smells, but they are also well patronised by the locals,
especially for fresh fish and vegetables.
These
seven examples are in increasing distance from La Bréchoire.
Arrive before noon or you may be too late.
- Sometimes
the markets are held indoors, in specially designed and often architecturally
attractive buildings (e.g. Cognac).
- Or
they may be held in a market square (e.g. Aigre or Beauvais-sur-Matha).
In summer, there may be visiting producers from other parts of France.
- There
are also atmospheric night markets (e.g. Macqueville), with entertainment
to accompany the food and drink.
- Foires
(e.g. Rouillac) can be huge and impressive.
Click
on the small images below to enlarge.
|
Aigre
is a favourite of mine. Small square (note the 'erotic' fountain
sculpture) with a market for most of your shopping needs. At least
three fish stalls - unheard of in England. A nicely-sized town
to get to grips with. Also has a small Co-op and supermarket on
the outskirts. Great PMU bar. Market: Thu, Sat and Sun.
Fair: 3rd Wed of month |
|
Rouillac
is anything but posh, with what seems like the biggest fair in the
world (often 15,000 visitors on a summer's day). It has 'ordinary'
markets too, but not on the same scale. Massive Super U, Netto and
various garden centre-type places such as Gamm Vert. Market:
Wed and Sat. Fair: 27th of every month |
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The
weekly market at Beauvais sur Matha is in the main
(i.e. only) square and not up to the standards of Aigre. Very large
church visible for miles around. It's an attractive small town worth
visiting for a change. Good bakery - but hasn't everywhere? Crédit
Agricole cash dispenser too. Market: Tue |
|
Night
markets, such as this one at Macqueville, are a
popular and enjoyable way of passing an evening, while experiencing
a bit of rural 'animation'. They usually run from about 6pm to 11pm
in mid summer. This village boasts an impressive Romanesque church
and a good pineau-cognac producer. |
|
For
a good indoor market, open six days a week, visit Jarnac.
Plenty of choice, including Vietnamese snacks, fruit and veg, and
very fresh fish from La Cotinière (Oléron). Prepared
meals and sauces are useful for picnics and camping. Many shops,
including Intermarché, electrical goods, and DIY. Markets:
Tue - Sun. Fair: 1st Sat of month |
|
Angoulême
has a huge indoor market which is a tourist attraction in itself.
Beautiful produce, but you don't go here just for a few lamb chops.
Open every day, but get there in the morning. You can say the same
for Cognac - where it's easier to find a parking
place. Market: Mon - Sun. Fair: 2nd and 15th of month |
|
The
beautiful town of Saintes has an outdoor market
every day of the week - although the location varies. Very good
bread in addition to the usual wonderful fish, vegetables and cheese.
Market: Mon - Sat |
Copyright
© 2001-2015 Colin Wight |