When are market days in Aurillac?
The covered market, the must-visit destination for food lovers
Located right in the heart of downtown at 14 Rue de la Coste, the Aurillac covered market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesdays have a rather peaceful atmosphere, with about ten vendors present, according to city hall. It’s a good time to take your time chatting, comparing products, and shopping without having to wait too long. On Saturdays, the market gets livelier and is the best time to fully enjoy the local atmosphere.
Depending on the season and the market stalls, you can discover the rich flavors of Auvergne: Cantal cheese, Salers cheese, cured meats, honey, artisanal jams, fruits, vegetables, and farm-fresh products. The regional cuisine also features pounti, truffade, and blueberry desserts. It’s enough to put together a particularly generous picnic.
Good to know: The covered market is not held when Wednesday is a holiday. Culinary events and demonstrations are also organized from time to time.
The Market at City Hall Square
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the Town Hall Square also hosts vendors selling mainly clothing and various non-food items.
This market is the perfect way to round out a visit to the market hall. After picking up some gourmet treats, you can browse the outdoor stalls and then continue your stroll through the historic streets. The Abbey Church of Saint-Géraud, the banks of the Jordanne River, and the Carmes district are all within easy walking distance.
To plan the rest of your day, check out our itinerary for exploring downtown Aurillac.
The Marmiers Market—a convenient spot for Thursday shopping
A little further from the city center, the Marmiers market is held every Thursday morning in the shopping center parking lot, near the community center.
This neighborhood market is particularly convenient for picking up a few fresh groceries without having to go downtown. Its smaller size makes for quick shopping trips and fosters a friendly atmosphere that’s appreciated by local residents.
The Maison-Neuve Market: A Local Gathering Place
On Friday morning, head to the parking lot on Avenue des Prades to explore the Maison-Neuve market. The city notes that a produce vendor, a cheese vendor, and a fishmonger will be there between 8 a.m. and noon.
This small market doesn't try to compete with the hustle and bustle of Saturday mornings. Its appeal lies precisely in its simplicity: a few essential items, friendly vendors, and a local clientele.
Our Tips for Enjoying the Markets in Aurillac
To make your visit more enjoyable:
- Try to go on Saturday before 10:30 a.m. to take advantage of the selection while avoiding the late morning rush;
- Choose Wednesday if you're looking for a quieter atmosphere;
- Bring a sturdy bag or basket, as well as a cooler bag for cheese and fresh foods;
- Bring some cash with you, even though many merchants accept credit cards;
- Checkthe City of Aurillac’s calendar to find cooking workshops and special markets.
To get to the city center without spending a lot of time looking for a parking spot, a free, 100% electric shuttle runs between the park-and-ride lot near the bus station and downtown. It also runs on Saturdays.
Come to Aurillac for a gourmet getaway
You can reach Aurillac from Paris-Orly via a direct flight that takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once you arrive, you can easily visit the covered market, the historic streets, and the main attractions in the city center all in one day.
Check out our page dedicated to the Aurillac Marie Marvingt destination to plan your trip. Arriving on Friday, in particular, allows you to enjoy the big Saturday morning market before setting out to explore the volcanic landscapes of the Cantal.
See also:
Planning a trip to Aurillac? 5 must-do activities
Aurillac: 3 Hikes to Take in the Cantal Department
7 Must-Try Experiences Near Aurillac
Aurillac: 5 festivals to experience the Cantal in a different way