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Visiting a market in Southwest France is a feast for the senses. The vibrant red strawberries of spring, the irresistible aroma of local cheeses, and the briny freshness of seaside oysters capture the region’s culinary magic. Bordeaux celebrated for its gastronomy, is home to some of the finest markets in France—a must-visit for food lovers.

While Bordeaux’s main market is a star attraction, the city offers so much more. Thanks to the French passion for fresh, seasonal produce, open-air markets thrive in every corner. The Southwest’s agricultural abundance shines in Bordeaux, showcasing treasures like Lot-et-Garonne strawberries, Marmande tomatoes, Basque sheep cheese, and Dordogne duck.

The best markets in Bordeaux
markets in Bordeaux by Lost in Bordeaux

In this article, I’ll guide you through the best food markets in Bordeaux, both in the city center and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to dive deeper into the culinary treasures of the region, don’t miss my article on Bordeaux specialties—it’s the perfect companion to your market adventures. Let’s get started!

The Best Food Markets in Bordeaux City

Marché des Capucins – the central market of Bordeaux

The Capucins market is Bordeaux’s largest daily market, offering everything from fresh produce and spices to local sweets and oyster stands. It’s a foodie paradise where you can immerse yourself in the flavors of Southwest France—plan to spend a few hours exploring!

After browsing the stalls, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the market’s many restaurants. Need tips? Check out my article on the best places to eat at Marché des Capucins. This covered market is also a great spot to escape Bordeaux’s rainy days.

Weekends are especially lively, with locals gathering for oysters and wine. Arrive early on Sundays (before 11 am) if you want a table. For a deeper experience, join a food tour, like the No Diet Club’s group tour, or a private culinary tour with chef Anne.

Opening hours: Open daily except Mondays/ Address:  Place des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux

Marche des Quais – the market with the most beautiful view

Every Sunday morning, the Quai des Chartrons comes alive with food stalls offering the best oysters, fresh produce, cheese, fish, wine, and food trucks. This market is one of the most popular in Bordeaux, thanks to its quality products and stunning riverfront setting.

Beyond shopping, it’s the perfect spot for an early lunch, especially if you’re craving oysters with a cold glass of local white wine. It’s a true taste of the region’s relaxed lifestyle. If you want a seat, be sure to arrive by 11:30 am.

On Thursdays, a smaller, quieter market takes place with a focus on organic products. While it lacks the Sunday bustle, it’s a great option for cooking at home. For more about the Chartrons area, check out my guide to the best places to visit nearby!

Opening hours: Every Sunday and Thursday morning (a smaller version) / Address:  Quai des Chartrons, Bordeaux

Les Halles de Bacalan – the posh market of Bordeaux

Located in the heart of the Bassins à Flots district, Les Halles de Bacalan quickly became a must-visit destination for Bordeaux’s food scene. Opened in 2017, this vibrant 1,000m2 space brings together 22 regional producers, artisans, and chefs, offering a taste of the Southwest, all just across from the Cité du Vin.

On weekends, the market hosts events like pintxos evenings, cooking workshops, live music, and kids’ activities, making it a great spot for tapas and drinks with friends. If you have time, explore the up-and-coming Bacalan district and learn more in my guide.

Les Halles de Bacalan - one of the best markets in Bordeaux
The Bacalan market – Lost in Bordeaux

Opening hours:  from Tuesday to Sunday (the market closes between 14:30 to 16:30 on weekdays) / Address: 149 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux

Marché Royal in Saint Michel

Marché Royal is one of the largest open-air markets in Bordeaux, held every Saturday morning at Place Meynard and Quai des Salinières in the lively Saint Michel district. Surrounded by the iconic church and bell tower, the market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to kitchenware, clothes, and even pillows. It’s also the most affordable market in Bordeaux, although it’s not the best spot for organic produce. 

On sunny Saturdays, locals come for their weekly shopping, while others enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and nearby chic cafés. On Sundays and Fridays (a smaller one), the square hosts antique and flea markets, making it an ideal place to explore throughout the week.

Bordeaux's flea market on Sunday morning
Flea market on Sunday morning – by Lost in Bordeaux

Wondering what else to see in the area? Check out my article about the best things to do in the Saint Michel district.

