What better way to discover a city’s gastronomy than at a local market? Here’s our list of the best markets in Montpellier!
When we think of the beautiful city of Montpellier, we imagine sun, beach, the pretty Place de la Comédie and theArc de Triomphe. However, Montpellier is home to a few nuggets in terms of markets, those must-sees that perfume the city with a magnificent aroma of terroir.
Strolling between the stalls of these markets will allow you to discover the products of the South and to immerse yourself a little more in the local gastronomy. But where should you go? To help you choose, we’ve selected the best markets in town.
1. Antigone’s farmers’ market
Photo credit: Facebook – Marché Paysan D’Antigone
Opening days: every Sunday morning
Market type: food market
Open since 1991, this market is held every Sunday morning of the year on the Place du Nombre d’Or in Montpellier’s Antigone district (near the Olympic swimming pool).
The market has always been run by a farmers’ association, which selects producers based on the quality and locality of their produce. As a result, you’ll find tasty produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, organic meats, local honeys… There’s something for every recipe!
We recommend this friendly, family-friendly market to discover the products of the Hérault region.
2. Marché des Arceaux
Photo credit: Shutterstock – umat34
Opening days: every Tuesday and Saturday morning
Market type: food market
This market welcomes you every Tuesday and Saturday morning at the foot of the arches of theSaint-Clément aqueduct, built in the 18th century. Located close to the Promenade du Peyrou, it’s a must for lovers of organic produce.
You’ll find a wide range of delicacies on offer in this charming setting: seasonal vegetables and fruit, local cheeses, fresh fish and shellfish, as well as honey, tea, spices and other sweets.
The market also features flowers and … the Collectors’ Forum, which takes place every Saturday. This is your chance to discover a wide range of collections. Pins, vinyl, cameras, books of all kinds, dolls and even typewriters are waiting to be discovered!
3. Halles Castellane
Photo credit: Facebook – Halles Castellane
Opening days: daily, Sunday mornings only
Market type: food market
Located in the heart of Montpellier, not far from the Préfecture de l’Hérault, these halles are a landmark of the Ecusson. A veritable institution since 1859, it’s where producers, retailers and craftsmen gather to showcase their products and share their love of the trade.
Here, you’ll find everything you need: vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, wine cellars… Mostly local, quality products.
An emblematic Montpellier market, a must-see on your visit.
4. Les Halles Laissac
Photo credit: Shutterstock – BOULENGER Xavier
Opening days: daily, Sunday mornings only
Market type: food market
Just a few minutes from the Saint-Roch train station and the magnificent Place de la Comédie in the heart of town, you’ll find Les Halles Laissac. You’ll be delighted to discover a true life-size picture in the heart of this market.
Mona Young-Eun KIM, a student at the Beaux Arts in Montpellier, won the competition launched by her school to create a work of art inside the building. She therefore decided to decorate the dome of the halles with a fruit: the melon.
You’ll also be able to discover other fruits and … delicacies, with a greengrocer, a fishmonger, butchers, pork butchers, a tripe-maker, a cheese-maker and a florist all on site. They’ll be delighted to show you their wonderful products.
5. Halles Plaza
Photo credit: Facebook – Halles Plaza
Opening days: daily, Sunday mornings only
Market type: food market
After Halles Castellane and Halles Laissac, here comes Halles Plaza! This covered market opened its doors recently, in 2019, to the delight of residents of the Grisettes district (where the market is located).
Inspired by the San Miguel market in Madrid, it’s the perfect place in Montpellier to find fresh, quality produce. For Les Halles Plaza is above all a new, more environmentally-friendly approach, with organic produce from local producers to encourage short distribution circuits.
With its 17 stalls, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for: bread, fruit and vegetables, fish, pizza, cheese, fresh pasta, spices, butcher’s and even lobster!
A special feature of this market is that you can eat in and create your own menu to suit your tastes.
6. Halles Jacques Cœur
Photo credit: Facebook – Halles Jacques Coeur
Opening days: daily, Sunday mornings only
Market type: food market
The Halles Jacques Cœur are located in one of Montpellier’s major districts: the Antigone area. They bear the name of the city’s most famous merchant: Jacques Cœur. Built in 2001, the halles stand out thanks to their large, shaded wings, supported by a steel framework.
This is your chance to discover an unusual place where there’s no shortage of pleasures. Fishmonger, butcher, cheesemonger, florist, grocer, greengrocer, beehive products… There’s even a superb grocery store/bistro called « Plaza de España » for those who want to sample the flavors ofSpain.
7. Lez market
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eric Chan-Fseung
Opening days: daily
Type of market: food market, second-hand goods, furnishings, decoration, street-art
The Marché du Lez is on a roll! Recently established on the banks of the Lez in former industrial and agricultural premises, this market has been inviting visitors to a new art of living since 2016. The only one of its kind in Montpellier, Marché du Lez offers the chance to nourish body, mind and soul, all in one place.
There’s something for everyone in this atypical street art venue, whose aim is to promote the local area and its heritage. Indeed, you’ll find numerous frescoes created by local artists.
A must for market lovers! You’ll find shops, flea markets, farmers’ markets, restaurants and food trucks…
8. Marché des Beaux-Arts
Opening days: Monday to Saturday, every morning
Market type: food market
Le Marché is located in the heart of the Beaux-Arts district, renowned for its friendly atmosphere. In fact, it’s said to resemble a small village just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city.
Its weekly market offers a great insight into Montpellier culture and culinary specialties. You’ll love its seasonal produce. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer tranquility and proximity, as the market is on a human scale.
It’s the ideal market for superb fruit and vegetables. What’s more, Fabien, the market gardener, is also on hand during the week. At weekends, you can also find meat, seafood and grocery products.
9. Marché aux Puces et à la Brocante de la Mosson
Opening days: every Sunday morning
Market type: flea market
This market is located in the Paillade district, close to the Mosson stadium, home of the city’s professional soccer club.
Do you like to bargain-hunt and stroll between stalls to find the rare pearl? Then this is the place for you! Every Sunday morning, second-hand dealers, professional bargain hunters and occasional sellers come together to sell their wares.
If you’re in the mood for a good Sunday morning and want to unearth some unusual objects, it’s time to take a stroll, have a look around and … rummage.