Our Top 10 most beautiful markets in the Basque Country

A paradise for bon vivants, the Basque Country is renowned for its incredible gastronomy and terroir. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) selection of the best markets in the Basque Country, where you can stroll and fill your shopping basket.

Our Top 10 most beautiful markets in the Basque Country

Espelette

The Espelette market is one of the oldest in the Basque Country, dating back to the 17th century. It’s a not-to-be-missed event for locals and tourists alike, who come to stock up on fresh local produce, including the famousEspelette chilli pepper! What to do after the market? Enjoy a veal axoa in one of the village’s traditional restaurants, visit the Château des Barons d’Ezpeleta and the Centre d’interprétation de l’AOP Piment d’Espelette.

Market days in Espelette :

  • Year-round, Wednesday mornings, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., under the covered market (local produce).
  • Wednesday mornings, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., outdoor market (non-food, traders and craftsmen).
  • July and August: Saturday mornings, small farmers’ market on the Place du Jeu de Paume.

Cambo-les-Bains

Friday morning is market day in Combo. The perfect opportunity to stock up on local, artisanal products before the weekend: charcuterie, cured meats, Basque ham(Bayonne, Ibaïona, Kintoa), ewe’s milk cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and much more. What to do after the market Visit downtown Cambo-les Bains, the Villa Arnaga (Edmond Rostand Museum), the Chocolaterie Puyodebat museum or the Notre-Dame-des-Sources chapel.

Market days in Cambo-les-Bains :

  • Every Friday, 8am to 1pm, Chiquito Street.

Hasparren

The Hasparren market is a lovely place to stroll and fill your basket with gourmet and artisanal products direct from local producers and traders in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. What to do after the market Visit the small Etxeko Bob’s Beer brewery, hike along the Route Impériale des Cimes linking Hasparren to the city of Bayonne.

Market days in Hasparren :

  • Every Tuesday morning in summer (every other Tuesday in winter).
  • Every Saturday, 8am-12pm: farmers’ market in Place des Tilleuls.

Saint Jean Pied de Port

The Saint Jean Pied de Port market has always been a meeting place for gourmets. The stalls in the medieval bastide are brimming with local produce (hams, cheeses, jams, local honey, Irouléguy wine , cider, Basque cakes, chocolate…), as well as textiles, local crafts, leather goods… What to do after the market A visit to the citadel of Saint Jean Pied de Port, the Bishops’ Prison in the heart of the old town, and the Fabrika Garazi exhibition space dedicated to arts and crafts and world cultures.

Market days in Saint Jean Pied de Port :

  • Every Monday, all day long.
  • Every Thursday in summer, from 9am to 1pm: local producers’ and craftsmen’s market.

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Sare

As the old saying goes, “Saran Astia”, in other words, “In Sare, we take our time”! Time to stroll through the village market, which brings together a small committee of hand-picked local producers. You can stock up on meats, cured meats, cheeses, jams, honey, cider, apple juice, Irouleguy wine… Beautiful, high-quality doki, organic and PDO products, and a great atmosphere. What to do after the market Visit the village, listed as one of the “most beautiful in France”, the Sare caves , the Etxola wildlife park and take a trip on the ” Petit Train de la Rhune “, built in 1924.

Market days in Sare :

  • Saturday mornings in fronton square (November to April), and Fridays (May to October).

Ascain

This discreet market appeals to locals and tourists alike, attracted by the diversity and quality of local produce: fruit, vegetables, sheep’s milk cheeses (the famous Mamia curd and Zozaya d’Urrugne), Basque charcuterie, fish, bread and cakes, honey, ready-made meals, as well as clothing, handicrafts and natural cosmetics. What to do after the market Climb to the summit of La Rhune from downtown Ascain, and visit the Lartigue Basque linen weaving workshop.

Market days in Ascain :

  • Every Saturday, from 8am to 1pm, under the covered market and on Place Pierre Loti.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Renowned for being one of the largest markets on the Basque coast, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is home to numerous merchants and producers around the town’s halles. From local fish (chipirons, fresh tuna, sea bass, hake, anchovies, sea bream) to charcuterie, pintxos, cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, you’ll find everything to delight the taste buds and the pupils. What to do after the market Visit the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, the Promenade Jacques Thibaud and the coastal path between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye.

Market days in St-Jean-de-Luz :

  • Tuesday and Friday mornings, 7am-1pm, under the Halles couvertes and downtown (Saturdays in July and August).

Bayonne

Several weekly markets are held in Bayonne throughout the year. These include the farmers’ market, which takes place on the Carreau des Halles, the quays and bridges, and has become a not-to-be-missed meeting place for Basque producers: market gardeners, poulterers, butchers, pork butchers, fishmongers, bakers, caterers, roasters… What to do after the market A visit to the cloister, Sainte-Marie de Bayonne Cathedral, the Basque Museum, the Botanical Garden and the Bayonne Bullring.

Market days in Bayonne :

  • Every Saturday, from 8am to 1pm, on the carreau des Halles, the banks of the Nive river and the bridges.
  • Every Wednesday, from 8am to 1pm, open-air market on the Place des Gascons in Hauts de Bayonne.
  • Every morning (except Sunday): catch of the day for direct sale at the Allées Marines fishery.

Ciboure

Just a stone’s throw from the port, next to the pediment and bistros of the town center, the Ciboure market brings the streets of the old town to life every Sunday. A not-to-be-missed Sunday stroll to fill your basket with delicious Basque produce and stock up for the week. An array of local producers and craftspeople gather around the village square. What to do after the market Visit the Socoa fort, the Bordagain Tower and the Art Deco villa Leihorra.

Market days in Ciboure :

  • Every Sunday morning, around Place Camille Jullian.

Anglet

The Quintaou market isAnglet‘s most famous market. This traditional market attracts a host of small and large producers, craftsmen and traders, as well as a loyal clientele. It’s a great place to meet people, make great discoveries and enjoy great tastings. All in a warm, family atmosphere. A must-do! What to do after the market Take a swim on Cavaliers beach, go for a walk in the Chiberta forest, discover the flora and fauna of the Izadia Ecological Park.

Market days in Anglet :

  • Every Thursday and Sunday morning, from 8am to 1pm, on theEsplanade de Quintaou.
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