France is renowned for its food markets, with seasonal fruit and vegetables, delicious meats, a vast range of cheeses and mouth watering confectionery at the heart of each one.
And the Annecy market is no different. Located in the Old Town (La Vieille Ville), it showcases the very best of high-quality Savoyard produce, and is an experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Here’s our guide to help you make the most out of your trip.
When to visit
Annecy market days
The Annecy market runs year-round every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday between 7 am and 1 pm.
The market starts to get busy from 10.30 am, therefore we’d recommend arriving as early as possible so you can peruse the stalls with ease and avoid long queues.
The tall buildings in the Old Town mean that at certain times of the year, the sun doesn’t quite make it down to street level first thing in the morning, so come prepared with a few extra layers!
The Tuesday market is full of local produce, with a broad range of food stalls. On Fridays and Sundays, in addition to food, vendors also sell manufactured and textile goods.
Getting there
Where is Annecy market?
The market spans the Old Town, with its main strip of stalls located on Rue Saint Claire. You’ll also find vendors on Rue de la République, Quai de Semnoz, Quai de l’Île and Rue du Pont Morens.
Car parking
Street parking is often difficult on market days. Nearby car parks include Parking du Château, and Sainte-Claire car park, however, due to their central location they can also get very busy.
The Bonlieu and Hotel de Ville car parks are also good options. They’re within a stone’s throw of Lake Annecy, Le Paquier and two of the most famous bridges in Annecy: the Pont des Amours and the Pont Perriere. And both are just a few minutes walk from the market.
Bike parking
Although not too far from the lakeside cycle path, at peak times, cyclists would struggle to push a bike through the crowds of the market, let alone cycle through.
You’re better off parking your bike at one of the many nearby spots and walking in. There are plenty of stands next to Les Jardins de l’Europe and throughout the Old Town.
Discover our partner properties around Lake Annecy
How to choose which stall to go to
Stalls are presented beautifully, meaning you can shop with your eyes and be selective about where to buy from.
And don’t forget to try before you buy! Stall holders often offer samples and are happy to provide tasters if you are interested.
More tips
Bring a reusable bag
Avoid single-use plastic and bring a sturdy shopping bag to transport your goods. Maybe even treat yourself to an authentic woven basket from “Home d’ Antan” just round the corner on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau!
Make sure to try new things!
A great place to embrace your more adventurous side, Annecy market is home to a world of interesting ingredients.
From Kakis (Persimmon) to chestnut jam or rotisserie chicken with potatoes cooked in the juices – you’ll surely find something new to explore.
What’s more, most of the stall holders at the Annecy street market are pleased to offer advice on how to prepare and use their produce.
Try out some French phrases
Although many stall operators will know a little English, it’s a good idea to speak in French where possible. They won’t expect you to converse like a local but you can learn a few basic phrases to help you get by.
Don’t hang around!
Be aware that once the vans have pulled away, the street cleaners begin their work. The teams do an amazing job, and as soon as they have cleaned up, the tables are set up again for drinks and food. However, the transition period can be a bit noisy and wet.
Beyond the market
As well as food to take home and cook, there are many places to pick up lunch or a snack nearby.
Why not try a Raclette sandwich – half a baguette stuffed with ham and melted Raclette cheese, heated by the traditional grill? Our team’s best-loved spot for Raclette sandwiches is Les Caprices d’Emilie.
There are some cool coffee stands and juice stalls on the market, but if you fancy wandering further out and sitting down, you’ll find plenty of other great spots such as Haven and Café Bunna. However, do remember that everywhere is busier on market day.
The old town is becoming increasingly pedestrianised, so you can find many quieter spots, as well as parks if you have kids who need to let off steam.
We hope you found this guide to Annecy food market useful. If you’re in Annecy on the last Saturday of the month between 8 am and 6 pm, you can also enjoy the Brocante (flea market), where you can discover a range of Savoyard antiques.
If you enjoyed this post, we think you’d also like:
- The Annecy food and drink guide
- Lake Annecy in spring
- Where to stay in Annecy?
- How many days should you stay in Annecy?
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