Markets in Dordogne, France

The Heartbeat of Local Life: Weekly and Daily Markets

In the Dordogne Valley, each day of the week heralds a market opening in a different town, turning each visit into a unique experience. Sainte Alvère sets the tone on Monday mornings, offering everything from fresh farm produce to local delicacies. As the week unfolds, the vibrant Place du Coderc in Périgueux and Place de la Liberté in Sarlat become bustling centres of commerce and social gatherings. Here, the traditional French market atmosphere is alive and well, with sellers offering fresh produce, goat cheese, and the famed Rocamadour cheese among the cobblestone streets and historic facades.

Saturday mornings are particularly special in the Dordogne. The air in towns like Sarlat becomes electrified as locals and tourists flock to the markets to stock up on the freshest ingredients. From the aroma of freshly baked bread to the colourful displays of fruits and vegetables, these markets are a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The Unique Charm of Night and Evening Markets

As the sun sets in the summer months, the Dordogne transforms. Night markets take centre stage, offering a different vibe from their daytime counterparts. Places like Le Bugue-sur-Vézère and Verteillac come alive with stalls illuminated by strings of lights, live music filling the air, and the community coming together to enjoy the warm summer evenings. It’s not just about shopping; it’s an experience, with the opportunity to taste local specialities cooked right in front of you, from confit de canard to cabécou de Rocamadour, all while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Special Markets: A Celebration of Local Treasures

The Dordogne is famous for its truffle markets and marché au gras (fat markets), where delicacies like foie gras take centre stage. These markets are more than just places to buy; they are places to learn, taste, and meet the producers who are the heart and soul of the region. The truffle market in Sarlat, held in winter, is a highlight, offering the chance to experience the diamond of the cuisine, while Place de la Grande Rigaudie hosts a festive market atmosphere, celebrating the local culinary arts.

The Soul of the Community: Farmer’s and Covered Markets

Beyond the speciality and evening markets, the Dordogne is dotted with farmer’s markets and covered markets that serve as the daily meeting spots for locals. These markets, like the indoor market at Le Bugue and the farmer’s market in Rouffignac, are the backbone of local life, where the rhythm of the seasons dictates the offerings. Here, you can find the best of what the local land offers, from fresh regional produce to handmade goods.

A Journey Through Taste and Tradition

Visiting the markets of the Dordogne region is like taking a step back in time, where the hustle and bustle of modern life gives way to the simple pleasures of tasting, smelling, and exploring. From the largest markets in the city’s heart to the little shops and occasional markets in quaint villages, each offers a unique window into the heart of French country living.

Markets in Périgord Noir

Belvès

Saturday mornings – general market. July and August evenings around the hall – local farm produce.

Le Bugue

 Tuesday and Saturday mornings – fresh regional produce.

Le Buisson

Friday mornings throughout the year and Friday evenings from mid-June to mid-September.

Cadouin

Wednesday mornings.

Domme

Place de la Halle on Thursday mornings.

Les Eyzies de Tayac

Monday mornings – general market.

La Roque-Gageac

 Local farm produce on Friday mornings on the main square – June to September.

Sarlat

Wednesday mornings at Place de la Liberté and the streets around. There is also an all-day market on Saturday in Place de la Grande Rigaudie and Place Boissarie. Both are for fresh regional produce.

Saint-Cyprien

Sunday mornings in summer.

Markets in Périgord Vert

Riberac

Friday mornings are a huge general market, and Tuesday mornings are a small fruit and vegetable market. Throughout the year, there are various arts and crafts markets and usually a couple of nightly food markets in the summer. Check with the Mairie to see when these are.

Verteillac

Saturday mornings in the main square for local produce.  There is a night market on Thursday evenings during July and August. There is a monthly brocante, a flea market throughout the village on the first Sunday of every month. In 2024, on the third Sunday of June, July, August and September, there is an art and craft market.

Brantôme

Friday mornings, a general market all year round; in July and August, it includes a farmer’s market selling local specialities; December to February sees the ruffle market added, and 1 November to 15 December is also a nut market.

Excideuil

Thursday mornings – large general market.

Mareuil-sur-Belle

Tuesday mornings – fresh food.

La Tour Blanche

Wednesday mornings – fresh food

Saint-Aulaye

There is a fish market on Thursday mornings and a market for fresh farm produce on Saturday mornings. In August, there are usually wine, cheese, and regional produce fairs, but check for the date.

Tocane St Apre

Monday mornings – general goods and food.

Markets in Périgord Pourpre

Bergerac

Saturday and Wednesday mornings at Place du Marché Couvert for fruits and vegetables.

Eymet

Thursday mornings at Place Gambetta – general market. Evening market during July and August. Check locally for dates. Occasional morning artist market.

Issigeac

Sunday mornings – general market.

Monpazier

Saturday mornings – fresh produce.

Markets in Périgord Blanc

Sainte Alvère

Monday mornings: general market. From 15 June to 15 September, the market also sells local produce, and from December to February, truffles are available.

Perigueux

From November 11th to March 31st, every Wednesday in Place Saint-Louis, located in the heart of the old town, you can find over fifty farmers selling foie gras. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a year-round traditional market is in Place de la Halle at the end of Rue Limogeanne. 

Saint Astier

Thursday mornings – General market is held year-round.

Terrasson

 Thursday mornings – marché au gras (duck and goose produce) and truffles.

Mussidan

Saturday mornings – fresh farm produce.

Rouffignac St-Cernin de Reilhac

Sunday mornings – local products and clothes. There are evening markets in July and August, but check the dates locally.