Nothing beats strolling through a market: discovering the different stalls, talking to local producers and filling your basket with incredible regional produce. So, this summer, whilst you cycle along the Loire à Vélo, why not stop off at some of these lively and charming events?
Sancerre and Saint-Satur markets
Every Thursday in Saint-Satur, and every Saturday at Sancerre, local producers help you discover what the region has to offer. The two towns are at the heart of the winegrowing region and their markets don’t disappoint, offering an abundance of fruit and vegetables as well as the famous Crottin de Chavignol. This delicious little goat’s cheese pairs beautifully with both red and white Sancerre wines.
Practical Information:
Saint-Satur market takes place every Thursday from 7am to 1pm at Place de la République. Between July and September, there is also a market held at the marina next to the Loire from 6pm to 9pm. The Sancerre market is every Saturday morning at Esplanade de la Porte César.
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The markets in Orléans
Although Orleans has several different markets, the Saturday morning market along the Loire waterfront is one of the best. As well as this, the market held every Friday evening at the Place du Martoi in the centre of the city is definitely worth a visit, with its lively and welcoming atmosphere. These two beautiful markets sell seasonal fruit and vegetables. Why not visit between April and June and discover the delicious bunches of asparagus grown in the area?
Practical Information:
The Quai du Roi market is held on Saturday mornings along the Loire waterfront from 7:30am to 12:30pm. The night market takes place at the Place du Martroi every Friday from 4:30pm until 9:30pm
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Blois Market
In Blois, the Saturday morning market is definitely worth a visit. It is held right in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Château of Blois, on Place Louis XII. Here you can browse the stalls whilst enjoying the incredible surroundings, filling your basket with cheese, fresh farmyard eggs and seasonal vegetables. Why not come in summer and try delicious Sologne strawberries?
Practical Information:
The market is held every Saturday morning in the centre of town, Place Louis XII, between 8:30am and 12:45pm.
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Amboise Market
Every Sunday morning, Amboise comes to life, hosting the biggest market in Touraine. The banks of the Loire are filled with incredible stalls selling mouth-watering local produce. Surround yourself with French food as you stroll through each stand and get inspired for your evening’s dinner. Nothing tastes better than a meal cooked with fresh ingredients straight from the market!
Practical Information:
The market is held on Sundays in the centre of town, between 8am and 1pm.
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The markets in Tours
As an International City of Gastronomy, every week Tours hosts around twenty different markets which are dotted around the city. The Rabelais market, held every Sunday morning, is definitely not one to be missed! This beautiful market is a foodie’s paradise: take the time to browse through the mouth-watering variety of produce on offer. If a Sunday lie-in is more your style, then why not visit the covered market in the centre of town? Open from Monday to Sunday morning, this market is filled with quality local produce, from Touraine’s famous rillons and rillettes to Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese with its world-renowned straw, Nougat from Tours and much more!
Practical Information:
The Rabelais market is held on Sundays at rue Giraudeau, between 8am and 12:30pm.
Tours covered market is open from Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, and Sundays and public holidays 7am to 1pm at Place Gaston Paillhou.
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Loches market
In the breath-taking Indre valley, you will find the medieval city of Loches. Here, lovers of quality cooking flock to the market in the historic lower town. Local vendors and producers sell fresh ingredients that can be used in several delicious recipes. It’s not just fruit and vegetables on offer, but also great quality meat, such as the famous Géline de Touraine chicken, which has a beautifully rich taste. This incredible market puts all of these ingredients in one place to truly delight your taste buds!
Practical Information:
The market in held in the centre of town every Wednesday and Saturday morning.
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Saumur market
If you visit Saumur, why not explore the fabulous Saturday market? Held in the heart of the historic city centre, the market is filled with fruit and vegetables, regional specialties and other delights! After a hard day of cycling, the market is sure to be a treat for the whole family and is a great place to pick up ingredients for a picnic at the Château of Saumur. The Château’s park is the perfect place to enjoy your meal, with breath-taking views of the city and the Loire.
Practical Information:
The market is held every Saturday at Place de la République, between 8am and 1pm
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Chalonnes market
At Chalonnes-sur-Loire you can discover one of Anjou’s most impressive markets. Every Tuesday and Saturday morning over 100 vendors come together to sell their produce. On Tuesdays, the Hôtel de Ville transforms into a vibrant market selling local products, and the indoor market sells delicious food. On Saturday, only the food market is available. The market is not the only attraction to the town: why not take a stroll along the Loire before or after your visit and admire the beautiful landscape?
Practical Information:
The market is held at the covered market and at Place Hotel de Ville, on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm
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Bouchemaine market
At Bouchemaine you can discover local products and fresh regional produce whilst exploring the beautiful quayside. Soak up the good weather and friendly atmosphere whilst sipping a coffee in the fresh air. Even the kids will be entertained! There is plenty of green space for them to play on while you admire the gorgeous view over the Royal River. And if the shopping hasn’t tired you out, why not walk towards La Pointe, where the Maine and the Loire rivers meet? This is the perfect setting for a family picnic, where you can stay to watch the magical sunset.
Practical Information:
The Quai de la Noë market takes place every Sunday from 8am to 2pm.
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Ile Gloriette market in Nantes
At Ile Gloriette, you can explore one of the biggest markets in Nantes where over 300 vendors sell an impressive variety of products from patisseries to bouquets of flowers, local produce and flavours from around the world. The market has something for everyone!
The market is halfway between the Ile de Nantes, with its incredible machines, and the historic quarter of Bouffay, with its charming narrow streets. So, why not spend the afternoon exploring one, or both, of these areas?
Practical Information:
The market is held on Saturdays at Parking de l’Ile Gloriette between 8am and 1:15pm
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Basse-Indre market
Although this market only has around thirty stalls, this Sunday tradition is well-known throughout the town. The area offers a great way of life, with the sun and its proximity to the Loire enhancing the friendly atmosphere! Delve into French culture by having a coffee on the terrace opposite the market, choosing your favourite culinary specialities, discovering local icons and watching street performances. You’re bound to have an incredible time!
Practical Information:
Basse-Indre Market takes place on Sunday mornings between 8am to 2pm
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