Marché de Millau — Place du Maréchal Foch
Every Friday morning the arcaded Place du Maréchal Foch and the surrounding streets fill with one of the most authentic weekly markets in the Aveyron. Farmers from the Causses plateaux bring raw-milk cheeses, honey, walnuts and charcuterie; leather craftspeople display gloves made in the town's centuries-old ganterie tradition.
What to Buy and Where to Taste
The cheese stalls are the undisputed star: look for Roquefort from small affineurs in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon (just 25 km away), aged Laguiole, creamy Pérail and Tomme de brebis. Most vendors offer small tastes — take your time, ask questions and buy directly from the producer whenever you see the 'producteur local' sign.
The charcuterie tables groan with saucisson sec from black Gascon pigs, dried magret de canard and jambon de l'Aveyron. Pair a wedge of Roquefort and a slice of pain de seigle (rye bread) from the boulangers on the north side of the square for an instant picnic.
The Leather Legacy
Millau has been the glove-making capital of Europe since the 15th century; at its peak in the early 20th century the town produced 80% of France's leather gloves. Several artisan gantiers still set up stalls at the Friday market selling lambskin driving gloves, belts and wallets at prices well below Parisian boutiques.
The covered Halles centrales on Rue du Beffroi operate every morning Tuesday to Sunday and are worth a separate visit for their permanent fishmonger, butcher and épicerie fine stalls.
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