Wander in France

The southwest of France is a paradise for market lovers. Medieval towns and charming villages host bustling weekly markets. These markets are filled with fresh produce, artisans goods, and regional specialties. The Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne departments are renowned for their vibrant marchés. Locals and visitors gather there to enjoy the finest flavors of the region.

These gatherings range from year-round farmers’ markets to seasonal truffle and gourmet night markets. They offer a true taste of rural French life. Whether you’re on the hunt for Périgord black truffles, foie gras, or fresh cheeses, this guide is for you. It also includes locally grown fruits and vegetables. Discover the must-visit markets in the region.

Year-Round Markets: The Heart of Local Life

Every week, villages and towns across Périgord and Lot-et-Garonne come alive with markets offering a rich variety of products. Here are some of the best:

Dordogne Markets

• Périgueux (Wednesdays & Saturdays) – A large, lively market featuring everything from foie gras to seasonal vegetables and handmade crafts.
• Sarlat-la-Canéda (Wednesdays & Saturdays) – A must-visit market in one of France’s most beautiful medieval towns, known for truffles and walnut oil.
• Domme (Thursday mornings) – A charming market with fresh bread, honey, and regional wines, set against stunning valley views.
• Monpazier (Thursdays) – A picturesque bastide town market with fresh produce, cheeses, and handcrafted goods.
• Issigeac (Sundays) – One of the most beautiful markets in the region, perfect for organic fruits, artisanal cheeses, and farm-fresh eggs.
• Le Bugue (Tuesdays) – A traditional market with a mix of local produce, meats, baked goods, and household items.

Lot-et-Garonne Markets

• Monflanquin (Thursdays) – A hilltop bastide town market featuring fresh cheeses, seasonal vegetables, and locally made pâtés.
• Villeréal (Saturdays & Wednesdays) – A fantastic market in a timber-framed market hall, perfect for local meats, produce, and crafts.
• Marmande (Saturdays) – Famous for its tomatoes, this market is a delight for fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional pastries.
• Villeneuve-sur-Lot (Tuesdays & Saturdays) – One of the largest markets in Lot-et-Garonne, featuring everything from fresh seafood to baked goods.
• Castillonnès (Tuesdays) – A smaller, authentic market offering homemade preserves, charcuterie, and wines.

Seasonal Specialties: Winter Delicacies & Summer Delights

Winter Markets (November–March)

• Truffle Markets (December–March) – Périgord’s famed black truffles take center stage in markets in Sarlat, Sainte-Alvère, and Brantôme.
• Foie Gras & Poultry Markets – From November to March, towns such as Thiviers, Sarlat, and Bergerac host dedicated markets for foie gras and duck products.

Gourmet Night Markets (Summer)

In the warmer months, marchés gourmands—open-air food markets—offer a magical way to dine outdoors with local specialties, live music, and communal tables. Top summer night markets include:

• Monflanquin (Thursdays, July & August)
• Villeréal (Mondays, July & August)
• Eymet (Tuesdays, July & August)
• Duras (Thursdays, July & August)

These festive markets are perfect for tasting duck confit, grilled sausages, fresh cheeses, and fruit tarts under the stars.

A Sample “Wander in France” Market Day Itinerary:

At Wander in France, we specialize in helping travelers craft personalized itineraries that showcase the very best of southwest France—including its legendary markets!

Morning:

Start your day with a coffee in Monpazier’s Place des Cornières before exploring its charming Thursday market.
Stroll through the market, gathering fresh baguettes, cheeses, and cured meats for a countryside picnic.

Midday:

Head to Domme or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle for panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic with your market finds, paired with a bottle of local Bergerac wine.

Afternoon:

Stop at a local shop to pick up walnut oil or truffle salt as a gourmet souvenir.

Evening:

If it’s summer, finish your day at a marché gourmand in Monflanquin or Villeréal, dining under the stars with live music.

Tips for Visiting the Markets

✅ Arrive early – The best produce sells out quickly.
✅ Bring cash – Some vendors don’t accept credit cards.
✅ Take a basket or tote – Many locals use woven market baskets for their purchases.
✅ Engage with vendors – They often offer samples and great advice on local products.
✅ Know the seasons – Winter is ideal for truffles and foie gras, while summer markets overflow with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Experience Southwest France Like a Local

You might stroll through Sarlat’s medieval streets. You could savor the fresh produce at Issigeac’s Sunday market. Or you may enjoy a festive night market in Eymet. Visiting these markets is a sensory journey through the best of French culture and cuisine.