Even the best 'Farmer's Markets' in the US cannot compare to the open markets in France. The open markets are a year-around 'mode de vie' rather than a seasonal venue. Normally the market is twice a week opening around 8:30 am, setting up just before then. In the summer season the markets are set-up every day until 1 pm. If you come too early the vendors will be unloading and arranging and 'early-birds' are not generally welcomed and unless you enjoy a mob, avoid 'prime-time' from 11:30 on to close.
Along with locally produced fruit and vegetables, all forms of food is available; meats, dairy (cheese of course!) pastries, breads, locally made cider, preserves and spices....and in the non-food categories you can find textiles for the home, clothing, media, toys, kitchen items....it seems to be unlimited. Never plan on finding something specific and always anticipate finding something you had no idea would be offered. In the fresh produce stands--if it is not there it is because it is not in season. For example, I searched for celery that is not considered a 'summer vegetable' and had no luck at the open market--yet found it easily at the 'Hyper Marche'...
Also be warned, never go to the market for one item, or bring one shopping bag--you will surely come home with a full basket or arm load of things you could not resist.
A few weeks into the summer we started the tradition of going to the Sunday market in Deauville to buy take-home tubs of Paella. Cooked on-site it is a bright saffron-yellow feast of rice, peas, mussels, chorizo, langustines, chicken and prawns.....yum! Ready to go by 10:30 AM and sold-out, at least down to the pan-scrapings by noon. (We have made the mistake of coming 'late' only once!) Everyone, including the 'picky-eater' in our family loves it, and on occasion we buy an extra tub to have as 'left-overs' the next day.
C'est tout! The market has become a favorite part of our new daily existence in France. If you are well organized, you plan your day around it. If you are not, you may just go hungry.....or find yourself shopping at 'Hyper Marche'.........
1 comment:
I am heading to the UVillage market this ce matin as even though it doesn't come close to comparing to your markets, it is one of the best we have for local produce. You are reminding me that I wanted to "take home" so much of my time in France and I think I had forgotten until now... thanks for the reminder!
xx
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