French markets: a thriving tradition in Lyon
French markets: They exist in most towns and cities all over the country, and within cities, in major neighborhoods where merchants gather at least once or twice a week. They can be outdoor (le Marché Saleya in Nice,) or indoor, in old buildings often referred to as les Halles, like the lively Marché des Carmes in Toulouse.
As I traveled through France, from Paris, to Lyon, and Nice, this summer, I tried to visit as many as I could. Even in the days of globalization and convenience shopping, ruled by hypermarket chains like Auchan, Casino, or Carrefour, my countrymen remain faithful to French markets and, to a large extent, to their neighborhood specialty shops, les commerces de proximité. Markets are one of the best places to observe the French way of life. Everything you have ever wanted to know about France’s love of food and the good life, is in full display in the middle of colorful stalls. I have never found their equivalent in the United States, where many Farmers’ markets, at least in my area, seem to offer as many crafts and souvenirs as they do produce. There are rules and rituals au marché, just like in other areas of French life. You do not touch the produce. You point at what you want or ask for it. You trust the merchant to pick the best fruit or vegetable. Do you need un melon (cantaloupe) for lunch tomorrow? Ask for it. The merchant will smell and weigh a couple of cantaloupes in his hand before he makes his final selection and announces: “Voilà, celui-ci est parfait.” And if this is any reputable market merchant, it will be just that, perfect. To enjoy your market experience, you need to speak a little French, enough to make small talk; exchange greetings, a few pleasantries about the weather; and if you are more advanced, a joke or two about current events, or the latest of the president’s blunders. At French markets, you meet friends; catch up with your favorite merchants, and stock up for part of the week. There is no need to buy a lot: Your fridge or pantry would be too small to accommodate more than a couple of days’ worth of supplies. Why worry? The market will be back a few days later, and in the meantime, you will eat fresh food. You may want to bring your own bag to French markets. Merchants will only offer flimsy plastic bags. If you are a native, you will walk the market with your caddie.
In Lyon, France, there are neighborhood markets, and some are famous. Once again, the renowned French capital of gastronomy gives Paris a run for her money. The covered Les Halles de Lyon founded by legendary Chef Paul Bocuse, is one. Le Marché St Antoine, on la Presqu’Île (the peninsula,) is another. I was only in Lyon for two days, and over a weekend to boot. On Saturday morning I crossed the Saône river, left my hotel in le Vieux Lyon (the old town,) and headed towards la Croix-Rousse, one of the two big hills in the city. It faces Fourvière Hill, directly across the river. I knew I was in for a treat, and a workout. It’s a steep climb up les pentes (the slopes) of the old working-class neighborhood where silk workers, les Canuts, used to slave away, all the way to the top, le plateau de la Croix-Rousse.
As you climb uphill through the old streets, everything looks unmistakably French, the buildings, the people, the streets and the trees lining them, les platanes.
Finally, you reach le plateau and the busy boulevard de la Croix-Rousse. There, every day except Monday, merchants and locals meet, engaging in the most enduring of French rituals: life at the outdoor market. I have visited many French markets, but this one is unique. It runs along the boulevard for over one kilometer, stall after stall of produce, meat, charcuterie, cheese, bread, and everything else in between. Colors, smells, sounds of conversation and laughter fill the air. To this French expat, nothing (except maybe, a café terrace,) says “home” more than French markets; and as markets go, the lively Marché de la Croix-Rousse, feels real. There were hardly any tourists there at 9:00 am that morning, just locals. A few people walked around, taking photos, as I did. Travel tip: Merchants appreciate being asked first. Just show your camera and smile, “Bonjour! Je peux, Monsieur?” (Hello, may I take a photo, sir?) Most will gladly let you take shots of their stalls, even if you are not buying. A gentleman in front of me was snapping away, and got taunted by several merchants who shouted jokingly as he walked away: “Attention, voilà les Paparazzi!“
I knew what I was looking for: I had planned an early lunch picnic down by the Saône river before I tackled the second Lyon hill that afternoon, la colline de Fourvière. A local boulangerie provided the basics, and my nose took me to the essential part of the meal.
