Our Top 5 most beautiful markets in the Basque Country!

The market is the heart of a village or a neighborhood in a city. It's a place of life, where you can soak up the atmosphere of the country, meet producers and artisans and taste good local products.

Today, traditional markets are reinventing themselves to suit all your desires: farmers' and craft markets, gourmet markets, night markets, organic markets, urban markets, or village markets… The Basque Country is a fertile land that generously supplies its markets. Its agriculture and livestock farming provide numerous local products. Its Atlantic coastline brings its renowned seafood and fish. Its wine-growing region is also noteworthy. Its culture, traditions, and ancestral know-how are rich, and its crafts are well-developed. Here is our Top 5 list of the most beautiful markets in the Basque Country to help you discover the soul of this beautiful region.

Cover photo: The Bayonne market

Summary

1) The market halls of Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The market in Saint-Jean-de-Luz has been ranked among the " most beautiful markets in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques." It has been held daily since 1884 in the heart of the town. Market halls are iconic landmarks in towns and villages alike. The atmosphere is authentic and welcoming, reflecting the reputation of Basque producers. It's a food market where you can sample delicious local products. On Tuesdays and Fridays, it spills out onto Boulevard Victor Hugo, featuring crafts and textiles.

2) The Quintaou market in Anglet

The Quintaou market in Anglet is the largest in the Basque Country. Some even say it's the largest in the Southwest! What's certain is that you'll find everything there… Local and international products, food and non-food items, organic and traditional… There's something for everyone. This colorful and lively market is held on Thursdays and Sundays on the Quintaou esplanade.

The other markets in the city:

• The market at Les Halles des 5 cantons, every morning from Tuesday to Sunday and on Friday from 8am to 2pm and from 4pm to 9pm.
• Biocéan Market, on Avenue de l'Adour, on Saturday mornings.

3) The typical market of Espelette, the city of chili peppers

The Espelette market is an institution. It's one of the oldest markets in the Basque Country. Since the 17^th century, it has been held in the square that eventually took its name: the Merkatu Plaza. It's the ideal place to stock up on spices. The Espelette pepper producers set up shop there every Wednesday, of course. But you'll also find many other Basque specialties, especially Axoa. It's a vibrant, covered market that will brighten your day, whatever the weather!

The other markets in the city:

• Outside the covered market, non-food stalls are set up outdoors.
• In July and August, the Place du Jeu de Paume hosts producers and artisans, exclusively local.

4) The historic market of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

The market in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is renowned for its exceptional setting. Since the 18^th century, it has faced the ramparts of the fortified town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Every Monday, throughout the day, the food market occupies a long building on the Place des Remparts. Non-food stalls surround the covered market area outdoors. From May to September, an open-air farmers' market is also held there on Thursdays.

5) The traditional market of Bayonne

The Bayonne market halls host a covered food market every day. The Saturday morning farmers' market and the Friday flea market take place in the Carreau des Halles. Located on the banks of the Nive River, this complex is one of Bayonne's must-see attractions. If you're lucky, some Saturday markets even feature live music!

The other markets in the city:

• The Marquisat market takes place every Friday in the Marquisat square.
• On the Place des Gascons, on Wednesday.
• The Polo Beyris market, on Fridays.
• A market for professional fishermen is located at the Pêcherie des Allées Marines, every morning (except Sunday).

As a bonus, there are the gourmet night markets in the summer!

In the summer, Basque towns and villages offer evenings spent at gourmet or craft markets. These night markets are often lively, and you'll appreciate the famous Basque hospitality.

• In Hendaye, visit the gourmet market on Place Sokobu, on Thursdays from 8pm. There is also a craft market on Boulevard de la Mer, on Monday evenings.
• In Biarritz, the Halles market opens on Wednesday evenings.
• In Bidart, the evening event takes place on Thursdays from 6pm.
• In Ainhoa, every Thursday in July and August, starting at 4 p.m.
  

We hope that this selection of Basque markets has inspired you to plan a future gourmet getaway in the Basque Country.

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