Marché de Beauvais – Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the square in front of Beauvais's town hall transforms into a bustling open-air market where farmers from the Oise valley unload muddy vegetables, raw-milk cheeses, charcuterie and cut flowers. It is the social heartbeat of the city and the best place to eat like a local for under €10.
What to Buy and Eat
The Picardy region produces exceptional endives, leeks and sugar beets, and you will find them piled high in autumn. Look for local maroilles cheese (pungent, washed-rind, unmistakably northern French) and ficelle picarde — a buckwheat crêpe rolled around mushrooms and ham — sold ready-made at one or two stalls.
A handful of roasters sell freshly ground coffee, and a popular crêpe stand near the fountain does brisk business from 9 am onwards. Grab a galette and eat it on the steps of the Hôtel de Ville while watching the city wake up.
Beyond Food: Textiles and Antiques
Beauvais has a centuries-old tapestry-weaving tradition, and the market occasionally hosts vendors selling vintage fabric, lace and brocante (flea-market antiques) on the southern edge of the square. It is a low-key but rewarding browse if you arrive before 10 am.
The Saturday market is larger and livelier than the Wednesday edition, drawing stall-holders from surrounding villages like Breteuil and Grandvilliers. Parking is easiest on Rue de Calais or in the underground car park beneath Place Jeanne Hachette.
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