Opening hours:  Saturday (food market), and Sunday (antique market).

Marché de Producteurs Saint-Seurin

The Saint-Seurin farmers market takes place every Friday morning at Place des Martyrs de la Résistance, just a 10-minute walk from central Bordeaux. With around 20 stalls, it’s a small but charming market offering high-quality products from local farmers. The cozy atmosphere makes it a lovely spot to explore, especially since it’s located next to the stunning Basilique Saint-Seurin, one of Bordeaux’s most impressive churches.

Opening hours:  Every Friday Morning (7:00-13:00) / Address: Place des Martyrs de la Résistance

Markets around Bordeaux Metropole

Les Halles de Talence – one of my favorite places in Bordeaux

Opened in December 2018, Les Halles de Talence is the smaller sibling of the Bacalan market. Located in Talence, a university town just outside Bordeaux, this market has a laid-back, local atmosphere, with regulars coming for their weekly shopping. You’ll find a variety of stalls selling meat, seafood, bakery goods, and more.

What sets Talence apart is its tapas bar and eateries, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal or an aperitif. At the heart of the market is the Biltoki Bar, a popular gathering place for locals, especially on weekends, with its large terrace offering a lively ambiance. In recent years, the market has added fun events like live music and kids’ workshops. 

Wednesday open-air market: In addition to the covered market, every Wednesday an open-air market is set up outside, offering great products at more affordable prices. Food trucks are also available for lunch until around 2 p.m.

wednesday openair market in Talence
Wednesday open-air market in Talence – Lost in Bordeaux

When: Daily except for Mondays, the market closes for a break between 14:30 to 16:30 on weekdays  / Where: Place Alcala de Henares, 33400 Talence

Thouars Talence – Every Sunday 

Let’s stay in Talence a bit longer because there’s another fantastic market worth mentioning. Every Sunday morning, the Thouars Forest in Talence hosts the largest weekly market in the area, right in front of the swimming pool.

This market offers a great selection of French products, with an impressive variety of fruits, vegetables, and excellent deals at the fish stall (especially if you visit around noon). But it’s not just a food market—you’ll also find plants, clothing, and kitchen accessories, making it a great spot for a bit of everything.

Marche de thouars in Talence bordeaux

The market is nestled by a lake in a peaceful forest, so it’s perfect for a relaxing picnic after shopping. While it’s a bit tricky to reach by public transport, if you have a car, it’s definitely worth the visit!

When: Sunday morning  / Where: the parking of 235 Avenue de Thouars, 33400 Talence

Le Marché du Centre-ville de Mérignac

Another market I love visiting on the weekend is the Mérignac city center market. Just a short tram ride from Bordeaux’s city center, this market is one of the best in the area.

Held every Wednesday and Saturday morning on Place Charles de Gaulle, next to the Mediatheque Mérignac (the city library), it offers a fantastic variety of regional wines, cheeses, nuts, honey, pastries, and all the essentials like vegetables, meat, and fish. There are also a few tables where you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee from the market’s coffee roaster stall, making it a great place to relax and take in the atmosphere.

When: Wednesday and Saturday  / Where: Place Charles de Gaulle, Merignac

Pessac center

A very nice market takes place in the center of Pessac every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Pessac is one of the more charming suburbs of Bordeaux and a market day is a good excuse to visit its lovely city center. The market isn’t big but the products are excellent, I especially love the cheese stall. And as a bonus, you can finish your market tour with a drink in one of the coffee places on the square. 

Cycling in Pessac
The central square of Pessac – Lost in Bordeaux

You can reach it easily by public transport, just take tram B from the center of Bordeaux to Pessac Centre.

A much bigger market is taking place not far from the center every Sunday morning. Le marché Bourrec, on Avenue Pierre Wiehn is hosting more than 150 merchants and farmers coming from all the departments surrounding Bordeaux (Lot et Garonne, Dordogne, Landes…) with the best products of our region. This market also has stalls of clothing, art, and more. 

When: Tuesday and Saturday and Sunday  / Where: Place de la Ve République and Avenue Pierre Wiehn. Pessac.

