Markets Manche

It is a traditional market in winter, and which gains in importance in summer, with the influx of tourists and holidaymakers come from everywhere. A few feet away from the English Channel, in the pretty village of Portbail, it is every Tuesday morning that the market is held. While the tourist season is in full swing, you will also have the possibility of you get from Carteret train, and no, since it is not a train, but a real train service on the train linking the two towns.

It is one of the most important markets in the Cotentin region. Every Friday, the one in Valognes literally transforms the town, changing the traffic and life for a morning, allowing thousands of people to come and trade with the 150 sellers - a figure that is higher in summer. From poultry to carpet merchants (literally!), from fish to fruit and vegetables and cheese, there is no shortage of anything! Beware of parking, difficult when the market is in full swing, in the middle of the morning: you have been warned.

You will find in this vast space several food shops: butcher's shop, delicatessen, fruit, vegetables, grocery store, oysters from Lestre, salmon from Cherbourg, wine, cheese shop, creamery and restaurant... nothing is missing and everything is good, certified of great quality, and proposed by true connoisseurs. Little by little, the place has been adopted by the people of Cherbourg. Brunches are organised on Sundays: in summer, you can have them outside, since this street is pedestrian. A real favourite in this part of town.

This venerable market operates in summer and winter, but it is during the high season that it really comes into its own. Here, the local fruit and vegetable producers come up to Saint-Vaast as one man to offer their wonders, but we will also remember, and especially, the sea products, offered in an enchanting setting. Having a drink on the terrace in summer after shopping is a real must, like a break from time.