Charente Markets

Explore the delights of Charente during your tourist getaways! Charente has around sixty daily and weekly summer markets. The perfect opportunity to come and stroll with a wicker basket under your arm , discover authentic flavors and meet passionate local producers. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, regional meats, honey, pineau des Charentes, cagouilles, Cognac and Charentais melon, oysters from Charente Maritime nearby...treat yourself with the good taste of local products.

In addition to satisfying your taste buds, enjoy the friendly and lively atmosphere of the markets, located in the picturesque squares or in the historic market halls of the different communes of Charente. An experience not to be missed for those who want to discover the true essence of this gourmet and welcoming region .

Angoulême market :

Nestled in the heart of the historic city, the Angoulême market halls are listed as Historic Monuments and received the prestigious title of " most beautiful market in Charente " during the television competition "Les Plus Beaux Marchés de France 2023", organized by TF1. Featuring Baltard architecture in iron and glass, this market is the nerve heart of the city every weekend . Locals meet here to do their shopping and share a friendly moment around a coffee or a plate of oysters. Producers and artisans offer a wide variety of local products, ranging from fishmongers to butchers, including cheeses and pastries.

5, place des Halles, in Angoulême. Tuesday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cognac market:

The Halles de Cognac, a covered market in the heart of the city , are a true architectural symbol, inspired by the style of the architect Baltard. There you will find a wide range of products, from flowers to fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats and fish, as well as bakery, pastry, catering and catering stalls on site. You even have the possibility of having your purchases prepared to enjoy them in the dedicated space! On weekends, it's the ideal place to go for an aperitif at the bistro des Halles in the company of the charming owners. Friendly atmosphere guaranteed !

Open all year round, this market welcomes you 6 days a week, Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (until 3 p.m. for catering).

Jarnac market :

The Jarnac market offers an experience on a human scale , where tempting scents and warm encounters mingle. At the heart of this friendly atmosphere, the Café d'Antan welcomes visitors for unique moments of sharing . With an abundance of quality products and healthy competition between the stalls, this market highlights the gastronomic richness of the region, thanks to the presence of many local producers.

Les Halles de Jarnac is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (except Wednesday). The truffle market between December and February every Sunday morning.

Villebois-Lavalette market :

The Villebois-Lavalette market halls have stood proudly since the 17th century. Vestiges of a rich past, these wooden halls today host the weekly market and various summer festivities, while retaining the charm of their origins. An unmissable event where history mixes with daily life.

Place des halles, in Villebois-Lavalette. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne market:

Classified among the " Most Beautiful Villages of France ", Aubeterre-sur-Dronne hosts a weekly market on its Place Trarieux, where you can discover local products in an enchanting setting. It is held on the central square of the village lined of shops and restaurants, ideal for prolonging the moment.

Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. all year round

Chalais market:

The Chalais market stands out as the most important in the south of Charente. Every Monday, it extends along the Tude and into the streets of the city center, welcoming nearly a hundred street vendors offering a wide range of products, from foodstuffs to miscellaneous items. On the first Monday of the month, it transforms into a lively fair. In addition to local productions such as fresh fruits and vegetables as well as livestock products, there are also some regional specialties such as pineau, cagouilles (snails) and cricket charentais (pâté). Its jewel is the Chalais veal , a rustic local breed renowned for its white, tender flesh with a distinctive taste. This delicate dish is very popular with the great chefs of Charente, who frequently offer it on their menu.

24, rue de Barbezieux, in Chalais. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fair on the first Monday of the month.

Rouillac market:

In the middle of the white stone Charente houses, the twice-weekly Rouillac market comes alive around its halls and its central square, offering a variety of fresh products: fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, flowers, cognac and pineau. On the 27th of each month, the market extends through the streets of the old town to the area around the church, transforming into the famous " Rouillac fair ". An event renowned for its livestock market and its complete offer of agricultural products , ranging from poultry and rabbits to plants, seeds, seeds and work clothing. In addition to local products, the fair also offers a variety of crafts , including jewelry, leather goods, and many other items.

Place Thiers, in Rouillac. Market on Wednesday and Saturday morning, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Fair on the 27th, the 27th of each month.

Article and photos by Lesley Williamson