Colourful Catalan pottery A favourite pastime of ours is to wander in local markets. We try to do this in many cities that we have visited on holidays. It is a wonderful way to meet the local people, become exposed to the specialties of the area and find great treasures to take home as mementos.
Our market explorations have led us to some really great spots. Some of the highlights include:
The Pyrenees-Orientales region has an abundance of markets. Collioure has a wonderful market that is held on Wednesdays and Sundays. Here you can purchase local produce, incredible bread and pastries, spices, honey, vinegars and cheese made at fromageries in the mountains. We love to walk the aisles and choose what we will eat for the next couple of days, enjoying the choice and relishing in the fact that everything is so fresh. The market runs year round, with the summer weather seeing it spread to twice its size of the market held in the winter. The additional vendors bring along artwork, pottery and clothing that is more suited for the tourist season.
Here is a little video we made of the winter market in Collioure:
Our market explorations have led us to some really great spots. Some of the highlights include:
- La Boqueria in Barcelona - a terrific food market with all the delicacies you could want – meats, cheese, fruits, bread, etc
- The Saturday flea market in Fuengirola where you can literally buy anything from luggage to tablecloths to underwear!
- The famous Jamaa el Fna market in Marrakesh where the nighttime unfolds entertainers, food vendors and people selling their wares, on bed sheets on the street
The Pyrenees-Orientales region has an abundance of markets. Collioure has a wonderful market that is held on Wednesdays and Sundays. Here you can purchase local produce, incredible bread and pastries, spices, honey, vinegars and cheese made at fromageries in the mountains. We love to walk the aisles and choose what we will eat for the next couple of days, enjoying the choice and relishing in the fact that everything is so fresh. The market runs year round, with the summer weather seeing it spread to twice its size of the market held in the winter. The additional vendors bring along artwork, pottery and clothing that is more suited for the tourist season.
Here is a little video we made of the winter market in Collioure:
Fresh oysters On Saturdays you can visit the market in Port-Vendres. They have many of the same types of products but also include many fish and seafood products as well. We have thoroughly enjoyed buying fresh oysters from that morning’s catch and eating them with shallots and a splash of Banyuls vinegar. So tasty!
Argeles-sur-Mer hosts their market also on Wednesday and Sunday. It is great to check them out and compare what one might offer differently from the next. They also hold an evening craft market in the summer season.
Thursday morning sees the Saint Cyprien market set up and also during the summer a specific Catalan produce market in the evenings on the beach. What a fabulous way to spend the evening!
There are almost another 50 markets in the surrounding area, far too numerous to list here. However you can see a full list of towns and the corresponding dates by clicking on this website link.
Be sure to take the time to look for markets wherever you are travelling in order to meet the people in the community, learn about customs and taste the fabulous specialties of each different location. This is what traveling is all about!
Argeles-sur-Mer hosts their market also on Wednesday and Sunday. It is great to check them out and compare what one might offer differently from the next. They also hold an evening craft market in the summer season.
Thursday morning sees the Saint Cyprien market set up and also during the summer a specific Catalan produce market in the evenings on the beach. What a fabulous way to spend the evening!
There are almost another 50 markets in the surrounding area, far too numerous to list here. However you can see a full list of towns and the corresponding dates by clicking on this website link.
Be sure to take the time to look for markets wherever you are travelling in order to meet the people in the community, learn about customs and taste the fabulous specialties of each different location. This is what traveling is all about!
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