Les Halles des Lices - Vannes

We did not really visit Vannes on Friday to know what days the outdoor market took. Unfortunately we found it was a Wednesday and Saturday. Although it was a disappointment, the main reason for the visit was the old town, ramps, gardens and port areas that were great. We had noticed the indoor market, Les Halles de Lices and decided on a walk around. It was okay, but we saw better in France in smaller cities. Les Halles de Lices has a wide range of seafood, cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables. It promised other stands, but a few were closed and empty, especially for cooked food and lunch and a section on the back with allegedly smaller local stands was split off. Maybe for a planned visit next year on an outdoor market day.

This is a great indoor food market. I think it's open 6 days a week. Many fresh meat, seafood, sweet things, bread. That was all very good. Clean and food seemed extremely fresh. Go on Wednesday morning if you can... as there is a large outdoor market added. Really good. Vegetables very fresh. Lots of cheese. Good seafood at good prices. Some clothes, bags, etc. One of the best markets I have seen in France.

Since it was not easy to find grocery stores in the center of Vannes, this covered market came handy to buy stuff for breakfast or for a picnic. It is also possible to have a bite on site (Mexico, oriental, pancakes, oysters .... Open from 8 am to 2 pm, even on Sunday, but closed on Monday. Producer market on Wednesday and Saturday.

This is the kouverierte production market. On can order a dish or pastries fom the seller and then use the tables to eat. Large special provider with frais products.

Market visits are important on any trip in France for three reasons: 1) if you are driving, you always need food for the car; 2) the stalls inside give you a great idea about the area-what types of produce is harvested, what types of flowers are grown, what spices are local, etc. 3) they are always filled with great people watching opportunities, seeing how locals shop (especially on a Sunday.). This was on par with the large market in Avignon, clean and beautiful and the requisite fish mongers. Worth driving to Vannes from Billiers!n (PS we always bring our hotel staff a special sweet back from the market-for the bellman, the receptionist, the concierge!)