Every Wednesday throughout the year come rain, snow or shine, Samoëns hosts one of the busiest traditional markets throughout the Savoyard region.
The marvelous market of Samoëns
There is a buzz around the village from early morning as the stall holders get ready to show their wares from 8.00 am till noon. It’s a great place to browse and shop for provisions plus chat to the local artisans at this genuine local market.
The market is as historic as Samoëns itself with origins going back to 1476. In 1555 the Halle was constructed in La place de Gros Tilleul. Gradually over the years the market has spread to all the surrounding streets and the car park area opposite the Office de Tourism.
These days, the number of stall holders can vary from 60 to 130 dependent on the time of year. It’s possible to purchase a huge variety of different items including: plants – lots of different varieties of mountain plants and fresh flowers; gardening equipment and tools – everything from lawn mowers to snow blowers; household goods; clothing and shoes for the whole family; fashion accessories; local arts and crafts providing some great take home souvenirs. Local Morag Ashworth says “my favourites are the many food stalls offering everything from fruit and veg to fresh fish, meat and pasta, deli items such as local saucisson, olives, cheeses and breads to name a few”. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of the local specialities of the mountains.
Each individual stall has its own canopy colour, produce and smell which brings its own individual character. Morag says “there’s nothing better than shopping for local delicacies and then heading back to our home and sitting on the balcony enjoying a lunch fit for kings. We love to buy a rotisserie chicken, lots of beautiful salad vegetables, fresh olives, tapenades and conserves along with freshly baked bread and some local cheeses such as Comte or Tomme”.
Samoëns really comes alive on market day, and it’s a great to relax in one of the local cafés and watch the world go by…
