7 Bordeaux Markets: Culinary & Cultural Treasures at Every Stall

There are many reasons to love Bordeaux, from its incredible food and drink scene, which includes everything from cosy cafés to fancy restaurants, to its impressive history, plus arts and sports venues. But another? Its markets. It’s in Bordeaux, strung out along the pretty streets and in large squares, that you’ll discover some of the best markets in the country, whether you’re searching for antiques, cheese, wine or flowers. Here are just a handful of the best.

One of Bordeaux’s most famous markets is nicknamed the Belly of Bordeaux. Why? The food – hundreds of stalls of it. This is the city’s largest market and has been running for centuries, with locals doing daily shops here, chefs picking up produce for a day in the kitchen and tourists descending to sample local cheese, bread and more. The market has everything – and that really means everything – that a foodie could wish for, from fresh fruit and veg and cheese and bread, to local sweet pastries and oysters from Arcachon Bay. Some stalls act as pop-up cafés, where you can sample oysters while sipping local wine – before heading to another stall for dessert. Arrive hungry and leave extremely satisfied.

• Opening hours: 6am-1pm (Tuesday-Friday); 5:30am-2:30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
• Directions: It’s a 15-minute walk from Gare Saint-Jean; alternatively, take tram B and get off at Victoire.

There’s a bit of everything at Marché des Chartrons, a Sunday farmers' market in Bordeaux where you can pick up things like organic vegetables, cheese-laden crêpes, BBQ meat and rich handmade chocolates. Its location, in the Chatrons district, was once the home of the city’s wine merchants – so wine accessories, and wine, will also be found here. Strung along the riverside at Quai des Chartrons, this is a relaxed market that’s as much about the stalls as the setting – with lovely views of the Garonne River and historic buildings behind. We recommend staying at Mercure Bordeaux Château Chartrons Hotel, which is just a short walk from the market, with a glass-roofed restaurant and a relaxed garden for cocktails and sharing plates in the Bordeaux sunshine.

• Opening hours: 7am-2:30pm (Sunday only)
• Directions: It’s a picturesque 45-minute stroll north along the Garonne River to the market. Or, hop on tram C to Chartrons.

France is no stranger to antiques markets, whether you’re looking for quirky keepsakes that you can slip into your hand luggage, or larger pieces of furniture for your home. Even if you’re not shopping for anything in particular, Marché Saint-Michel in Place Meynard is an amazing place for a rummage, where you’ll find everything from old maps and books to clothing and wardrobes and other items telling fascinating stories of the city’s history. Even better, the Gothic Saint-Michel Basilica is right there – and as impressive on the inside as the outside. Hungry? There are numerous cafés nearby for a coffee or a longer lunch. The antiques market operates on Fridays and Sundays. If you come by on a Saturday you’ll find food stalls, with clothes and books stalls on Mondays.

• Opening hours: 7am-2:30pm (Sunday only)
• Directions: It’s a 20-minute walk from Gare Saint-Jean train station, or jump on tram C, getting off at Saint-Michel.

Flowers may not be the most practical of holiday souvenirs, but you don’t have to plan to bring any home to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of Marché aux Fleurs, the Bordeaux flower market. It takes place at one of the city’s most famous squares – and one of the largest in Europe – Place des Quinconces, twice a week, and is a gathering spot for florists and traders, with stalls of flowers and plants in every colour imaginable. When you're done here, continue your journey of local discovery at Sans Pression bar and restaurant in Hotel Mercure Bordeaux Centre Ville, just a 20-minute stroll west, where you'll find a weekend brunch buffet celebrating regional produce.   

• Opening hours: Early morning until early afternoon (Saturdays only).
• Directions: Take tram C from the main train station and get off at Quinconces.

Thousands of people travel to Bordeaux every year just to experience its Christmas market. The winter wonderland runs throughout the month of December and is the perfect place to get in the festive spirit – with Christmas trees, fairy lights and carol music all adding to the ambiance. Of course, festive food and drink is a big part of this, with warm, spicy mulled ciders and wines, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolates and pastries available to buy. Stalls also sell crafts, ornaments and cosy clothes. The market is held at Allées de Tourny, a leafy shop-lined street where you’ll also find carousels and miniature railways for kids.

• Opening hours: The market runs daily from the end of November to the end of December. Hours are usually 11am-9pm with a 10pm close on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Directions: Take tram C from the main train station and get off at Quinconces.

Europeans do flea markets very well, and Les Puces de Saint-Michel is the perfect example of that. Close to Marché Saint-Michel, and open through the week, it’s a great spot to rummage, not really knowing what you’re looking for but being delighted when you find it. That could be vintage jewellery, a one-off vinyl that you may decide to frame, pictures and picture frames or limited-edition books. We love this market for its competitive prices and eclectic mix of items. 

• Opening hours: 7am-2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
• Directions: It’s a 20-minute walk from Gare Saint-Jean train station, or jump on tram C, getting off at Saint-Michel.

Although Marché de Lerme is the perfect market for a rainy day (the fact that it’s inside certainly helps), it’s also a must-do all year round. It’s held in a lovingly restored 19th-century market hall that proves to be as much of an attraction as the stalls themselves. It’s not the biggest market you’ll find in the city, but there’s a great selection of independent food and craft stalls, all set up beneath an iron-and-glass roof. It represents a significant piece of Bordeaux’s history, with the building standing since 1866. If you don’t visit the market, you may like some of the other cultural events held there, from gallery exhibitions to concerts.

• Opening hours: Vary depending on the day and event – it’s worth popping by to see what’s on, there are numerous museums in the area.
• Directions: Take tram D from the station to Fondaudège - Muséum.

If you're looking for a change of pace after all that shopping, how about exploring Bordeaux on a bike? And when it's time to bed down, there are a number of Mercure hotels in the city, from cool and contemporary to more classic stays, located in historic buildings.