Located in the Pays de la Loire region, Vendée is rich in traditions and in cultural and natural heritage, and also in local markets where colours, flavours and craftsmanship come together. From fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade products, these markets reflect the soul of the Vendée. Whether indoor or outdoor, food or non-food, explore every market in Vendée to discover the treasures of the region. From Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to Saint-Jean-de-Monts, by way of Les Sables-d’Olonne, you won’t be disappointed by the activities on offer!
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie market
Tucked away in the heart of this charming port town, the market in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is a must-visit for locals and holidaymakers alike. Close to the harbour, on Place Guy Kergoustin, you’ll find a wide range of stalls, from freshly caught local fish to Vendée food specialities. The stalls are also full of handmade crafts, clothing and souvenirs. Open all year round on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, from 08:00 to 13:00, this Vendée market is the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere.
Saint-Jean-de-Monts market
Known for its vast beaches and pine forest, Saint-Jean-de-Monts also has a lively, colourful market. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, from 08:00 to 13:00, the stalls at this non-food market offer a wide range of goods. This Vendée market is a great place to stock up and enjoy the buzz of Vendée life. You’ll find it next to the church in Saint-Jean-de-Monts, so head over and browse this original market.
The markets of Vendée reflect the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. They are a great way to see the area at its most authentic, taste local produce and meet the people who live here. Each market, whether food or not, has its own character and adds to Vendée’s special atmosphere, making every visit one to remember. Would you like to visit a weekly market in Vendée? Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches is here to welcome you! Our campsite in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez offers mobile homes, unusual accommodation and pitches in the west of France. You can enjoy a restful night, then get up early to explore the markets featured in this article, or those of La Roche-sur-Yon, L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, Luçon, Sainte-Hermine or La Tranche-sur-Mer. In summer, you’ll also have Vendée’s night markets to explore!
Markets in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Close to the coast, the Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez market offers a unique mix of fresh produce and handmade crafts. The stalls overflow with fruit, vegetables, local cheeses, meat and, of course, fish and shellfish. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, reflecting Vendée hospitality. And to your delight, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez has several markets that are open all year round:
- Place François Mitterrand: join us on Thursday and Sunday mornings for this Vendée market, where you’ll find little treasures to inspire your cooking.
- Place Vivi Burgaud – Sion sur l’Océan: on Tuesdays and Fridays, come and meet passionate producers at this market in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and discover their specialities.
Markets in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire
The markets of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, in this historic town in the west of France, are a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. As well as fresh food, you’ll also find handmade crafts, flowers and plants. Get a real taste of Vendée’s local produce at each Vendée market held in the town:
- Covered market: to support short supply chains and showcase local producers, the covered market comes alive on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 08:00. Located on place du Payré, it’s full of local specialities to discover. Butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers, oyster farmers, farmers, cheesemongers, bakers, chocolatiers, chefs, coffee roasters, beekeepers and florists can’t wait to share their knowledge and their products with you.
- Outdoor market: a second Talmont-Saint-Hilaire market takes place on Thursdays from 09:00 to 12:30, near the Halles.
Markets in Les Sables d’Olonne
In the heart of the well-known seaside resort, the markets of Les Sables d’Olonne are a real focal point. The aisles come alive with stalls selling seafood, local culinary specialities, handmade jewellery, textiles and much more. Visitors can stroll around and discover the riches of the region. And Les Sables d’Olonne has more than just one market in the Vendée. Local producers and craftspeople are waiting to welcome you:
- Marché des Halles centrales (close to the church of Notre-Dame de Bon Port): 80 stalls welcome locals and holidaymakers with seafood, farm produce and specialities prepared with love. This market is open every day except Monday, all year round.
- Marché Arago : this weekly market in the Vendée is held on Boulevard Arago. Every day of the week, from 08:00 to 13:00, you can buy local produce here. On Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, a travelling market adds even more to these already well-stocked stalls, with all sorts of goods (rugs, clothing and more).
- Marché Cours Dupont : this is the largest market in Les Sables d’Olonne. It is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 08:00 to 13:00.
- Marché de la Chaume: head to Place Maraud on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, from 08:30 to 13:00, to discover unique local products.
