A special time is in store when you visit a local street market during your travels. With the weather warming up, it’s a great time to head outdoors and mix with the residents of a city. Here are reasons to seek out a street market, along with photos of some of those I’ve especially enjoyed.
Bayeux, Normandy, France
The small town of Bayeux near the coast of France dates back to medieval times. Cobblestone streets and buildings that have stood for centuries make a picturesque setting for a market. We happened to be here on a summer weekend when the town came out in droves to enjoy the sunny morning.
The first reason to visit a street market is that it provides a place to blend with residents. With people out shopping for their groceries and goods, you can wander and feel part of the culture. And buy a scarf . . . or several.
A second reason to visit a street market is for the food. Street markets revolve around food, of course. Normandy is farm country, so growing edibles is a way of life here. Plenty of produce shows up in the market. 
Another staple of the street markets I’ve been to is cheese. Normandy excels at cheese. The hard part is choosing from among so many varieties. 
One of my favorite reasons to go to a street market is because people bring their dogs shopping with them. And then there’s the occasional friendly cat, too. 
Last and not least, if you need further reason to visit a street market, you will find tempting pastries to suit your taste. 
Amsterdam 
We happened on to this street market when we were wandering here. It offered the fresh food you expect, and an adorable pup played hide and seek under a tablecloth. 
In some ways, this market gave a distinct feeling of Amsterdam. 
This market was set up in the courtyard of an old church, so you felt a part of history. 
The Marias, Paris
We found this street market when we got lost in the Marais district of Paris on a quiet Sunday morning. 
Thinking the deserted lanes we walked on were probably not leading us to the heart of the district, we turned around, went a few blocks, saw lots of trucks, and knew something was happening. So we entered the market from the back, but that’s not a problem. We did seem to be the only (lost) tourists here, which is how I love to explore a place. 
Versailles, France
People often go to Versailles to see the palace, but the town is worth spending time in, too. 
And Versailles is renowned for its street market. We just happened to be there on the day of the market. The shops around the market square are open for business, too, so you can put together quite a picnic. Choose ingredients one by one or order a sandwich from the bakery. Add fresh blackberries and a bag of Normandy caramels. Plenty of wine choices are available in the market on the corner. 
In Bayeux we found a bakery across the street from the market. We picked up a loaf of just-baked bread, carried our cheese (Camembert is my favorite), added a bottle of wine and dessert. We enjoyed one of the best lunches that day. Street markets can be delightful! 
How about you? Have you found a favorite local market in your travels? Or where you live? 
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39 Comments
Very busy markets! It’s the critters that really catch my eye.
I love street markets, especially when traveling!
Already thought those blue-white houses looked familiar (smile). What, you buy a scarf or 20 or is that a typo? My favorite kind of market is the antique market – all my second hand copper items I bought there, so much cheaper:) and fabric to sew as well.
Every boy and girl of my generation know who “Pietje Bell” is – always in trouble:):) The right book made me smile – on the cover it says “throwing dolls” (don’t know this author).
Very entertaining post for All Seasons, Sharon – have a lovely week!
Adorable dogs
Colorful captures with little stories in each picture.
I love visiting street markets in other towns, whether the town next over or in another country. It gives me a sense of being part of the community I’m visiting. As always, Sharon, your photos are inspiring and have me wanting to wander. 🙂
What an amazing market! I’m drooling here!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/03/hellebore-or-lenten-rose.html
Street markets; the simplicity of life in its diversity and fullness, without artifice.
Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful street market! All of those foods look so delicious!
European street markets are the best! I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent at them (mostly in Malta). It’s such a great snapshot of local life!
Gorgeous! I hope to go there in the summer of 2020. We will be spending the summer in Germany and we plan on driving to Normandy.
Local markers are always full of goodies and surprises! Your photos are so colorful, too. And, thanks for linking up over at My Corner of the World!
Love all the colors of the food and items for sale. Thank you for sharing.
I love a good street market! I really like how some of the produce is displayed in the ones you have visited. And those eclairs – yum!
