Marvellous marché
The Marché des Arceaux is one of the best street markets I’ve ever been to. It's located under the arches of the gigantic aqueduct behind the famous landmark water tower (from which you can get magnificent views of Montpellier). Lots of people think the aqueduct is Roman, it isn’t, and neither is the Arc de Triomphe in front of it. It might seem that’s there’s a bit of a Roman feeling to this town but in fact they were never there.
Marche des Arceaux is in the Peyroux district, a little way west of the old town and easily walkable though you can hop on the brilliant tram service if you prefer. In the summer months stalls groan under the weight of fresh fruit, huge cherries, melons and strawberries. Old ladies with baskets and old men with plastic bags wander along eyeing the produce, occasionally reaching out to taste before they buy. The smell of lavender and cheese, just baked bread, warm fruit and slowly roasting chickens is nothing short of drool-worthy. The stalls are shaded by plane trees and there is all manner of fabulous food and produce here. Most people miss this market – don’t, it’s wonderful!
There’s also a covered market, Les Halles, in the old town, where you can buy fresh produce and sit at a table outside and enjoy your feast straight away!