You’ll never find me happier than when I’m at a European fresh market first thing in the morning. And Bourges, with its sprawling, glamorous Sunday morning marche was no exception. Fresh produce lounged in the shade on long tables. Seafood chilled in the indoor market stalls. Baked goods piled high. And the scent of roasting rotisserie chickens wafted out from slow-turning roasters.
If you are going to Bourges, make sure to go on a Sunday.
How to get there
The market sprawls inside, outside, and all around Halle Saint-Bonnet at 4-8 Bd de la République.
When to go
The market is open Sunday mornings from 7:30. I couldn’t find an exact closing time, but the earlier you go (in general), the better your chances of finding it not only open, but less crowded!
What to expect
There’s a small cluster of vendors indoors and another cluster outdoors. You’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods, spreads, honey, and plenty of pre-made foods (including paella, rotisserie chicken, falafel, Indian cuisine, and a coffee stand).
Language
French! Though you will certainly find multi-lingual people here.
1 comment
Hi, Gigi,
We visited Bourges in 2015 on the advice of our innkeeper in Amboise, Katia Frain, at L’Iris des Marais.Though not on a Sunday, we certainly enjoyed wandering around this beautiful walkable city. When we first arrived and were walking from the train station, we saw a very elderly woman fall and hit her head on the wall of a building. We stopped and stayed with her until help arrived. To this day, we wonder if she was OK.
Your photos make us want to return!