#WanderfulWednesday
There is something special about street markets in France. As you said, you can grab some cheese, wine, a fresh loaf of bread, and dessert, and you have an easy meal. #WanderfulWednesday
Your photos are brilliant, Sharon! I love a street market anywhere in the world and I always try to make it part of a visit to any city. We are fortunate to have one for 6 months of the year just outside our apartment building. I get very excited when the season starts. LOL.
Great post Sharon, we love street markets too and as you say a great way to experience local culture that’s really why we seek them out. We loved the street market in the Vesterbro neighbourhood of Copenhagen, I wanted to buy some gorgeous lights but they were too big to bring home! I think our favourite market was the food market in Hanoi, it was so exotic and full of fruits and spices we’ve never seen in the UK
My weakness is at a market is a straw basket, those and fresh ripe fruit! #FarawayFiles
I love street markets! They remind me of my grandma and great-grandma; they only shopped in street markets for fruits and veggies, and I used to love going along; we knew all the vendors by name; knew who had the best of each of type produce. You are right, browsing (or shopping at) a street market it is the best way to feel a local. Love your photos! 🙂
We rarely come across street markets but whenever we do we usually peruse them! My favorite market will always be one in Barcelona because it was the most coloful and beautifully displayed market I’d ever been to! #FeetDoTravel
Ooh I love this post! And it’s got me really excited with spring, and some upcoming travels next week to London! I already have plans to visit about a dozen street markets there!
I’ve been traveling for a long time and I’m not sure street markets were a “thing” or I originally sought them out but I do know that I enjoy them now. I’ve even visited tiny street markets in small towns in the Carolinas when I’m traveling locally. I have to say that the street market in Bayeaux looks fantastic. Oh, who am I kidding? They all look fantastic!
I love street markets, especially those in France. There are some fabulous street markets in Provence. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
Gorgeous pics! We also love to visit the local markets when traveling. It’s always fun to see what items are familiar, and which are not. a great place to sample some local treats as well! #farawayfiles
Hello, this street market looks wonderful. I love seeing the fresh veggies, desserts and fruits. The flowers are beautiful. Enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!
Wonderful shots! You have been to a lot of street markets.
I love street markets, they are always so much fun! Beautiful pictures 🙂
#MondayEscapes
So many yummies and a friendly feline too. Great coverage.
Worth a Thousand Words
I do love the street markets in Europe. The French markets are always so colourful with their fruit and veg (and macaroons in every colour imaginable). I find the markets in Morocco fascinating with all the local crafts.
I love street markets, it´s the best way to see the life of locals and try some authentic foods! I try to visit as often as I can, here in Spain! For some reason, I particularly remember my visits to markets in Istanbul: everything was vibrant with colors!
Oh I LOVE a good street market and you’ve described them wonderfully. There’s no much to taste, smell and see! It’s also a great way to see local life in action! #feetdotravel
Yes yes yes! Markets are one of my favourite parts of travelling! Sometimes even the reason for travelling hehe! You can learn a lot especially if you visit 100% local markets and not the touristy ones! Amazing photos by the way 🙂
We do love to visit street markets when we travel. So this was a great list to collect. We love to be able to pick up fresh food for a picnic. A great way to save some money on food when we travel. Love to see what is in season when we visit. We do love the fresh flower displays but often don’t buy when we are not at home. I certainly was hungry after going through your post.
colourful pictures and cute cats!!! my favourite thing while traveling is visiting the local markets. Cant co-relate more with this post. Lovely one!
I loved reading your thoughts. I never miss a chance of visiting street markets wherever I go.
I love going to local markets especially in other cities or countries. I love getting fresh ingredients or trying something homemade by a local.
I absolutely love to visit street markets!!! I love the hustle and bustle and the vibrant colours, beautiful flowers and amazing smells! Thanks for linking up to Monday Escapes 🙂
Street Markets are so fantastic. You have found some great street markets with lovely fresh fruit, veggies, and flowers. My favorite thing to do when I’m in France is to find some good cheese, fruit, and bread for a picnic. I would love to be in Europe for winter and visit some street markets then. Thanks for sharing.
“In some ways, this market gave a distinct feeling of Amsterdam.”
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