Traditional markets

A real local institution!

Are you a gourmet? So are the inhabitants of Cœur de Bastides, and they are proud to let you discover their specialities!

Our markets

The markets, provided for in the charter of customs since the foundation of each bastide, have always been very important in local life. 

The Lot-et-Garonne is renowned for its market gardening and farm produce: the sweetness of life also includes eating well. Several producers offer their specialities from the South-West based on duck, hazelnuts or liqueurs and brandies (to be enjoyed in moderation!) made from fruit from the region (including the famous Agen prune). 

The Villeréal market

The bastide of Villeréal was founded by Alphonse de Poitiers in 1267. 12 years later, in 1279, the King of England, Edward I, regained control of the Pays Agenais under the Treaty of Amiens. On the 20th of April 1288, the first charte des coutumes’ (charter with rules and regulations) was signed, and this charter specified that the market should take place on Saturdays. The first market hall was built around 1305. It is said that the oak poles were soaked in the river Dropt for almost 30 years to make them rot-proof!

In 2002, analyzes showed that the hall that we know nowadays, was rebuilt at the beginning of the 16th century, using materials from the previous hall (from the 14th and 15th century).

On July 12, 2007, the hall was classified as a Historic Monument. And even today, the weekly market takes place on Saturday (all year round), and also on Wednesdays in summer! The bastide was awarded the label of Most Beautiful Village in France in 2018.

The market of Monflanquin

Founded in 1256, the bastide of Monflanquin is one of the 50 or so bastides created by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint-Louis and Count of Toulouse. Despite the many conflicts that have shaken the region, Monflanquin, often destroyed and then rebuilt, still offers the visitor beautiful vestiges of its medieval past.

The village has been awarded the "Territoire Bio Engagé" label, and in addition to the traditional weekly market, the bastide hosts a local producers' market every Thursday evening in the summer for a festive and gourmet experience!

Click here in order to know where and when the next markets happen !

Photo credits : Lezbroz, OTCB, Emmanuel Manderlier