Marché de Rochefort –  Gradignan

For those living in the southern suburbs of Bordeaux, Marché de Rochefort is a fantastic option. Every Saturday morning, more than 70 vendors gather here selling everything from meat and cheese to fish, flowers, and more.

This market offers a warm, local atmosphere. Neighbors greet each other, and customers share cooking tips and family meal stories with the merchants, who are regulars each week. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, non-touristy experience, this is the perfect spot.

Located next to the main road of Gradignan, Cours du Général de Gaulle, it’s easily accessible by public transport from Bordeaux and Talence (bus line 10 stops nearby).

Marche de Gradignan

When: Saturday morning (8:00-13:00) / Where: rue de Rochefort ( between the cemetery and le collège des Fontaines de Monjous), Gradignan. 

Marché de Bassens

The Bassens market is less known by most tourists but it’s actually one of the biggest markets in our region and one of the most popular among people on the rive droite of the Garonne. The market takes place every Sunday at Place de la Commune de Paris in Bassen, a town located just after Lormont. 

Almost 150 stalls are waiting for you with some of the best products in the southwest of France. There are oysters from Arcachon and from Ile de Re, charcuterie from the Basque country, tarts from the Landes, and other produce from almost every corner of Nouvelle Aquitaine. Among them, there are quite a few food stalls like Morocain couscous, Portuguese grilled chicken, and a coffee place. You can spend a really fun morning here, strolling the many alleys of the market and tasting local food. 

When: Sunday morning (9:00-13:00) / Where: place de la Commune de Paris, Bassens

If this list of the best markets in Bordeaux got you in a foodie mood you can also read my article about the most foodies streets in Bordeaux and the one about the sweet specialties of Bordeaux.

Is it your first time in Bordeaux? If it is you should definitely check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in Bordeaux. To help you choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you find your preferred AirBnB location.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

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*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂 

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With more and more people moving to the area, it’s undeniable that Bordeaux is becoming a very popular city. Apart from rising housing prices, the buzz around Bordeaux has a positive side, the opening of many cool and exciting places all over the city!

This post is an update on the biggest and most exciting places opened (or about to be) in 2018 that will make this city even more attractive. So here we go!

La Boca Foodcourt

boca foodcourt

The first French food court will open in November 2018 in Quartier Euratlantique, just a few minutes walk from Gare Saint Jean. The food court will be part of the la Halle Boca, a shopping and catering center of 6767 m2.  This project is aiming to gather 15 local restaurants with different specializations, from sea food to Pizza and Asian food. But food is not the only fun part about this place, it will also include a wine and cocktail bars as well as a self service beer stand. La Boca foodcourt will be open daily between 10:00 to midnight during week days and until 2:00 on weekends. For more details click here.

Address: Quai de Paludate 33000 Bordeaux

Atelier de la Création

l'atelier de la creation bordeaux

Good news to all the creative people in Bordeaux! Atelier de la Création, a big store of craft and design products opened its doors last Friday just a few steps from Hôtel de Ville. After the success they had with their shop in Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt and Lyon, the two Parisian founders have decided to conquer the South of France with a 70 m2 store of pure fun. The brand will offer a wide range of designer fabrics, wool, ribbons, sewing patterns, natural and organic knitting yarns and much more. The store is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10:00 to 19:00)

Address: 41 Rue cheverus 33000 Bordeaux

The first skydive simulator in Nouvelle Aquitaine 

Do you want to discover how parachuting feels without actually jumping from an airplane? Now you can do just that near Bordeaux. In May 2018, Venturizone opened a skydive simulator in Gujan-Mestrass. If you’re into adrenaline, you’re welcome to enter the 11 meters long  glass tube with wind blowing on you at 280km/h, to simulate the feeling of jumping from an airplane.  The participants will be given two free falls of one or two minutes each, depending on the plan you take. The prices range between 39€ – 55€ euros for kids (5 to 12 yo) and 55€ -85€ for adults (up to 85 yo). There are special prices for groups and nice promotions from time to time, so check out their site for updated prices. The opening hours are Wednesday to Friday (13:00 to 19:00) and Saturday- Sunday (9:00-12:00 and 13:00- 19:00).

