What are the market towns in the Loire Valley?

Key market towns in the Loire Valley, famous for local produce, cheese, and wine, include Amboise (Sunday), Chinon (Thursday/Sunday), Loches (Saturday), and Langeais (Sunday). Major cities like Tours (daily) and Orléans (daily) offer large, vibrant markets, while smaller, characterful options include Montsoreau (Sunday), Beaugency (Saturday), and Blois (Saturday).

What towns are in the Loire Valley market?

Some of the many other markets in the Loire Valley

As you stroll through our towns and villages, you'll discover markets all over the place: Briare, Sully-sur-Loire, Meung-sur-Loire, Beaugency, Amboise, Loches, Chinon, Langeais, Lamotte-Beuvron, Montrichard, Romorantin-Lanthenay, Vendôme…

What is the best town to stay in in the Loire Valley?

Staying close to the must-sees of the Loire Valley

If you want to see the region's most famous castles, Amboise or Cheverny will be the best places to stay in the Loire Valley. However, if you prefer a more urban setting, many Loire Valley tours depart from the lovely town of Tours.

What are the major towns in the Loire Valley?

Major Cities & Towns

Cher - Bourges, Vierzon. Indre - Châteauroux, Issoudun. Indre et Loire - Tours, Chinon, Loches. Loire et Cher - Blois, Romorantin-Lanthenay.

Is there a market in Chinon, France?

In Chinon, there's a market every Thursday morning on Place Jeanne d'Arc or every Sunday morning on Place Charles de Gaulle.

Why Visit Loire Valley, France + Top Recommendations

What is Chinon famous for?

Chinon is a great wine landmark, famous for its vineyards both on the left bank of the Loire and on either bank of the River Vienne. You can buy and taste wine in a large number of wine cellars nestled all over the city of Rabelais.

Is there a market in Saumur?

Saumur market. Discover the large Saturday market in Saumur town centre: an unmissable event! The food market on Place de la République offers a wide choice of products from local and artisanal production: seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, poultry, honey, organic bread, cold meats, etc.

Is Amboise or Blois better?

Amboise or Blois: quick response

Amboise boasts an impressive royal château and Leonardo da Vinci's home in the town, as well as numerous charming accommodations. This is a city of tourism. Blois offers a more imposing château, a lively city center and a town inhabited by locals.

Why can't you swim in the Loire River?

Can we swim in the Loire? Swimming in the Loire has been strictly prohibited since 1969, due to its dangerousness and unstable currents: On its banks, the existence of "soft sands", hiding under the feet of walkers, and the collapse of "dead ends", also very fragile sand escarpments, require increased attention.

Is Châteauroux worth visiting?

With its rich but little-known heritage and places to visit during a city break, Châteauroux is a nature-filled and romantic city offering a unique lifestyle.

Should I stay in Beaune or Dijon?

I've stayed in both and each is nice for different reasons. Beaune is smaller and closer to the vineyards, so if you will have a car and want to see the wine villages Beaune may be best. Dijon is larger and better connected to public transport so if you won't have a car that may be better.

Is it better to stay in Tours or Amboise?

Tours or Amboise: quick response

For a more relaxing vacation, we recommend Amboise. But if you're looking for a wide choice of bars for your evenings out and museums, the city of Tours will be a better option. The other advantage of Amboise is that there are already 3 châteaux in the town!

What is the French equivalent of Marks and Spencer?

The closest French equivalent to Marks & Spencer (M&S) is Monoprix, a supermarket chain offering high-quality food, fashion, beauty, and homewares, similar to M&S's blend of groceries and clothing in an attractive, middle-of-the-road style, especially in their larger stores. While Monoprix captures the general vibe, for specific M&S strengths, you might look at specialist organic grocers like Bio c' Bon or Naturalia for quality food, and department stores like Printemps or Galeries Lafayette for broader fashion/home goods, though M&S Food also has a presence in Paris now. 

What is a historic market town?

A market town is a settlement (commonly in Europe) that obtained a market right (by custom or royal charter) in the Middle Ages, which allowed it to host a regular market; this distinguished it from a village or a city.

How can I make the most of a Sunday market trip?

10 Tips for a Better Farmers' Market Trip

1. Gather info first, online and in person. ...
2. Arrive early…or late. ...
3. Plan for the week ahead. ...
4. Leave room for living in the moment. ...
5. Take a lap before you buy. ...
6. BYOB (Bring your own bags). ...
7. Chat up the farmers and vendors. ...
8. Like a good avocado, prices are usually firm.

Why can't you wear swimming shorts in France?

Simply because of hygiene concerns. Of course, rules can – and do – vary from parc to parc. If in any doubt just ask. We're only too happy to help and save you from any poolside blushes!

Why is Amboise famous?

Situated in the Loire Valley, Amboise owes its reputation to its castle. Amboise is a royal town and was one of the most sought-after cities for the Kings of France. Charles VIII lived in the castle in the 15th century.

What is Blois famous for?

Blois is also at the heart of the Loire Valley, renowned for its vineyards, picturesque landscapes and, of course, its châteaux.

What's the best time to visit a market?

First, let's look at the early morning hours, when vendors are unloading their goods and spirits are high. This is definitely the best time to go if your goal is snagging the freshest produce and breads and the widest selection.

Is Bovingdon market still open?

We're open EVERY Saturday, from 9am - 4pm for 1000s of bargains with acres of free car parking.

Where is Santanyi Market held?

The market of Santanyi with its more than 150 stalls is held every Wednesday and Saturday on the main streets of the town (Carrer Portell, de la Mar, de la Pau, Sant Andreu ...) and in the surroundings of the church and on the main square, It is one of the most charming markets in Mallorca.