Foodie cyclists riding along the cycle route will find loads of opportunities to delight their tastebuds by visiting markets.
La Flow Vélo invites you to many a market on your cycling trip! Going on a bicycle holiday also means the chance to discover lots of traditions and tastes from the terroirs you pass through. As the warmer days arrive, it becomes even more delightful to wander along the colourful market stalls packed with local fruit and vegetables, as well as other more surprising items. Stop to meet producers and craftspeople, enjoying a fully local experience.
The Périgord markets are unmissable. Whether in Hautefort, Thiviers, Excideuil, Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare or Sarlat-la-Canéda, they are such a great part of regional life and a great way of meeting locals, be it under a blazing summer sky or in a biting winter breeze.
An overview of six markets along La Flow Vélo
Thiviers Market (Dordogne)
On Saturday mornings, some 100 traders make the little town of Thiviers’s heart beat faster! Its market was voted the most beautiful in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region in 2022 by members of the French public on the TF1 TV channel & Vous website.
It’s a great opportunity to buy food for the week to be able to prepare tasty little dishes, with veg, meat, charcuterie, cow’s milk, goat’s milk or ewe’s milk cheeses, poultry, beer, spices and freshly prepared dishes. More than enough for a week’s cycling, to be sure!
A market is a great opportunity to have a chat with the local producers.
Craftspeople also display their wares. You might buy some little gifts to take away, or simply get your knives sharpened.
The displays at Thiviers Market change with the seasons, with prickly pears appearing in summer, while foie gras and truffles feature large in winter.
- Every Saturday, Place de la République
Excideuil Marché au Gras et aux Truffes (Dordogne)
In Excideuil, close to Hautefort, even the most demanding palates should be satisfied. Excideuil Market really is the beating heart of this community. It’s unmissable for the locals, taking place on Thursdays. From early November to early March, try out very special seasonal local produce from the exceptional terroir. You won’t have enough room in your panniers for all you might want to buy here!
- Every Thursday morning, in the heart of Excideuil
Terrasson Truffle Market (Dordogne)
The Dordogne has a lot of culinary attractions to encourage cycling tourists to linger in the county. As to the Terrasson-Lavilledieu Marché aux Truffes, held through autumn and winter, it’s a much-loved event for those who wish to purchase their Périgord ‘‘black diamonds’’, as truffles are nicknamed here. The local producers will happily advise anyone on their truffles and how to savour them.
- Every Thursday morning, November to February, at La Vitrine du Périgord, close to the Vézère River.
Angoulême Market (Charente)
The Halles du Marché d'Angoulême (the city’s historic covered market) have been registered as an historic monument since 1993, indicating that even the architecture is worth a butcher’s! Inspired by Paris’s Pavillons Baltard, built from cast iron and glass, the setting provides a charming, convivial atmosphere for one of the finest markets in the Charente. Having stocked up on produce, why not head off for a picnic beside the Charente River?
- Daily except Mondays, 7am to 1pm.
Chaniers Farmers’ Market (Charente-Maritime)
Local producers and traders can help you pack your panniers with dozens of tasty items, from fruit and vegetables to cooked meats, fish and other regional produce. And you know it makes sense to have a full belly before you cycle on!
- Every Wednesday, Place de l’Ancienne Gare
Saintes Market (Charente-Maritime)
From Tuesday to Sunday, you’ll find a daily market to stroll through in town. So, you can easily top up on fresh, local produce here. As well as enjoying the variety of smells and tastes swirling around, enjoy a chat with the local traders.