And there I had it, the perfect weekend visit to a perfect city, on a perfect summer day, with the perfect picnic. As I enjoyed my lunch in the sun by the water, I was reminded of a favorite saying of mine: La vie est faite de petits bonheurs. As petits bonheurs go, Lyon delivers. The city I once called home so many years ago, welcomed me back with open arms. Merci, Lyon.
(It goes without saying:) A bientôt.
All photos by French Girl in Seattle. Please do not use without permission.
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Merci
To read more about Lyon:
Lyon, the other City of Light(s) here.
Savoring Lyon’s food here.
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Merci de cette excellente note, mon cher Rémy. J’ai toujours été une bonne élève, mais la satisfaction de recevoir une excellente note ne s’est jamais émoussée. A bientôt
Still my favourite place to shop for produce, at the market. Despite having lived in France for years, the excitement of the market has never waned, it is now a part of my general routine!
I am glad to hear that, and because I have lived outside of France for over twenty years, I really miss my weekly visits at the local market.
We came home with locally grown strawberries yesterday and ate them for lunch with baguettes. So good!!! They were Mara des bois also.
I love les Maras des Bois. They are so tasty, just sweet enough. Baguettes and Mara des Bois? Sounds like a good French lunch to me (had I been around, I would have come over with some saucisson too. You need those proteins. ;-))
It would be hard to say what my one favorite thing is about France, but the French market would for sure be in my top 5, maybe even top 3. Do you have a favorite? I like all of them in Paris, but esp Blvd Raspail and also Richard Lenoir. The ones in Provence are wonderful, too, such as Vaison de la Romaine, Ile sur la Sorgue, etc. I would love to go to Lyon and see the city and the markets.
Bonsoir Harriett. I used to live near le Marché d’Aligre in Paris, so I would have to say that is my favorite one. I lived in Vincennes as well with my family, and loved the market there. That’s the beauty of France: There are good markets, large or small, everywhere. A bientôt à Seattle! 🙂
Après ce bel aperçu de Lyon ,il ne reste qu’une envie ,celle de prendre le train pour en faire la visite .
Merci Véronique pour cette escapade .
Je vous en prie! Et pensez-y: Lyon n’est qu’à deux heures de Paris en TGV. Encore une bonne raison d’aller lui rendre une petite visite. A bientôt, Mutti.
I would truly love to buy this beautiful produce. You are correct that here we don’t get the opportunity. Not only are there not markets, but there is no place to put it. Things are too spread out here and inconvenient. How I would love this! Great post. Thank you much!
Merci de votre visite Debra. To be fair, there are markets in the US: Pike Place Market in Seattle, of course, which is always fun (but touristy and crowded,) and in New York City, the {covered} Chelsea market. The atmosphere and vibe are different, though. Still, I’ll gladly visit a market wherever I go.
Votre pique-nique est parfait! The last two trips to France have been marked by the purchase of Opinel knives. The first in Strasbourg, the second, after a little bit of searching, in Avignon. Since we make-do with only carry-on luggage for our trips to Europe, we haven’t been able to pack a knives for our “picnic kit” and have had to purchase them on arrival. The Opinel knives are perfect. The ones we have bought fold up into their handles for easy transport, and are always ready to cut up the perfect cheese, baguette, or fruit (ou même le poulet rôti !). Since we have had to buy new ones each trip, they have been great souvenirs for loved ones back home.
Bonjour Sandra. I can only agree. The beautiful folding Opinel knife you see in the picnic photo has been traveling with me for over 25 years, not to mention the picnics, or work lunches here in the US. This is a great, traditional, made-to-last French product. I have never had to sharpen the blade, believe it or not! As you point out, what a great gift too. A bientôt.
Great story and the accompanying photo’s only made my mouth water and my stomach rumble as I imagined eating such delicious food. When I lived on Whidbey Island I always loved the Summer Market there. Asian markets are different then the one’s in Europe I imagine.
Merci de votre visite, George. I have never been to the Whidbey Island summer market. Dommage. I need to look it up, even if it may be a little late in the season to do so.
I want to try and figure out a way to grow strawberries here in Seattle as close to those delicious mara Des bois! In Paris I about died, they were incredible!
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