Which is France’s best market in 2025?

Who doesn’t love a trip to market when in France? The sights and sounds, not to mention the delicious smells. Well, the French love their markets too and the annual vote is under way to decide which is the very best market of them all. Organised by TV station TF1, the eighth edition of Votre Plus Beau Marché sees 24 regional markets vying for the coveted title, each showcasing the unique flavours, traditions and atmospheres that define their locales. Voting closes June 13. So grab your panier and join us on a whistle-stop tour of the 24 contenders. 

Sélestat Market (Alsace) 

Held every Tuesday morning for centuries, the Sélestat market has nearly 150 vendors, offering a diverse array of goods, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, artisanal crafts and clothing. The market is a cherished gathering place, especially bustling during summer and the festive season. 

Le Moule Market (Guadeloupe, West Indies-Guyana) 

Situated near the Atlantic Ocean, this market in Le Moule, on Guadeloupe, operates on Wednesday afternoons and some Saturdays. Around 130 vendors offer tropical fruits, such as mangoes and passion fruit, spices, handmade jewellery and colourful clothing, with an emphasis on local products and a warm, communal atmosphere.  

Salies-de-Béarn Market (Aquitaine) 

Every Thursday morning, the town of Salies-de-Béarn hosts a lively market featuring around 50 exhibitors. Visitors can find local specialities such as foie gras, mutton, cheeses, organic produce and regional wines, alongside artisanal goods such as pottery and leather items. The market is known for its lively ambience – there’s often live music during summer. 

Billom Market (Auvergne) 

Operating on Monday mornings, the Billom market sprawls across the town centre, with up to 90 vendors, the busiest period being from April to October. Offerings include cheeses, honey, fruits, vegetables, grilled chicken and handcrafted items like soaps and woven baskets. The market also hosts seasonal events, including culinary demonstrations and holiday-themed activities. 

Saint-Sauveur Market, Caen (Basse-Normandie) 

Held every Friday in the historic Place Saint-Sauveur, this market is a staple for both locals and visitors in Caen. With around 150 vendors, it offers a rich array of regional products: fresh seafood from nearby ports, seasonal fruits and vegetables, renowned Norman cheeses like Camembert and Pont-l’Évêque and artisanal breads and pastries.  

Les Halles, Dijon (Bourgogne) 

Located in the heart of Dijon, the Halles market is a culinary landmark housed in a 19th-century iron-and-glass structure designed by architect Louis-Clément Weinberger. Open multiple days a week, it hosts 90-plus vendors offering a variety of local specialities, including cheeses, meats and baked goods. The market’s architectural elegance complements its gastronomic offerings, making it a must-visit for food-lovers.  

Saint-Quay-Portrieux Market (Brittany) 

Every Monday, the port of Saint-Quay-Portrieux transforms into a bustling market with up to 130 stalls during peak seasons. Visitors can find fresh seafood, local produce, traditional Breton galettes and crêpes, as well as handcrafted goods. The market’s seaside location and lively ambiance reflect the town’s authentic Breton character.  

Loches Market (Centre) 

Set against the backdrop of Loches’ medieval streets, this market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, featuring between around 100 vendors, depending on the season. It’s renowned for showcasing regional delicacies such as Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat cheese, rillons, rillettes de Tours and other local products. With a history spanning more than five centuries, the market is a central hub for the community. 

Halles de Saint-Dizier (Champagne-Ardenne) 

Inaugurated in 2023, the Halles de Saint-Dizier blend traditional architecture with modern design, featuring stone, wood and glass elements. The market hosts 19 indoor stalls and a few outdoor vendors offering meats, cheeses, produce and more. Its spacious layout and natural lighting create a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers.  

Ajaccio Market (Corsica) 

Located in Place Campinchi, Ajaccio’s market operates daily (except Mondays from November to March), showcasing Corsican specialities like charcuterie, cheeses, honey and pastries. With more than 40 permanent vendors and additional seasonal stalls, it offers a vibrant mix of local and international products in a lively setting. 

Dole Covered Market (Franche-Comté)

Situated in Place Nationale, Dole’s covered market operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (8 am–1 pm) and Fridays (2 pm–7 pm). The market features 20 vendors offering a variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats and cheeses. Its convivial atmosphere makes it a central hub for the community.  

