| Get delicious food from local
markets!
Markets
are one of the great joys of France. Many villages support a market
once or twice a week. Of course you will find plenty of tourists soaking
up the sights and smells, but they are also well patronised by the locals,
especially for fresh fish.
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 wonderful night markets (e.g. Macqueville), with entertainment
to accompany the food and drink.
- Foires
(e.g. Rouillac) can be hugely impressive.
Click
on the small images below to enlarge.
|
Aigre
is a real favourite of mine. Small square (note the 'erotic' fountain
sculpture) for most of your shopping needs.
At least three fish stalls - unheard of in England. A nice size
of town to get to grips with too. Also has a small Co-op nearby
and Casino supermarket on the outskirts. Great cave (Le
Maronnier) and PMU bar. Market: Thu, Sat and Sun. Fair:
3rd Wed of month |
|
Rouillac
offers quite a contrast to Jarnac. Anything but posh, with what
seems like the biggest market in the world (15,000 visitors in the
summer). It has 'ordinary' markets too, but not on the same scale.
Massive SuperU, Netto and various garden centre-type places such
as Gamm Vert. Market: Wed and Sat. Fair: 27th of every month |
|
The
weekly market at Beauvais sur Matha is in the main
(i.e. only) square and not up to the standard of Aigre. But it's
a very 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. Plenty of shops,
including Intermarché, Champion, electrical goods, a bike
shop 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 half a dozen lamb
chops. Open every day but get there in the morning. You could 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
© 2001-2010 Colin Wight & Anne Young |