Address: 4 Avenue de l’Actipôle, Gujan-Mestras

The biggest Virtual Reality room in France 

The concept of a virtual room, a (kind of) futuristic version of an escape room, has become very popular in France in the last few years. Largely thanks to a very successful French start-ups, Virtual Room – Tech&Co, that opened tens of Virtual spaces in more than seven countries. Now they are about to conquer Bordeaux, with a 240m2 virtual room that is about to open up in the Bacalan neighborhood in October 2018.  The place will be open for online reservations soon, meanwhile for more info follow the facebook page of Virtual Room Bordeaux.

Address: 7 Sente de la Nancy , 33000 Bordeaux

Halles des Talence – a new covered market

talence covered market

After the success of les Halles de Bacalan, Biltoki is about to open another covered market in Bordeaux metropolitan and this time in the center of Talence. The market will include stands of fruits, vegetables, fish, cheese, meet, a boulanger and of course a coffee place, which is very much needed in the center of Talence. The place is planned to open at the end of 2018. Fore more info about the opening of the market follow their facebook page.

AddressPlace Alcala de Henares 33400 Talence

The biggest Climbing center in France

climb up bordeaux

Climb Up, a climbing center of more than 2000m2, was opened in June 2018 in the Décathlon village in Mérignac. The center includes a huge climbing surface with walls rising to 15 meters, more than 200 different tracks and 60 lines of rope. There’s also a dedicated blocs zone for kids (over 3 years old) allowing them to climb in a secured space. Climb Up is open daily from 9:00 to 23:00. See more info and prices on their site.

Address: 17 Avenue de Pythagore 33700 Mérignac

Hope you enjoyed this list of new exciting places in Bordeaux! Do you want more updates like that? Subscribe to my newsletter and be updated about all the cool things that are happening in this beautiful city!

This month is all about Christmas, there’s no way to escape it! Markets, photo shoots with Santa Claus and plenty of creative people trying to sell us original Christmas gifts. I admit that in this list of 10 things you don’t want to miss in December in Bordeaux area, Christmas is included several times. But I did try hard to offer other fun activities and places to visit this month, so that you won’t feel like you’re in a Christmas horror movie 🙂 Now go and check my list of 10 things to do in Bordeaux in December 2018. Hope you’ll find it useful!

Celebrate Christmas 

The Christmas season is officially on in Bordeaux and you have plenty of great markets to attend this month! The official Marché de Noël de Bordeaux with all the traditional stands and a lot of vin chaud (hot wine) opened its gates a few days ago. If its your first Christmas in France, the traditional Christmas market is a must! However if you feel that you’ve seen it too many times try one of the smaller markets where all the local artists and craftsmen present their stuff. I have made a whole list of Christmas markets in Bordeaux so check it out.

Marché de Noël de Bordeaux

Visit the new covered market in Talence

Finally we have a new place to get drunk on rainy days!! Biltoki, the company that brought us the Halle de Bacalan are opening another market in Bordeaux metropolitan, this time in Talence. In the last few months they have been presenting the merchants that are going to occupy the stands of the market and all of them look very promising. The market will open with a 3 days inauguration party on December 7th. For more info click here.

When: Opening party on December 7
Where: Place Alcala de Henares, Talence 33400

Take your kids to Cirque Pardi!

Cirque Pardi! is a modern circus whose shows combine a lot of dance and humor and are very entertaining for both kids and adults. This year they are coming back to Bordeaux for the second time with their show BorderLand, which gained a great success on their last visit here in 2015.  Cirque Pardi! will perform 15 shows from November 30 to December 22. The temporary circus will be located on Quai de queyries, just next to Darwin. For all the dates and tickets click here.

When: November 30- December 22
Where: 86 quai des Queyries, 33 100 BORDEAUX

Taste the best French wines

This month you have the chance to taste all the best French wines in one place at an event called “Bordeaux Tasting”. During two days (December 15-16) more than a hundred wine houses from Bordeaux area and other regions in France like Bourgogne, Rhône, Alsace and Loire will be there to present their best wines. The tasting will take places in six different sites around Place de la Bourse:
– Palais de la Bourse : les grands bordeaux / les cognacs / les grands invités
– Le Gabriel : Pomerol Séduction
– La Bulle : les bordeaux / bordeaux supérieur
– Le Musée national des Douanes : les grands étrangers
– l’Espace Saint-Rémi : les champagnes
– la Maison Darnozan : l’espace des vins bio

Tickets are 23-27€ depending on the day. For more details click here.

