Local Markets
Dinan Market
French markets are must to visit, full of interesting characters and wonderful produce. Normally held in the traditional market square of the host town, the food tends to be fresher, slightly cheaper and more regional than in the shops. French markets have a wide range of delicious cheeses and breads. We recommend an early start as most are morning markets, and also parking can be difficult as the market usually takes place in the main car park!
French markets in Brittany are a delight and are a part of the life of the villages and towns. They are picturesque, full of life, and a place to see and meet interesting people. Village markets are excellent for a variety of items you won't find in normal shops.
In Brittany markets generally arrive in a particular town or village on one day of the week. The market sellers are mobile travelling in trucks, vans, and sometimes just a 2CV from village to village, and have stalls at each market in the area. Details of the days of all the local markets are available in our information folders in each gite.
On market day, you'll find food of course together with clothes, tools, books, records, antiques, junk, treasure, art and things you would never imagine. The basic, most-common market has fresh produce, clothes, both new and preowned. This is a good alternative to the small shops with their limited selections in the small towns and villages, and the market prices can be very good bargains. Larger markets will have more of the non essential items, such as antiques, furniture and art.
Types of Markets
Here are the main categories of markets. There are, however, variations in the names as well as mixtures of different types of markets (such as a Foire antiquités brocante).
Marché
The standard market is mainly for food. But it is very good food. The markets are akin to the farmers markets in the UK the venders make the food, grow it, catch it, cure it, bake it, bottle it or otherwise have a passion for it. Cheeses and dairy products are fresh. There are meats and poultry and an endless variety of sausages. Olives and honey are locally produced. Vegetables are from the local gardens, and herbs and spices are both exotic and local. Lunch choices in the market are cheaper and more varied than the restaurants, and it can be more fun, shopping for it as well as eating it. Try some fresh olive bread or walnut bread.
Foire
This is the clothing market, with mainly new clothes, and usually at bargain prices.
Brocante
Flea Market, also called Foire à la Brocante. The brocante is where you look for old things, interesting things, and just plain old unusual things. Items here might be junk someone is effectively throwing out, or the treasures discovered in the attic of a hundred-year-old house. There can be furniture or collectables offered by experts, or individuals selling personal items for a few euros.
Antiquités
Antique Market, also called Salons des Antiquaires and Salon Antiquités Brocante. This type of market specialises in antiques and old furniture.
Artisanat
Arts and Crafts and handmade items.
