In California, I used to love going to ‘Farmer’s Markets’ – a rather twee name to describe a large gathering of fresh produce vendors in a parking lot. If lucky, there would be a rotisserie chicken stand wafting its tantalizing aromas of herbs, oil, and roast bird. The strawberries were always sweeter and the broccoli tastier than anything you could find in a supermarket. The Farmer’s Markets were held once per week starting in spring and ending in autumn, and parking was always a battle unless you got there in the early hours. When I moved to London, we were fortunate to have a fantastic greengrocer within walking distance from our front door.

Here in France, we are spoiled for choice. Unlike the Farmer’s Markets California, fresh produce markets are just called ‘marchés’, and you can find one every day of the week within driving distance. In addition to a rotisserie chicken stand, you may find fresh oysters and other shellfish, traiteurs with prepared escargots or rabbit in prune sauce, butchers with homemade pâté de campagne, and much more. Some villages have a monthly market with streets of clothing stalls, bric-a-brac, and even live chickens (not for roasting, but for your backyard).

Our two favourite markets are listed below, but there is a myriad from which to choose in the Charente-Maritime.

Saint Jean d’Angély: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 8h00-12:30h at the Place du Marché.

Saintes: every day but Monday from 7h00-13h00 in various locations. Our favourite is the Sunday market at the intersection of Ave. Gambetta and Ave. de la Marne.