AN INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH MARKETS: YOU’LL SEE MANY OF THEM ON YOUR CANAL VACATION IN FRANCE

In France, the idea of the market is still one that embraces the traditional values that have been associated with it. It was not necessary for the French to reimagine the concept, in contrast to the United Kingdom and the United States, where local outdoor retail festivals have been resurrected and renamed “farmers’ markets.” These events are inextricably related to the culture, and if you take a vacation along the French canals, you will have the opportunity to experience at least one of them, and it is possible that you may have experiences with many more. Initiating the Markets Discussion In France, the notion of outdoor shopping is an essential component of the country’s emphasis on healthy eating. The majority of these markets provide a superb selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to meat and sometimes fish. Your whole experience is as genuine as you could possibly hope for, and since every town has its own market day (and some of the bigger ones have two), you will come across a great number of them as you travel through the schedule for your French canal vacation. Today, the majority of these markets provide a variety of booths, with some specializing on food that is grown on the family farm in the area, while others offer a wide selection of items under their umbrella. The greatest markets in rural France are known as fairs (foires), and they are often larger events that take place once a month, typically on the day when celebrations are held in honor of the town’s patron saint. During that time period, animals would have been sold as well; however, this practice is no longer carried out. These larger events often contain a variety of booths, which may include ironmongers, clothing, crafts, larger organic vegetable stalls, and other types of stalls. These events draw merchants from farther away. Sometimes, in order to keep the children occupied, there will also be a small funfair included. It is also common for the majority of towns and cities in France to have covered marketplaces, which are referred to as marché couvert. During these traditional events, there are booths selling fruits and vegetables (many of which are owned by local growers), as well as butchers, bakers, and delicatessens. There is a good chance that you will witness chefs from local restaurants transporting boxes of the abundant and fresh food that is sold at these booths back to their respective eateries. If your vacation to the French canals brings you via Paris, you should keep an eye out for the tiny pop-up booths that appear on the sidewalks of the big boulevards beneath the trees. These stalls appear every so often. World-Famous Markets in France A few of these historically significant events have garnered a significant amount of national recognition. A few of examples are the flower market in Nice and the flea market that is located at the Porte de Clignancourt in Paris. In addition to the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, the olive markets in Provence, and the fish markets throughout the ancient port of Marseilles, there are many other markets in France. Bordeaux is home to its very own wine markets, and the ones in Perigueux are renowned for their culinary prowess. This is not unexpected when you consider the fact that the market is where you can get French truffles and foie gras. However, in most cases, these outdoor shopping extravaganzas are on a lesser size and are attended by local producers for the benefit of the people in the immediate vicinity. It is not necessary for them to have a reputation since they are integrated into the culture of this magnificent nation in such a significant manner. While you are on vacation along the French canal, you will have several opportunity to go to these vibrant and colorful outdoor retail events. Be careful to take advantage of them, since they have the potential to be a genuine highlight of any journey you do by barge. It is recommended that you begin the process of preparing your vacation along the French canal by contacting a tour operator that has a solid reputation. They are going to have all of the inside information on the locations that are going to be the ideal fit for what you want to accomplish throughout your vacation. However, if markets are a priority, the majority of the cruises that are available can accommodate your needs! Publisher’s Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive at European Waterways, which is widely regarded as the most reputable supplier of luxury French canal vacation itineraries that include all transportation and accommodations. In addition to being a member of a group of knowledgeable barge enthusiasts, Paul is the first person to recommend the advantages of a leisurely barge cruise to anybody who is searching for a vacation experience that is really one of a kind.