Our Top 5 of the most beautiful markets in the Basque Country!

The market is the heart of a village or city neighborhood. It's a vibrant place where you can soak up the local atmosphere, meet producers and artisans, and taste delicious local produce.

Today, traditional markets are reinventing themselves to suit all your desires: producers' and crafts markets, gourmet markets, night markets, organic markets, urban or village markets... The Basque Country is a fertile land that generously stocks its markets. Its agriculture and livestock provide many local products. Its Atlantic coast provides its renowned seafood and fish. Its wine-growing region is interesting. Its culture, traditions and ancestral know-how are rich and crafts are well developed. Here are our Top 5 of the most beautiful markets in the Basque Country to penetrate the soul of this beautiful territory.

Opening photo: Bayonne Market / Photo © Yvann-K | Adobe Stock

1) The Saint-Jean-de-Luz covered market

The Saint-Jean-de-Luz market has been ranked among the " most beautiful markets in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques". It has been held every day since 1884, right in the center of the city. The covered markets are iconic locations in towns and villages. The atmosphere is authentic and warm, worthy of the reputation of Basque producers. It is a food market where you can taste delicious local products. On Tuesdays and Fridays, it spills onto Boulevard Victor Hugo, with crafts and textiles.

The port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where the fish market is renowned throughout the southwest region. Photo © Lecreusois | Pixabay

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, organic and traditional... There's something for everyone. This colorful and lively market is held on Thursdays and Sundays on the Quintaou esplanade.

Other markets in the city:

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

Quintaou Market and its flavors of the Basque Country. Photo © Lesley Williamson

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 17th century, it has been located in the square that eventually took its name: the Merkatu Plaza. It's the perfect place to stock up on spices. 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 covered and shimmering market that will brighten up your day, whatever the weather!

Other markets in the city:

• At the exit of the covered market, non-food stalls are set up in the open air.
• In July and August, the Place du Jeu de Paume welcomes exclusively local producers and artisans.

The famous Espelette peppers, to be enjoyed fresh or dried, in powder form or in delicious preparations in jars and preserves, at the Espelette market. Photos © labordebrana and © lecreusois | Pixabay

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

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

Discover the charming village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the heart of the Basque Country mountains, and its pretty traditional market. Photo: © MAEKFOTO | AdobeStock

5) The traditional market of Bayonne

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

Other markets in the city:

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

The Bayonne market halls on the left, on the banks of the Nive. Photo © Rostislav Ageev | AdobeStock

As a bonus, the summer nighttime gourmet markets!

In the summer, Basque towns and villages offer evenings spent at food and craft markets. These night markets are often lively, and you'll appreciate the Basque people's famous friendliness.

• In Hendaye, head to the gourmet market on Place Sokobu, on Thursdays from 8 p.m. 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 6 p.m.
• In Ainhoa, every Thursday in July and August, from 4 p.m.
  

We hope that this selection of Basque markets has inspired you for your next gourmet getaway in the Basque Country.

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