France's Open-Air Markets, in Honor of National Farmers' Markets Week

This week is National Farmers' Market Week supporting local farmers and better, healthier food. As much as this may be an oxymoron, living in the city makes us especially privy to some of the freshest local produce because of farmers' markets. Living in New York City and having recently travelled throughout France, city-goers have a great appreciation for farmers' markets because we value that green space and the fresh, local produce that we get to enjoy from it. So in honor of National Farmers' Market Week instead of running to Shaws or even Whole Foods, go to your local farm stand and buy some fresh produce! And before you run off to go get those nutritious rich goodies, read the rest of my blog and please share.

One of many Sunflower Fields in Provence

Every weekend I try to make it a point to go to one of many neighborhood farmers' markets (for me it is either Union Square or Abingdon Square) to get my fresh fruits and veggies, peruse the plants and flowers, try various cheeses and jams, and even buy some seafood and baked goods.

Union Square Farmers' Market
with Gigi

An Artist showcasing her original artwork in
St. Remy de Provence

 Having recently done a tour de France starting in Paris going through the countryside to Provence and ultimately finishing the trip on the Riviera in Nice, it was clear to see the love of farmers' markets throughout the country. Firstly, it was beautiful driving throughout France and noticing the thriving agricultural industry throughout the country with farming in all different sectors. Everyone knows how proud the French are, and as well they should be for their prosperous farming that even in this day in age so much of their produce, dairy and cattle is still farmed in their own country. And as a point of distribution for farmers, open-air markets are as consistent and in abundance throughout the country. The biggest word to the wise is beware of days and times. Many varying markets are either on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and then of course the weekends as well.

Flower Market in Nice.

Open Air Market in St. Remy de Provence

 I really wanted to go to Marche Raspail while I was in Paris. It is the largest, organic market in Paris that is held two times a week, although those exact days are questionable. Online I saw the market was held on Tuesdays and Fridays, however, when I was about to go and asked for directions, I was told it was the artists' market on Tuesdays, and the food market is Wednesdays and Saturdays. Needless to say I missed my opportunity while in Paris since I was there for only a few days, but with all the open air markets in the city, it's not hard to find one.

On our way back from missing Marche Raspail and going shopping instead, right in our neighborhood was a small cheese, meat and bread market. The cheeses were scrumptious and plenty, and even if you don't want to taste every single one, good luck explaining that to the nice guy force feeding you.

Trying an Assortment of Cheeses from the local market in
St. Germain de Pres, Paris.

Fresh Bread and Salami, Jamon and Prosciutto

Enjoying one of the BEST Blue Cheeses I've ever had on our balcony in Paris
... or should I say Roquefort from the South of France...
With the rest of my Farmers' Market Booty: chocolate oranges,
fresh peach, & really good, cheap Bordeaux that I don't even know the name of.

Seafood Stall in Nice, with camera shy vendor.

Shucking oysters at a farmers' market
in St. Remy de Provence.

Tasting some wine at a St. Remy de Provence market. Moving
onto the Champagne stall to bring with me while eating
just shucked oysters. See Charles below...

Best Farmers' Market in St. Remy de Provence!
4Euro Champagne + Just Shucked Oysters= Tres Bien!