Being surrounded by the Atlantic ocean and English Channel means seafood in all its deliciousness is plentiful no matter what time of year you visit Brittany/Bretagne, so spying this ginormous crab (known as araignée de mer or European spider crabs) grabbed my appetite immediately while visiting one of the many farmers markets in the region during my visit back in March 2025. We just don’t have crabs that size in Oregon a place known for its praise-worthy crab. Wow!

Back in 2018 having had the opportunity to visit many different farmers’ markets in Provence and Normandy and shared my experience in a detailed post, I thought I was overdue to share my experience in a stand-alone post for the farmers’ markets in north Bretagne. After all, I know many of you are curious to visit this special part of France, and markets, i.e. food are a significant part of the experience when you visit.

Most wonderfully, as is the case throughout France, the farmers’ markets are open year-round, and wherever you find yourself, there will be a market close by open at least once a week, sometimes twice if staying in a larger town such as Lannion. However, as I discovered, having had booked my visit for a full week, but no more, I wanted to explore as many markets as I could, and while I only visited two, I found out about many that were in the surrounding area.

Below are a few resources (links) to explore to locate the nearest farmers’ market near you when you visit this northwestern part of France:

• The site I found most helpful: Côte de Granite Rose website full of the farmers’ markets along the north coast
• Brittany tourism, farmers markets
• Dol-de-Bretagne website, they have a worthwhile market to visit on Saturday (Samedi)

Whichever market you visit, bring your umbrella in spring (and really, year-round). One minute it will be glorious sunshine and the next refreshing rain showers. Hoods are a common sight in Bretagne, and so too are umbrellas, because they are necessary at a moment’s notice. I will share a few photos below of the sky, as when the rain does stop, it is brilliantly blue and clear.

The market in Lannion

The largest market in Lannion (two occur each week in the town, the other on Sunday near the train station) takes place on Thursday, which is when I went. Located down a cobbled street, stretching for many blocks and even branching off into a few side streets toward the Léguer that runs through the center of the town, it is full of wonderful produce, baked food and other specialties. I arrived between 8 and 9, and people were just starting to arrive. By the time I finished my walk through (a couple of times), the street was filling up, and the available parking spots near the river were nearly full as well. Definitely, with it being in March, it took longer to come alive, but I have no doubt that in warmer months it is bustling earlier. It is open from 8-1 pm.

I regret to share that I didn’t take as many photos of the food as I wish I had, as I was just so enthralled and actually spoke to a handful of locals, which was quite fun. But I did capture some photos of the location, the cobbled streets and the neighborhood where it is located.

Having just rained prior to my arrival, that too may have been why the crowds were sparse, but I doubt it. Bretons live with rain as their constant guest. I rather think they take their time coming to the market, but when they do, they know which vendors and farmers they will visit, and they make an outing of it, as it is their grocery shopping. For example, the line at the boulangerie booth to pick up the daily baguette was long, and I had some wonderful conversations with a few locals.

Spices and peppers are available in an eye-boggling array of options. The vendor asks what strength of heat you are looking for, as well as what you will be cooking or using it with. Their knowledge is readily available, so do take them up on sharing it with you!

And of course, there are brocante and antique shops along the way leading up to the market. This one remained closed that morning, but I have noted that I wish to return. Just peeking into the windows revealed all sorts of treasures.

Seen below: One of the walking path alleys leading to the market from the main street that runs from the river.

Residential homes line the street of the market on one side. This blue sky that broke open after the rain was a beautiful sight.

The patina effect caused by endless rain on centuries-old stonework.

The Trébeurden Market

While much smaller, this market is found just a few blocks from the ocean and the Pink Granite Coast. Open on Tuesdays, 7:30 – 1 pm, it is located in a large parking lot, and you will find local vegetables, cheese, sausages, and more. I thoroughly enjoyed this market and picked up more here than in Lannion because it wasn’t overwhelming – one of everything, so to speak, not multiple. 🙂

They had mâche lettuce (Lannion did as well), which is one of my favorite late winter/early spring lettuces that I have yet to find in the States. You will see it below. They had celery root (celeriac), also a seasonal favorite, and the cheeses were – how do you choose!

~(above): Mache is seen in the upper left-hand corner. It has soft teardrop like leaves.~

~(above): Celeriac is seen on the right, next to the celery.~

~Gorgeous cabbages, or should I say choux.~

Make a must-stop to find Bretagne salt

One item I purchased in multiples, and I still didn’t purchase enough, as you really cannot find this salt anywhere online to ship to the States. There are some that are similar, but I quickly became a fan of the fine grey Brittany sea salt. This salt and all sorts of other types will be available everywhere you go. Take some home with you. Your food will thank you.

Even the large grocery stores have local produce

On my first day in town, I went grocery shopping for the staples, and that took me to a Supermarché in Lannion. But France’s grocery stores are still French in their food offerings and oodles of local food is on sale like these onions from a farm in the region.

Stop into a Patisserie for your Dessert

While you can absolutely make your own dessert, why would you want to when you can taste all that is available from those who know how to make delicious favorites from the region best? Here is just a peek at a few beautiful works of edible art I found.

What I didn’t eat as much of, or any, and most definitely want to try next time: galettes, anything with noisettes (hazelnuts), and more seafood. Needless to say, there are all sorts of reasons to go back to Bretagne, and I absolutely cannot wait to do so.

Eating with what the seasons offer gives us all the more flavor with each bite. This truth guides my Intro to French Cooking: Everyday Deliciousness which celebrates its first year anniversary, being launched just last year in August. And when we go to a farmers market, what is in season is easier for us to find. Plus! We have the farmers and fishermen as is the case in Bretagne to give us ideas for how to prepare and enjoy the food they are selling, often just caught or harvested that morning!

May your visit to the region be filled with wonderful walks and delicious food. Check out my post shared last year of my walks along the Côte de Granit Rose and where I stayed during my visit.

Explore all of the Posts shared during this year’s French Week