There is something unique about a French market. Somehow it epitomises much of what gives the French their joie de vivre – the laid back pace, the open friendliness of the locals and above all, an abundance of great produce. Small and quintessentially French in a tiny village, or more elaborate in a nearby city; you are sure to find a strong community presence
Markets
La Roche Chalais has a weekly market every Saturday morning. Fresh fruit & veg, cheeses and meats are on offer as are a few clothing stalls – 5 minutes
Chalais has a market every Monday morning. Here you will find all the usual culinary temptations. In fact, pick your dinner from the fish tank at the fishmonger’s stall – you don’t get any fresher than that! Many stalls with clothes, jewellery, linen and so on make up the rest of the market – 10 minutes
Aubeterre-sur-Drone’s small Sunday morning market is popular with locals and visitors alike. Held in the centre of the village square, it is surrounded by crêperies, restaurants and quaint boutiques, artisan studios and galleries – 20 minutes
Coutras has a bigger market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the town square with a large covered area where fresh produce, local meats & poultry, and other traditional fare are sold. Deliciously smelly cheeses and popular local tipple Pineau tempt visitors to part with their pennies. The market also has numerous competitively priced clothing, leather goods & linen stalls – 20 minutes
Riberac has the largest market in the Périgord area every Friday morning. It is a bustling, busy one, and with many English stall owners & visitors it is fondly known as the “English market”. Wonderfully fresh produce, prepared fois gras, hot & cold meats, cheeses, seafood and all sorts of delicious goodies are available. Well-made, inexpensive clothing and shoe stalls line the lanes as do beautiful fresh flower stalls. Live bands entertain the crowds outside in Summer. It is a great day out for the entire family. Fois Gras is the town’s speciality and in winter months (Nov – Feb) a duck market is held where raw fois gras and truffles are on offer – 30 minutes
Bordeaux, slightly further afield, has many fresh produce markets on various days of the week. The city also hosts a number of antique markets on certain days. Visit one of these while taking in the rest of the city – 55 minutes
Shopping
Whether it is a French frock, footwear, leather goods or jewellery on the shopping list, the streets of Bordeaux, Libourne and Angoulême are paved with trendy boutiques proudly showing off French labels in well dressed windows. Pop in at one of the many quality home ware boutiques and pick up un cadeau français for that someone special – or just as a treat to yourself
Aubeterre-sur-Drone: No 8 at Aubeterre is a treasure trove of quality goods. Flimsy, summer dresses, light cardigans, wonderful leather hand bags to name a few. They also do great French gifts for the living room and bathroom. Well worth a visit! 20 minutes
Libourne to the south offers a wide variety of designer boutiques and high end fashion shops. Take in the historical sites, a good lunch and a bit of retail therapy – 35 minutes
Angoulême to the north promises an equally great day out. Many bespoke boutiques and even a few department stores offer uniquely French products. Many home ware shops are too big a temptation to pass – 45 minutes
Bordeaux offers the ultimate shopping experience. Holding its own against the world’s Big Five, Bordeaux equals the glitz of Paris, the mayhem that is London, the friendliness of New York, Hong Kong’s diversity and the unique style found in Milan – 55 minutes