Fontvieille Christmas Market
The last Sunday in November there has been for the past 6 years the Foire Gourmand au Gras. This annual market is not for the faint of heart. It’s here that many locals stock up on Christmas seasonal treats from the South West of France. The ‘fat’ festival includes mountains of foie gras, oysters, truffles, champagne, all manner of high-quality poultry and other regional products.
It’s going to specialty markets like this that I find myself truly admiring the way that the French celebrate Christmas. Instead of exchanging gifts, they share food. I’ve seen modest paysan farmers spend hundreds of euros on products at this market.
Meat Eater’s Heaven
Unfortunately, if you’re vegetarian- this is not the market for you. You’ll witness various types of birds laid out with their (sometimes feathery) heads still attached and mounds and mounds of duck fat. It’s almost like going back in time.
If you’d like to make the most of the convivial spirit; all along the center of the market runs a long table where a ‘repas du terroir’ will be served for 13,50 euros. It normally consists of magret du canard, potatoes, wine and sweet fougasse for dessert. Yum! Be sure to schedule a Sunday afternoon nap afterward!
Fontvieille Christmas Market 2019:
The market takes place November 25th in the town of Fontvieille in the Alpilles. The date changes slightly each year.
(Les Halles, places Fernand ARNAUD et de l’église)
2020* The market is happening this year but with safety measures.
Go early to get a good look at everything because it gets pretty busy!
