Au marché! What to look out for this summer

One of the joys of a holiday in France is perusing the local market, soaking up the sights and the smells, sampling the produce and taking some goodies home in your basket. Whether you’re self-catering or looking to pick up some treats for a picnic lunch, it’s the perfect way to get a true flavour of France. Here are some products to look out for over the summer months…

Olives

From June until August, look out for AOP-certified olives from Provence – including the popular Nice and Nîmes varieties, as well as black olives from the Vallée des Baux-de-Provence and Nyons. With about 28,000 tonnes produced in Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, Var, Drôme, and Gard, French olives are a true summer staple. To choose the best ones, give them a sniff: a ripe, mellow aroma means a great flavour. Pair them with cheese, mix through salads, or simply enjoy as an apéritif.

Aubergines

A summer mainstay in Mediterranean cooking, aubergines are at their glossy best from June to September . They’re ideal for grilling, stuffing or blending into dips like baba ganoush. Look out for glossy, firm fruits without bruises – pressed slightly, they should spring back, signalling freshness.

Tomatoes

From classic cœur de bœuf to cherry and Marmande varieties, tomatoes are a must-buy. Avoid chilled supermarket tomatoes, they will have lost their flavour. At markets, check for firm flesh and inhale the scent of the vine – if it smells like sunshine, grab it.

Sardines

Sardines are one of the most purchased fish in France with more than 15,000 tonnes sold in 2024 in the fish markets. Since 2018, the sardines in extra virgin olive oil prepared in the traditional way have been certified Label Rouge.

Peaches & nectarines

France grows more than 300 varieties of peaches and nectarines, perfect for everything from tarts to chilled salads. Imported from China by the 17th century, these fruits have since flourished in the French terroir and even inspired new cultivars at the behest of Louis XIV. Choose fruits with fragrant, sun-warmed skin and a slight give when gently pressed.

Apricots

Arriving early in the season, apricots are revered as one of the first summer fruits. Grown mainly in the Vallée du Rhône, Roussillon and Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur, they are enjoyed from mid-May to mid-September. Look for plump fruits with even golden-orange hues and smooth skin. They should feel firm yet yielding and smell sweet at the stem end.

Looking for more French food and drink content?

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 : Wikimedia Commons