Visitors and locals come to do a little shopping, grab a bite to eat or have a drink with friends. Inspired by American food courts and food halls, gourmet food halls are becoming increasingly popular in Normandy.
Why do we love these places?
Because they offer a different way of eating and drinking. And because (good) products are king here. In their respective corners, caterers, shopkeepers and restaurateurs are busy preparing tasty little dishes to take away or, even better, to enjoy on the spot. These food courts are also, and above all, places where you can meet, relax and have a good time.
Les Halles Agrivin – Biltoki in Rouen
Inaugurated in Rouen in November 2022, the Halles Agrivin – Biltoki have taken up a huge space at the entrance of the Docks 76 shopping centre. Not far from the banks of the Rover Seine, they have taken over an impressive building built between 1901 and 1910 by the Gustave Eiffel workshops. Twenty-five shopkeepers, independent artisans and enthusiastic chefs have joined the adventure, whether they are advocates of Norman or world cuisine. There’s also a programme of events to keep this hybrid gourmet centre, the brainchild of Biltoki (‘the place that brings people together’ in Basque), buzzing.
Halles Agrivin – Biltoki
Docks 76
1 Bd Ferdinand de Lesseps
76000 Rouen
Les Halles Centrales in Le Havre
It’s impossible not to mention the Halles Centrales, which house 22 shopkeepers in the centre of Le Havre. The original covered market was hit by successive bombings in 1944. Rebuilt in 1960, it is now part of the landscape and part of the everyday life of the people of Le Havre, who come here to buy their supplies from their favourite merchants. Sweet, savoury, fresh or cooked, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Les halles centrales
Place des Halles Centrales
76600 Le Havre
La halle Place ô Marché in Le Havre
This new covered market opened in the heart of Le Havre early 2023. Located next to the funicular railway in the Thiers-Coty district, the Place-ô-Marché houses ten local shops and an outdoor tasting area, open 6 days a week.
Place ô Marché
Entrées avenue René-Coty et rue Gustave-Flaubert
76600 Le Havre
Other cool spots
The famous fish market in Trouville
This place is a real institution on the Flowered Coast, especially for seafood lovers. Behind a neo-Norman façade, several family-run fishmongers keep this place alive all year round. It’s hard to resist a seafood platter when you walk by, especially as you can enjoy it on site with a glass of white wine!
La Halle aux poissons
154 boulevard Fernand Moureaux
14360 Trouville-sur-Mer
Les Halles d’Isigny
The crème de la crème can be found in this large shop dedicated exclusively to Normandy products. Caramels, biscuits, cheeses with registered designation of origin and other traditional drinks take pride of place in this industrial hall. And if you’re a fan, you’ll find Isigny ice cream on offer from April to the end of November.
rue du 19 Mars 1962 ZA Isypôle 14230 ISIGNY SUR MER
Your itinerary
Granville’s covered market
Every Saturday morning, visit the covered market on rue Ernest Lefrant (or rue du Général Patton). The square was inaugurated in 1937. Converted into a hospital in 1944, it was used for sporting and cultural events in the 1950s, before becoming a market. It has the peculiarity of being built on two levels.
Rue Ernest Lefrant
50400 Granville
We also love these historic market halls
These market halls are also well worth a visit. They have the charm of the past and host markets and events throughout the year:
- The market hall in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives / Saint-Pierre-en-Auge is home to the Monday morning market and several annual fairs. At 70 metres long and 20 metres wide, it is one of the largest in France and a fine example of Normandy’s medieval heritage.
- The two covered market halls in Buchy, which surround the town hall, date from the 17th century. They are still very busy, with a farmers’ market every Monday and several themed fairs. One of them, with stalls and hooks, is known as the ‘butcher’s hall’.
- The covered market in La-Ferrière-sur-Risle has evolved over the centuries. Probably built in the 16th century, it was shortened to 35 metres at the end of the 19th century. Restored in 2019, the market brings together second-hand and antique dealers every third Sunday of the month.
- The covered market in Dives-sur-Mer was built at the beginning of the 15th century. Its architecture has undergone several changes, including the addition of half-timbered walls, typical of the Pays d’Auge. It measures 50 x 12 metres. The framework rests on a series of 66 oak pillars. A market is held here on Saturday mornings.
- The covered market at Lyons-la-Forêt is in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in France. It was built in the 18th century. It now hosts a market every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Scenes from Madame Bovary were filmed here.
A different way to discover Normandy
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
Bayeux
Cheese and Cider Tasting in Normandy
Pont L’Évêque
Thematics