Lyons-la-Forêt Market (Haute-Normandie) 

Held in a historic 17th-century hall, Lyons-la-Forêt’s market operates on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Thursday market caters to locals with essentials like meats and produce, while the Sunday market attracts visitors with a broader selection, including charcuterie, cheeses and artisanal products, all set in a picturesque village square. 

Notre-Dame de Versailles Market (Île-de-France) 

The Marché Notre-Dame de Versailles is a historic market located in Place du Marché Notre-Dame. Operating from Tuesday to Sunday, it features both covered halls and open-air sections, offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and other local specialities. The market’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere make it a central hub for the community.  

Les Halles de Béziers (Languedoc-Roussillon) 

Situated in the heart of Béziers, the Halles de Béziers is a covered market that has been serving the community since the 19th century. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, it hosts numerous vendors offering fresh seafood, meats, cheeses and regional delicacies. The market’s architectural charm and diverse offerings attract both locals and visitors alike.  

Meyssac Market (Limousin) 

Located in the picturesque village of Meyssac, this market is held every Tuesday and Friday morning in the Place du Jet d’eau. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it features a variety of stalls offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses and artisanal products. The market’s setting amidst red sandstone buildings adds to its unique charm.  

Metz Covered Market (Lorraine) 

The covered market of Metz, inaugurated in 1831, is a historic market located near the Saint-Étienne Cathedral. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, it houses numerous vendors offering a wide range of fresh products, including meats, cheeses and baked goods. The market’s distinctive U-shaped architecture and rich history make it a notable landmark in the city. 

Cahors Market (Midi-Pyrénées) 

Held every Wednesday and Saturday morning in Place Chapou, the Cahors market boasts a 700-year history. Set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Saint-Étienne Cathedral, it offers a vibrant array of local produce and specialities. In 1996, it was classified as one of the exceptional markets in France by the National Council for Culinary Arts, and attracts locals and tourists alike.  

Bergues Market (Nord-Pas-de-Calais)

Operating every Monday in the heart of Bergues, this market dates back to the 17th century, established under Louis XIV. With around 60 vendors, it offers a diverse selection of goods, including local specialities such as Bergues cheese and Flemish waffles. The market is set against the historic backdrop of the town’s belfry.  

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)

Taking place every Thursday and Sunday morning along the Quai Jean Jaurès, this Provençal market features approximately 230 stalls. Visitors can find a wide range of products, from seasonal fruits and vegetables to artisanal crafts and textiles, all set in the picturesque town known for its canals and antique shops.  

Clisson Market (Pays de la Loire)

Held on Tuesdays and Fridays in the medieval town of Clisson, this market is nestled under 14th-century timber-framed halls near the Château de Clisson. With around 70 vendors, it offers a variety of local produce and goods, attracting both residents and tourists to its historic cobblestone streets. 

Soissons Market (Picardie) 

Held every Wednesday and Saturday morning at Place Fernand Marquigny, the Soissons market features over 60 passionate vendors offering fresh, local and quality products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, flowers and artisanal specialities. Set against historic monuments, it provides a warm and convivial atmosphere for both locals and visitors.  

Royan Central Market (Poitou-Charentes) 

Inspired by architect Oscar Niemeyer, Royan’s central market, inaugurated in 1956, is a concrete shell structure with 13 undulations, allowing natural light through glass bricks. Open from Tuesday to Sunday (daily in summer), it hosts more than 100 merchants, offering a variety of products in a space that combines architectural innovation with daily commerce.  

Saint-Pierre Market (La Réunion) 

Every Saturday from 5am to noon, Saint-Pierre’s seafront transforms into a bustling market with around 400 stalls. Vendors offer fruits, vegetables, spices, local delicacies like samoussas and galabé, artisanal products and clothing. Set between the ocean and a volcano, it is one of Réunion’s most vibrant markets.  

Annecy Old Town Market (Rhône-Alpes) 

Operating on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 6am to 1pm, Annecy’s Old Town market is a historic fixture, with some vendors present for more than 70 years. It offers a wide range of products, including cheeses, fresh produce, bread, charcuterie, pastries, honey and nougat, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage. 

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In our magazine we offer a whirlwind tour of the best gastronomic destinations. Discover La Belle France’s renowned markets, quirkiest food festivals, most indulgent restaurants and foodie experiences.

Lead photo credit : Photo: Shutterstock