10 Best Markets in Nantes

Talensac Market (Marché de Talensac) is a legendary market in Nantes that's been active for decades, offering a satisfying mix of products for shoppers. It first opened in 1937, making it one of the oldest in the city. It's continued servicing the local community ever since offering generations of satisfaction.

When you visit this market, you'll notice that the seafood and fish stands tend to stand out among the rest. They're the most popular by far, but they're just the beginning of what you'll find. Other food items, as well as treats and charcuterie, can be found at this market as well. You'll find it all just a short distance north of the city centre.

Basse-Indre Market (Marché de Basse-Indre) is a weekly market where you'll find natural products locally sourced, including produce and decorative items. You'll find about 150 vendors here, and the typical crowd each Sunday morning is around 5,000 people.

When you visit this market, you'll find a focus on organic food with produce, fish, cheese, meat and even wine. Decorative items like plants and flowers are prominent as well, offering a wide range of colours and flavours to explore. It's all located along the Loire's northern bank on the west side of town.

Vertou Market (Marché de Vertou) is officially a farmers' market, but you'll find a little bit of everything when you visit on the weekend. Open Saturday and Sunday mornings only, this market shows off a variety of locally sourced items, including organic products and produce.

One of the most prominent aspects of this market is its collection of handicrafts and books. There's plenty of food as well, from produce to fish and meat, and you can even find a few apparel vendors. It's conveniently located on the east side of Vertou, which is a few miles south-east of the city centre.

Petite-Hollande Market (Marché de la Petite-Hollande) is a relatively large market where you'll find mostly food alongside some apparel. There are about 300 total traders here, so you could easily spend the market's entire open hours seeing everything it has to offer. Don't worry about missing out, however, as over 220 of those traders are regulars you can see again on subsequent visits.

This market offers quite a bit in terms of meat and baked goods, with much of it being prepared right at the market. Additionally, you'll find shoe vendors as well as various leather goods. You'll find it all just south-west of the city centre close to the Bras de la Madeleine.

The Nantes Christmas Market (Marché de Noël Nantes) is a seasonal market opened during the Christmas season where you'll find Christmas-themed items with a focus on food. The market specialises in offering delicious treats such as waffles, mulled wine, hot chocolate and churros.

In addition to the food, you'll find toys and handmade works of art that make excellent presents for the winter holiday season. You'll even find traditional goodies like gingerbread men and roasted chestnuts. It's all located right in the centre of town.

Doulon Market (Marché de Doulon) is a fun open-air market where you can enjoy a laid-back and intimate experience shopping for more than just food. About 30 different vendors are at the market during open hours, and they offer all sorts of items you may be interested in.

If you're looking for food, there's a butcher's shop here as well as rotisserie and charcuterie. Of course, the bakery and dairy vendors are quite popular as well. In addition to food, you'll find apparel and flowers here. It's all located in Place du Vieux Doulon every Sunday morning.

Nantes South Terroirs Market (Marché des Terroirs Nantes Sud) is a food market that focuses on all sorts of food items with vegan and gluten-free options. The market is operated using an eco-friendly approach that champions eliminating waste and promoting animal welfare.

This market offers a variety of food products, including meat and fish as well as fresh locally sourced produce. You'll even find ready meals if you're looking for something to eat that you don't have to prepare. You can try it all for yourself a few miles south-east of the city centre in Basse-Goulaine.

Zola Market (Marché de Zola) is a relatively small food market where you'll find several vendors offering high-quality locally sourced food. Fruit and veg are common here, with their vibrant colours being a staple of the market's appearance.

When you visit this market, you'll have access to fresh meat and fish in addition to produce. Cheese and baked goods vendors are also quite popular. Uniquely, this market offers cooked meals and even fresh pizza, which sets it apart from a lot of other local markets. You can see it all for yourself in Place Emile Zola near Dervallieres-Zola on the west side of town.

American Market (Marché des Américains) is a market where you'll find greengrocers and clothing available from a modest number of traders. The name comes from the name of the boulevard the market is located on, so the items on sale are still very much French.

About 80 traders are present whenever the market is open, so you have a fair number to explore. Around 60 of them are regulars as well, including most of the greengrocers and meat merchants. You'll find it all on Boulevard des Americains in Breil-Barberie north-west of the city centre.

Marrière Market (Marché de la Marrière) is a small market in town, where you'll find a variety of fresh food and ingredients from produce to meats. The market has about 30 traders during open hours, and the vast majority of them are regulars, so they know what the local area likes.

When you visit this market, you'll find a variety of items, including fruit and veg alongside fresh meat and fish. There are bakers here as well, offering pastries and creperie. In addition to food, you'll find flower vendors. Try it all out for yourself just north-east of the city centre.