The Colourful Gavray Market in Normandy

The Gavray market happens every Saturday morning from around 8.30am – 1pm. It’s not a huge market but is very much a focal point for residents. It’s a great event for visitors to really experience rural village life.

The majority of stalls are in the square near to the church. They are predominantly fruit and vegetable stalls offering a wide range of produce. Stall owners try and keep the food miles down by growing produce themselves or supporting local producers when possible. There’s also very little plastic used so it’s very environmentally friendly. You take along your own shopping bag or basket to transport your purchases.

I took all these photos one July. At this time of year the Gavray market is bursting with colour. Cherries, apricots, melons, nectarines and peaches are all in season. Tomatoes, avocados, celery and lettuce are great salad ingredients. And the tomatoes really are flavoursome and delicious. They actually taste of tomatoes!

There are also a couple of fish and seafood stalls and a cheese van. Sometimes you can buy plants, honey and cider from time to time. If you’re feeling peckish head over to one of the food trucks. Their most popular item is grilled sausages which are served in a baguette or with french fries. It’s can be difficult to resist as the cooking smells waft across the market.

The shops, bars and restaurants are also open so it’s very sociable event. A couple of the bars are opposite the market stalls so you can people watch while you enjoy a drink.

There’s a smaller Gavray market held on Wednesday mornings near La Place du Champ de Foire. You can buy fruit and vegetables here.