Written on : 29 November 2019 By : Melchior Burin des Roziers
Once you are comfortable in your villa and familiar with the surroundings, you will develop your holiday routine rather quickly, such as getting out your basket, getting on your bike and pedalling to the market.
Yes, but... which market to choose from? Of course, naturally, you will go to the one in the village where you will find yourself strolling by and trying out all the local products. But know that each Retais market has its own soul, atmosphere and particularities. Let's take a look at some of these places where producers and craftspeople reveal the island's splendid colours and flavours to onlookers on the stalls of fruit and vegetables, cheese, oysters and seafood.
Undoubtedly the most atypical market on the island due to its medieval influence, small open paved square and stalls covered with wooden lean-to and boot stems. The picturesque charm of this place, its colours, its flavours and the good humour that reigns there are worth a visit. In this friendly atmosphere, come and discover the good local and artisanal products and leave with a smile.
On the church square or in the port, the Ars-en-Ré market gathers merchants who offer the best of the local products: from salt to oysters, fish, ready meals, fruit and vegetables, cheeses, regional wines and spirits, etc. There are even stands for jewellery, flowers, clothing and shoes. On the harbour, a beautiful merry-go-round keeps the youngest members of the family happy (and ultimately nice and patient).
Port car park: Open every day from Easter weekend to the end of the All Saints' Day holidays.
Place de l'église: Open Tuesday and Friday out of season. Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday during the February holidays.
It is the largest market on the island with more than 130 traders per day at the peak of the season. It is spread around the church and in the surrounding streets and has a large food market with copious amounts of seafood products. You will find everything you are looking for thanks to the wide variety of specialities on offer. You can happily fill your shopping bag which will be sure to delight the whole family. To really embrace the experience, it is definitely recommended to get there by bike. After you are done browsing, why not sit quietly on the terrace of a café and watch the hustle and bustle of the market? Once again, if you want to ensure there is entertainment for the little ones, you can rely on the rides placed across the market
Open every day from April 1st to October 31st as well as during school holidays. Off season, open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
La Couarde-sur-Mer market, the most family-friendly
In reality, these are two markets: the centre-bourg market and the Mail market. Though they are not as big as Bois-Plage but they are definitely cheaper, with very fresh and seasonal produce.
At the one in Le Mail, when going under the halls you will find mainly food such as fish, cheese and oysters. Outside: you will find stands of jewellery, clothing and flowers.
The market in the centre, on the other hand, can be discovered at the bend of an alleyway (it brings a touch of colour to the church square). Depending on the period, you can discover specialities from other horizons (Corsican, Malagasy, etc.). From July 10 and August, a night market is organised by the association La Couarde en Fête, on Tuesdays from 6pm to 11pm.
Village Centre and Mail Market
School holidays in all areas: every day.
April 1 to June 30: Wednesday to Sunday / July 1 to September 15: daily / September 16 to 30: Wednesday to Sunday.
Village Centre Market (out of season)
From February 13 to March 6: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday / From March 7 to April 1 (March 27 and 28 inclusive): Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday / From September 19 to October 18 inclusive: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday / From October 19 to November 3 inclusive: daily / From November 4 to December 16 inclusive (November 11 inclusive): Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday / From December 17 to January 2 inclusive: every day (except December 25 and January 1)
Loix Market, the most intimate
In the heart of the village, which seems to be an island on an island itself, discover this market. This place is very appreciated by its regular customers for its quality, diversity and atmosphere. The market hall houses 6 traders in season. But there are also 12 stores open almost all year round and 50 camelots open from April to September. Whether you are looking for tasty treasures or pretty pieces of handcrafted beauty, you will not be disappointed and will probably fall in love with some of your finds. The Loix market is a privileged place for meetings and entertainment. The 1900 Carrousel of the Baudu family adds a child-like touch to the friendly atmosphere.
From October 1st to March 30th, May, June and outside school holidays: Tuesday and Friday (food). July / August, All Saints' Day, Christmas and Easter holidays: every day
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