Many thanks, Mike and Jean, another great chill. Still the perfect combination of tranquil surroundings and great hosts.
Markets
Antique and Flea Markets
These are known as Les Puces (flea markets) and are a glimpse of days gone by in France, with some bargains to be had for collectors. The following fairs are regular events, special events are added to the Calendar.
- 1st Sunday each month
- Antique market in the streets of Montreuil-Bellay.
- 2nd Sunday each month
- Les Puces de Monstoreau - around 65 stands with furniture, books, lace, bric-a-brac along the banks of the River Loire.
- 3rd Sunday each month
- Chinon holds an Antique market in the Promenade des Docteurs Mattrais (opposite the place Jeanne d'Arc).
Markets – Fresh produce
You could visit a market almost everyday if you wished! Markets are generally in the morning and finish by 1.00 pm.
- Sunday
- Langeais — a large bustling market near the château.
- Bagneaux, Saumur — a small market on a Sunday morning.
- Monday
- Château La Vallière
- Baugé — an afternoon market.
- Tuesday
- Bourgueil — an event not to be missed. Good food and plenty of character.
- Wednesday
- Giseux — combines well with a visit to the château.
- Vernantes — a small market with a good selection of stalls.
- Beaufort — situated in the historic square with cafe/bars.
- Fontrevaud l’Abbayé
- Thursday
- Chinon — good restaurants and an historic setting.
- Le Vieil-Baugé — visit the site where there was a major defeat for the English in the Hundred Years’ War.
- Le Lude — stalls amongst winding historic streets and a pretty château.
- Longué Jumelles — a bustling little town worth a wander around.
- Parçay Les Pins — small market in the afternoon.
- Friday
- Noyant — small, but full of local colour and characters.
- Beaufort en Vallée — organic market in the afternoon.
- Saturday
- Saumur — some fine produce and interesting stalls, all situated in the old quarters.
- Cande St. Martin — Marché Paysan every Saturday morning.