The 5 Best Food Markets in Toulouse
Underpinning all outstanding cuisine is outstanding produce. Fortunately for us, Toulouse has no shortage of places to find first-class wine, cheese, meat and fish, fresh vegetables, and just about anything else you could want for your pantry.
Previously on the blog, we’ve discussed the Best Wine Bars in Toulouse and How to Buy Wine Like a Local in Toulouse, but what about the city’s markets? The markets of Toulouse have been a central part of life in the city for centuries and remain one of its unique attributes today.
If you’re a foodie spending time in Toulouse, you simply must include the city’s markets on your travel itinerary.
Today, we select our 5 favorite food markets in Toulouse. And if you’d like to delve into the city’s food scene in the company of a local guide, please consider joining us on one of our delicious Toulouse Walking Food Tours.
Marché Victor Hugo
Toulouse’s largest covered market (and our personal favorite) is the Marché Victor Hugo. Marché Victor Hugo has its roots in the late 19th century, though the current building was constructed in 1959 on the original site.
Open every day, except Mondays, between 7 am and 1 pm, the Victor Hugo Market is one of Toulouse’s great gathering places, bringing food lovers, traders, tourists, and locals together under one roof – confirmation of the city’s gastronomic credentials.
This isn’t only a place to shop; the best of Toulouse eating and drinking can be found here.
After soaking up the market’s atmosphere with a coffee or glass of wine at one of the several bars and cafés found amongst the vendors on the market floor, you can head to the first floor to grab lunch at one of the popular restaurants found there – many of the dishes are prepared with produce straight from the market stalls.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Marché Victor Hugo with our Victor Hugo Market Tour.
♦ Pl. Victor Hugo, 31000 Toulouse, France
Marché des Carmes
Located in the picturesque Carmes neighborhood, the Marché des Carmes is surrounded by cafés, bars, and restaurants that keep the area bustling long after the market has closed its doors for the day.
Like the Victor Hugo Market, the Marché des Carmes is only closed on Mondays. Every other day, the market is open between 7 am and 1 pm.
Start your day off by enjoying the sights and sounds of the Marché des Carmes before heading out to explore the surrounding neighborhood. Our Toulouse Wine Bar Tour stops at one of the wine bars on the Place des Carmes making it a fabulous introduction to one of Toulouse’s most vibrant areas.
♦ Marché des Carmes, Pl. des Carmes, 31000 Toulouse, France
Marché Saint-Cyprien
Open six days a week (except Mondays) between 7 am and 1 pm. The Marché Saint-Cyprien is considerably smaller than the Marché Victor Hugo or the Marché des Carmes.
What, though, the market may lack in size is more than made up for by its charm! This is the only covered market in Toulouse to remain in its original building.
The metal frames of this 19th-century market and its smaller size give one the feeling that they’re in a village, even while in the heart of the city. There are around 30 stalls in total, and produce is offered at competitive prices.
♦ Pl. Intérieure Saint-Cyprien, 31300 Toulouse, France
Marché Saint Aubin
The best weekly market in Toulouse, the Marché Saint Aubin, takes place on Sunday mornings between 7 am and 2 pm near the Eglise Saint Aubin, between the Canal du Midi and the La Colombette quarter.
This outdoor market offers an excellent mix of organic produce and conventionally-grown fruit and vegetables. Additionally, you’ll find tasty prepared foods from around the world – it’s one of the most international markets in Toulouse!
There are usually street performers in the area, lending the market a festive atmosphere.
♦ Boulevard Michelet, 31000 Toulouse, France
Marché Cristal
The Marché Cristal is the largest fresh produce market in the city. Although it doesn’t have the same reputation for the atmosphere as some other markets on this list, the amount of competition between sellers ensures you get fabulous deals and a great selection.
This outdoor market took its name from the Grand Café du Cristal Palace. The café is no longer in business, so you’ll sometimes hear this market referred to as the “marché des boulevards”.
Open between 6.30 am and 1 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The Marché Cristal runs alongside the boulevards from Place Jeanne-d’Arc to Arnaud-Bernard.
♦ Bd de Strasbourg, 31000 Toulouse, France
This brings us to the end of our list of the five best markets in Toulouse. Please contact us if you have questions about this blog or our Toulouse Gourmet Walking Tours.
Looking for more inspiration for your time in Toulouse? Read our Guide to Toulouse’s Best Vintage Bars and Restaurants.
