How To Shop at a French Market

One of the top benefits of living in France is the availability of fresh and cheap produce, meat, and fish. Even the smallest French town typically has a weekly farmer’s market, and the bigger cities boast several of all varieties.

For newcomers, venturing to shop in a chaotic French market can be a daunting. Keep the following tips in mind and you’ll soon be a confident market regular—buying the best foods and improving your French.

1. Take your time

Local markets often span a couple of city blocks and follow a winding, though ordered path. The best part of the market experience is visiting each stand to uncover the greatest bargains. So don’t buy from the first vendor you see; if he is truly offering the best buy, you can always go back. And if not, you’ll feel the sweet pleasure of truly getting your money’s worth.

2. Don’t be shy!

The tumult of a typical French market includes the noise of vendors touting their wares (three avocados for just one euro!!!), housewives negotiating their weekly pantry, and the yapping of French mutts. You have to speak up! Don’t be afraid of gaps in your French vocabulary—just point and flash how much you want with your fingers (it works!)

3. Bring small change (and a big bag)

Although vendors won’t (usually) turn down a 20-euro bill, they appreciate smaller coins and they love exact change. Don’t forget a large shopping bag or else you’ll be going home with half a dozen flimsy, plastic sacs (and be easily identifiable as a foreigner!).

4. Go later, spend less

Most markets open early and stay open until noon, sometimes later. Although arguably the best produce and meat is available in the morning, you can get great deals by hitting the market an hour or so before closing: vendors are trying to get rid of their goods for the day and often sell a plateau (large dish) of vegetables or fruit for a few euros.

5. Find the best vendors, and stick with them

Once acquainted with a stand consistently offering amazing fruit and great prices or with a vendor who always makes you feel comfortable—be loyal. It will pay off in welcoming smiles, small discounts, and helpful tips about the best products of the day.

6. Branch out

Once comfortable with your neighborhood market, venture out. A big city like Lyon offers several Arab markets, Chinese markets, and even an entire market dedicated to second-hand books.

• Markets in Lyon:

Farmer’s Market: Wednesday 4pm-7pm, Sunday 5am – 1:30 pm, Place Carnot (2 ème)

Les Halles de Lyon: Everyday, 7am –12pm, 3pm – 7pm, 102 cours Lafayette (3ème)

Marché Bio: Tuesday – Thursday, 6am – 12:30 pm, Friday – Sunday, 6am – 1:30 pm, Quai Augagneur (3ème)

Marché de l’Artisanat (arts and crafts): Sunday 7am – 1:30pm, Quai Fulchiron (5ème)

Marché des Bouquinistes (books): Saturday and Sunday, all day, Quai de la pecherie (1er)

Marché de la Croix-Rousse: Everyday except Monday, 6am – 1pm, (4ème)

Marché Aux Puces (flea market): Sunday, 6am – 12pm, Rue Coïs (Vaulx-en-Velin)

Marché de Vaise: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, 9am – 12pm, Place de Paris (9ème)

Pictures of Lyon farmer’s market originally posted by Here in Van Nuys

Topic:  How to Tuesday | 4 Comments
Tags:  budget, food, France, shopping

About the author

Lara Bensenia is a freelance writer and perpetual student living in Lyon, France. Lara calls both the United States and Tunisia home and hopes to achieve EU citizenship to top it all off. In the meantime, she enjoys playing up French clichés, especially fancy chocolate, berets, and French men.