The 6 best outdoor markets in Montpellier

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Looking for that hidden treasure or for some traditional cuisine?

Find the best places to while away a few hours perusing antiques or snapping up locally grown produce on a sunny day in the South of France.

Outdoor markets are a splendid way to enjoy the town while rummaging around interesting things.  From antique books to locally made honey, here are our recommendations for the best street markets in Montpellier.

The Arceaux Markets

This lively fresh food and collectors market in the historial Arceaux area has up to 80 stalls twice a week.  It is held right under the ancient Roman aqueduct of Saint Clement - known as 'Les Arceaux' thanks to its elegant arches.  

The Food market

This takes place every Tuesday and Saturday morning.   If you don't fancy cooking, the choice of ready to eat meals and nibbles is vast you can easily pick up something delicious and nutritious and eat as you wander.  

There are quite a few traditional gems along the cheeses, breads, poultry, jams, fresh fruit and vegetables - notably the locally produced olive oils, honeys, herbal teas and cakes.  The best products all handmade locally by independent food vendors and sold at this market are:

- locally produced honey from Yoann Colaisseau.

- macaroons from L'Atelier d'Eléonore.

- herbal teas and CBD products from Lô Saveurs Infuses.

The Collectors market (Le Forum des Collectionneurs)

This second hand market takes place right next to the food market every Saturday morning. It's a bit like a bazaar and has loads of books among other wares like vinyl and childrens toys.  

Find out more here.

The Lez Market

A huge boho chic market with cooked food, decorations, furniture and a flea market, the Lez market is partly covered and partly open air.  

It's buildings boast street art from local artists and a lovely location on the banks of the river Lez.  You can easily spend a few hours here, especially if you combine shopping with lunch or dinner and drinks - it's quite family-friendly with a petanque court (the French version of bowls) and a mini skate park for little tykes on bikes.

Indoors they have a large market with booths selling hot and cold meals come rain or shine.  There are a few restaurants on the other side with nice views over the Lez river.  Just on the other side of the market courtyard there is a flea market with vintage clothing, chic decoration boutiques and a florist on the right as you come in.  

Outdoors there are food trucks, a rooftop bar (above the covered market) and, at the weekend, artisan stalls with handmade goodies and clothes.  

There are often one-off markets (creators, flea market vendors, garden and plant sellers and clothes) at the weekend. The agenda page on their website gives an extensive list of up-coming events.

You have to pay for the onsite car park but there is free parking just next door (the entrance after the restaurant 'Terminal#1') with a short walk down the Lez river to the market.

Find out more here.

Antigone Market

Set in the relatively modern Antigone area, this local food market is unique as it has been managed by local farmer since 1991. 

Open year round on Sunday mornings, Antigone farmer market is much smaller than the Arceaux and Lez markets, but still offers a wide variety of wines, baked goods and fresh produce (fruit and veg, meat and fish).  There is also a stall selling handmade belts, bags and wallets from a local leather artisan.

If you're into eating locally, it is a great way to meet local farmers and growers and ask them about their produce in person (take an online translator on your phone).

There are worse things to do on a Sunday morning than stroll through Antigone under the plane trees discovering the seasonal produce!  Depending of which way you wander down the produce market, you will either end up in the city center of on the banks of the Lez river.

Discover more here.

Peyrou Market 

Also taking place on Sunday mornings, this flea and antiques market is held in a park in the historical center, just above the Arceaux. 

Otherwise known as 'Les Dimanches du Peyrou' (Sundays in Peyrou), it has up to 50 stalls and is a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning.

Peyrou garden is closed to cars and big enough for kids and dogs to run around freely.  The plane trees offer shade on the hotter days and you get the added extra of a view across Montpellier from the far side with the water tower.  There is usually live music and you can even grab a hot chocolate, coffee or lunch from one of the food trucks at the back.

They have loads of second-hand or refurbished furniture, antiques and collectors items alongside second-hand clothes stalls.

Read more here.

Comedy Book Market

An outdoor book market on the esplanade Charles de Gaulle selling collectable, antique and modern books including comics, novels, paperbacks, hardbacks, children's books etc

It takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays and as it is for professional book sellers only, the standard is usually pretty high.  Situated between the Comedie (the Office de Tourisme side) and the Corum, the esplanade has plane trees to offer shade on hot days and a line of bars and restaurants for light refreshments or lunch.

It is organised by the not for profit organisation 'Mémoire du livre' along with various other events for book lovers, book shops and professional book vendors.

For obvious reasons, this market only takes place if the weather allows. Please check their facebook page for last minute cancellations before going.

More info here.

Beaux-Arts market

This is the smallest market in our selection and is the ideal fresh food market for those who prefer intimacy over crowds.  It is held in the village square of the Beaux-Arts area and open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 1.30pm

It has up to 7 stalls stocking fresh fruits, veggies, honey and meat.  Surrounded by terraces, bars, shops and restaurants, it offers a more relaxed experience than the other markets mentioned.

Though small, it remains cheerful and you can stop at one of the terraces on the square for a coffee or a bite to eat, or pop in to one of the local shops or bakeries to finish off your shopping.

Read more here.

If you have a question or comment, or would like to recommend an artisan or market, don't hesitate to get in touch!