When: December 15-16
Where: Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux

Interactive special effects exhibition

Do you ever wonder how the special effects you see in movies are made? A new exhibition for kids (older than 6 yo) by the name of “Effets speciaux” is taking place these days in Cap Science. It’s an interactive exhibition that allows you to see the behind the scenes of the cinema world and experiment with different especial effects like the green screen. Entry range from 6.5€ to  9€ and free for kids under 5 years old. For more info click here.

When: until August 26
Where: Hangar 20 quai Bacalan, 33000 BORDEAUX

Go ice skating

an open air ice skating rink during Christmas time is quite a tradition in many French cities. Until a couple of years ago Bordeaux also used to have one on place Pey Berland.  However, after the city decided that setting up the rink only for a few weeks is too expensive and not environmentally friendly, this tradition was canceled. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ice skating during Christmas time! La Patinoire de Mériadeck will open its covered ice skating rink in a Christmas spirit with Santa Claus, games, dance and more.

When: until January 1st
Where: 95 cours du Maréchal Juin 33000 Bordeaux

Search for beautiful antiques at the Brocante 

The big brocante of Bordeaux is hosted twice a year at place des Quinconces with 200 antique dealers, horticulturists, restaurants and craftsmen. It’s the biggest brocante event in the area and the selection is huge, from vintage home decor, to paintings, antique furniture, garden accessories and more. While some items can be pricey, you can still find plenty of affordable pieces at this antiques market. The merchants are very nice and are open to negotiations. The brocante  is taking place until December 9. For more info and the list of exhibitors click here.

Brocante in Bordeaux

When: until December 9
Where: Place des Quinconces

Go to a classical music concert

If you need a more classic vibe on Christmas, attend the special Christmas concert by the National Orchestra of Bordeaux at the Auditorium of Bordeaux. Concert de Noël de Radio Classique, conducted by Paul Daniel will take place during three nights prior to Christmas, on December 20, 21 and 23. For the tickets click here.

When: December 20,21,23
Where: Auditorium de Bordeaux, 9 cours Georges Clemenceau, 33000 BORDEAUX

Discover Christmas markets in Gironde

Christmas is a great opportunity to visit other beautiful towns in Gironde in a more festive atmosphere. Most towns have their own Christmas markets and events, but I’ll just give you the noticeable ones:

Arcachon – The official Christmas market and accompanied activities will take place from December 15 to January 6, with an open ice skating rink on place Thiers. For more info click here.

Saint Emilion – A Christmas market will take place on December 8 at the l’UDP de Saint-Emilion (8 Haut Gravet, 33330 Saint-Émilion). For more info click here.

Cadillac – a Christmas market with creative workshops and activities for kids will take place December 15-16 on place de la République. For more info click here.

Celebrate new years eve on a boat

If you’re staying in Bordeaux on December 31 and looking for a place to celebrate new years eve, here’s an idea for you.. The Iboat in the Bassins à flot neighborhood is one of the coolest venues for concerts and parties in Bordeaux, and its new years celebrations have become a tradition. This year the theme of the electronic party is heaven and the dress code should be inspired by nature (you can take that wherever you want 🙂 ). Tickets are 29€ at the entrance, 25€ on pre sale or 18€ if you come before midnight. For more details click here.

When: December 31
Where: quai Armand Lalande, 33300 Bordeaux

These are my suggestions for things to do in Bordeaux in December 2018. Hope it’ll help you discover this city and to never be bored, even if you don’t love Christmas 🙂 If you like this post it would make me very happy if you share it with your friends on social media 🙂

If you want more of these ideas and updates about new places in Bordeaux, join my newsletter where I share extra info about exhibitions in Bordeaux, great coffee places, new markets and anything else you need to know to enjoy Bordeaux. You can subscribe here.

Enjoy December in Bordeaux 🙂

Ira