Revealed: France’s best market
The best market in all of France has been revealed – and it’s the Marché de La Réole, just southwest of the city of Bordeaux in Gironde.
Thousands of people turn up to shop at the weekly market, held on the banks of the Garonne river, and browse the quality produce as well as catching up with friends for a drink and a chat.
La Réole beat 23 other markets to the top spot in the 2023 edition of the competition, which is voted for by viewers of French TV channel TF1.
Find the nominees here.
The picturesque town, home to 4,300 people, can trace its roots back to 977. It boasts a number of visit-worthy sites, including an 18th-century former Benedictine priory and church, the 13th-century Château des Quat’Sos and one of the oldest Hôtels de Ville in France, dating back to the 12th century. Between the remains of the town walls, you can wander through pretty, winding streets and enjoy the riverside views.
The market, which is held on Saturday mornings, boasts local farm produce, plants, craft beers, oysters from the Arcachon basin, traditional cheeses and Bordeaux wine. There are also stalls selling decorative items, jewellery, linen and flowers.
The top ten in the Plus Beau Marché 2023 competition:
1. Marché de La Réole, Gironde
2. Marché de Garéoult, Var
3. Marché d’Arras, Nord-Pas-de-Calais
4. Marché de Vannes, Morbihan
5. Marché de Grenade, Haute-Garonne
6. Marché de Thouars, Deux-Sèvres
7. Marché d’Yvetot, Seine-Maritime
8. Marché d’Argenton-sur-Creuse, Indre
9. Marché des Halles de Sète, Hérault
10. Marché couvert de Colmar, Haut-Rhin
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