It’s been a while since I went to the vibrant Saturday market in the lovely town of Pézenas and I had forgotten how much fun it actually is! You can buy almost anything here: from local specialities to colourful bags, from the finest fruit and vegetables to the best-tasting olives and from beach towels to kitschy fans. You name it.
600 years
The Saturday market in Pézenas has existed for over 600 years. It dates back to the 14th century, and it has been held every week since 1434. The market lasts all day; you will find about 120 stalls from 09h00 till 18h00 between Place Frédéric Mistral and Place du Marché des Trois Six. An organic market can also be found at Place Gambetta from 08h00 to 13h00.
Parking
I had also forgotten how busy it is on this day; parking is very difficult! Best is to come before 10h00 to be able to find a parking spot. You will find a large parking lot at Avenue Marechal Leclerc, if you’re lucky you will find a place. I drove a little further to my secret parking spot: Parking Voltaire (on Boulevard Voltaire, just past the Musée du Jouet). This parking lot is a bit further from the centre, but it is always a pleasure to walk into town. Also, you will pass the Office de Tourisme.
History
In fact, Pézenas is always great to visit, market or not. It has a rich history with a centre dating from the Middle Ages. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city was even the capital of Langue-doc. Art has always played a big role here, and even today you will find many artists and artisans. Molière has also left his mark on Pézenas, even though he only spent three months here in 1650 and again later in 1653 and 1656. The Governor of Languedoc, the Prince of Conti, was the inspiration for Molière’s most famous play “Dom Juan, ou le Festin de Pierre”. And you will find more characters from Pézenas in his plays. Pézenas loves Molière and even nowadays he is commemorated there.
