Marché Notre-Dame
Every Saturday morning the square in front of the Église Notre-Dame-la-Grande fills with stalls piled high with Poitevin goat's cheese, walnuts from the Vienne valley, and fat Charentais melons. This is where locals do their serious weekly shopping, and the atmosphere is as nourishing as the produce.
What the Stalls Are Selling
The cheesemakers are the undisputed stars: look for fresh chabichou du Poitou — a small, slightly tangy cylinder of goat's cheese with AOC protection — alongside aged versions dusted in ash or rolled in herbs. Several producers drive in directly from farms in the Deux-Sèvres, so you can ask questions and taste before you buy.
Seasonal vegetables from the Vienne and Charente flood the central stalls: white asparagus in April and May, strawberries from Périgord in June, and an extraordinary range of squash and dried beans through autumn. A handful of stalls also sell prepared dishes — rillettes, pâtés and duck confit — ideal for a picnic lunch.
How to Make the Most of It
Arrive before 9:00 to catch the best selection and to watch the square come alive before the tourist day begins. The café terraces on the perimeter open early and serve strong espresso and croissants — grab a seat and watch the market set up around you.
A smaller but equally authentic market runs on Thursday mornings at the same location, focusing more on flowers, plants and household goods alongside a reduced food offer. Saturday remains the main event, but Thursday is quieter and easier to navigate with children.
More of Poitiers
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Poitiers →
