It's all in the market-ing

I finally discovered the fresh market yesterday - I've been looking for it for a while! (Then again it did take me three separate attempts to find the supermarket, navigation not being one of my strong points.)  Even in a relatively small town like this, there are always fresh markets and it's such a delight to wander around and buy fresh of what's in season as well as nuts, olives, cheeses, spices and flowers.

The fresh market runs every Wednesday and Saturday and in between I buy produce from a local stand at the top of my street run every morning by Gina, who doesn't speak a word of English but packs my bag for me.

Then there's Bernard in neighbouring Rue Eglise who has a good selection of fresh fruit and veges, all kept watch over by his mother who also doesn't speak a word of English, but always asks you how you are.

Opposite Bernard is a wacky little epicurie which has a great selection of cheese, fresh pasta and general goods but most importantly the best wine selection in town. I'm a regular.

As well as the fresh markets there is also a brocante every Sunday at both the Octroi and the main square on the waterfront.  Brocantes are everywhere in France and I suspect the ones here are more expensive than most as they cater to the tourist market but fun browsing nonetheless, and the people watching is even better.

Then just in case you'd run out of things to spend your money on, there is the regular 'every day' market which runs Monday through Saturday at the square and designed for the tourist and visiting cruise ship crowds, selling sarongs, jewellery, bags, clothes and shoes.  I'm sure it won't be difficult to force myself to pick up a souvenir or three!