When are the market days in Aurillac?
The covered market: the unmissable foodie destination
Located right in the town centre, at 14 Rue de la Coste, Aurillac’s covered market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 6.30 am to 12.30 pm.
Wednesdays have a rather peaceful atmosphere, with around ten stallholders present, according to the town hall. It’s the perfect time to take your time chatting, comparing products and doing your shopping without too much of a wait. On Saturdays, the market becomes livelier and is the best choice for soaking up the local atmosphere to the full.
Depending on the season and the stalls, you can seek out the great flavours of the Auvergne: Cantal cheese, Salers beef, charcuterie, honey, homemade jams, fruit, vegetables and farm produce. The regional cuisine also features pounti, truffade and blueberry desserts. Enough to put together a particularly generous picnic.
Good to know: the covered market does not take place when Wednesday is a public holiday. Culinary events and demonstrations are also organised from time to time.
The market at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville also hosts traders selling mainly clothing and various non-food items.
This market is the perfect complement to a visit to the market hall. After stocking up on gourmet treats, you can browse the outdoor stalls and then continue your stroll through the historic streets. Saint-Géraud Abbey, the banks of the Jordanne and the Carmes district are all within easy walking distance.
To plan the rest of your day, check out our itinerary for visiting Aurillac town centre.
The Marmiers market, handy for Thursday shopping
A little further from the city centre, the Marmiers market is held every Thursday morning in the shopping centre car park, near the community centre.
This neighbourhood market is particularly handy for picking up a few fresh items without having to go into the town centre. Its smaller scale makes for quick shopping trips and fosters a friendly atmosphere, much appreciated by local residents.
The Maison-Neuve market, a local fixture
On Friday mornings, head to the car park on Avenue des Prades to explore the Maison-Neuve market. The council notes that a greengrocer, a cheesemonger and a fishmonger are present between 8 am and midday.
This small market doesn’t set out to rival the hustle and bustle of Saturday mornings. Its appeal lies precisely in its simplicity: a few essential products, approachable traders and a local clientele.
Our tips for making the most of Aurillac’s markets
To make your visit more enjoyable:
- Go on a Saturday before 10.30 am to enjoy the full selection whilst avoiding the late morning rush;
- Go on a Wednesday if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere;
- Bring a sturdy bag or a basket, as well as a cool bag for cheese and fresh produce;
- Take some cash with you, even though many stallholders accept card payments;
- Check the City of Aurillac’s events calendar to find out about cookery workshops and special markets.
To reach the centre without spending ages looking for a parking space, a free, 100% electric shuttle bus runs between the park-and-ride car park near the coach station and the town centre. It also runs on Saturdays.
Come to Aurillac for a gourmet getaway
Aurillac can be reached from Paris-Orly via a direct flight lasting 1 hour 20 minutes. Once you’ve arrived, the covered market, the historic streets and the main attractions in the town centre can easily be visited in a single day.
Visit our page dedicated to the destination Aurillac Marie Marvingt to plan your trip. Arriving on a Friday allows you to enjoy the large Saturday morning market before setting off to explore the volcanic landscapes of the Cantal.
See also:
Planning a trip to Aurillac? 5 must-do activities
Aurillac: 3 walks to try in the Cantal
7 unmissable experiences near Aurillac
Aurillac: 5 festivals to experience the Cantal in a different way