The medieval city of Cluny has one of the best Saturday markets in southern Burgundy. We never miss it. It's nearly spring, bright and sunny even if it is a bit chilly, and the market is gearing up for the season. Come along with me today, for a typical Saturday morning at le marché de Cluny. Photo left: I always pick up a little something for the garden, from monsieur who grows the annuals. Who has an Italian accent and a very polite manner.
On arrive: Market day is busy, as you see. The whole center of town is closed off for the morning.
First stop, the veggie stands. Everyone has their favorite stand. I like the farm family, parents with kids in tow who grow every single thing they sell; and the bio (organic) stand, with le lait, le fromage, le yaourt, and les oeufs that they produce.
Then to la boulangerie. I'd really like to buy one each of these…
But instead I get one of these:
Spotted these fun outdoor cushions—they may have to come home with me!
These are my weakness. I love the green and blue one, but Ron has put me on Basket Probation.
Meanwhile, at the Bar du Nord, Ron and the neighbors are sipping their first expresso. Later in the morning they'll switch to une bière, or un petit blanc (white wine). For me, un chocolat chaud. We know the waiters well enough to get les bises (kisses on both cheeks). Below, Ron and friend Monty peruse le journal with their first coffee, supervised by Bugs himself.
If your bags are too heavy, Madame is there every week with her donkey to help out.
Lunch with the gang, then time to head home. Ahead of me, Madame has a bit of planting to do (and I'm coveting her basket).
Heading home after a great morning!
In the COMMENTS: Anja, welcome to the blog! Y'all will for sure want to check out Anja's own blog called DasBrooklyn. Anja is a German baker living in Brooklyn, and boy do her recipes look yummy! Dani and Julie, you are so right about the walking. A French friend stopped by and asked me to go for a walk with her–I got home four hours later! And to my Furman sister, no the French don't diet, and it may be time for another post on that subject. Natalia, "more days behind than ahead", I'm afraid that's quite true for me too. What better way to seize the day than to make that decadent quiche you suggested! (or Harriet, with your chocolate cake). Katy, that is the most unusual quiche I've ever heard of, and no wonder it's famous, it sounds delicious. Sam and Peter, my husband always says he hopes folks who visit us will take away one little French thing home with them, to better their lifestyle—maybe a glass of white wine with lunch, a leisurely breakfast, or a good expresso machine!
A happy Easter to all, and special prayers for the victims of terrorism in Brussels and their families and friends, with great sadness for the horror they have endured.
13 thoughts on “Come along to the Saturday Cluny Market”
Hi! I also love French markets; they are special. And I also have a HUGE collection of baskets, which then pile up back in Italy. But they are so beautiful and it is impossible to pass them up. Theoretically they they are practical and you need them….so I tell myself!
Sounds so delightful just like your Mom. Enjoy reading your posts. Love and hugs.
Although Dijon has three market days in centre-ville, Tuesday is actually the biggest. Nobody goes to work until they’ve done their shopping. I love watching the town all move down the street with their paniers de courses (for me en roulant, I always overbuy and need the wheels to get it home). It’s almost like a vortex in the center of the city pulling them in. Most market days begin with a cup of tea and petite cake at the salon de thé before I make my promenade in the market. We don’t have a donkey at our market, but we do have lots of dogs.
Wonderful photos, Lynn! It’s time to plan a trip and visit friends in France.
Coucou, Lynn–Love the market! And while you may have your eye on the blue and green basket, I love the one you’re carrying in the last photo!You must have tons of them if it’s bad enough to be on “basket probation.” lol
Mary
I remember the mention of your bag probation before. I noticed because I’m so in the same place. It used to be fountain pens, but that was replaced by bags in France–most made somewhere else, of course. Last trip we bought a handmade leather bag in Domme. It wasn’t cheap, but I’ve used it every day since. And I only added supermarket shopping bags to the collection–no straw.
Your market visit causes me to long for a trip.
Thank you Lynn for fine story and photos! I bet we all want to be there.
Mel
I love this post Lynn because it has just about everything I love. Beautiful photos & I adore your bag. My bag would definitely be overfloweth!
Happy Easter to you & your family.
Oh Lyn you have made me very home sick for my French Life. Michael and I are one of your friends that gather at Cluny Market. We bring all out visitors and they go away with wonderful memories of this historic town.I just love walking towards the market and seeing Ron keep guard on a table and chairs. As the croweds arrive he adjusts the seating. It’s amazing how many nationalities have gather.
I would like to wish you & Ron and your readers a Happy Easter.
Regards Mariella & Michael Melbourne Australia.
Hi, Lynn,
I have a bag habit too. I bought a great one, a little wider than usual, in St. Remy, and use it to keep my many reusable grocery bags.
A bag of bags!! I loved seeing the Cluny market and familiar faces in your post!
Lynn,your post today is especially wonderful(as it always is!),and makes me longingly(mouth watering-ly)
want to buy at least two of each item(in the case of the boulangerie,maybe 3 or 4!)
Really a feast for not only the eyes,but also for the senses.
Thank you!
And! Congratulations(with a big hug) to you for the way you have mastered scarf tying!
With a joie de vivre bag! Wow!Tres chic!Just a wonderful picture!
Easter blessings to you,your family and to all.
Special prayers for those in Brussels.I saw a photo there,with a heart that said “Je suis Brussels”.Further words are inadequate.
I have that wicker shopping basket on wheels! When I take it to the markets here, I get lots of admiring glances. It really comes in handy when the melons are in season as they are so heavy ( not like the Cavillion ones!) I love all the French markets. Happy Easter from Princeton, NJ in the Garden State!
Hi Lynn,
Making me miss the markets of France! Heading to London this week and will finally get to Borough market on this trip. Little cool here in sunny HHI today.