Markets in SW France
 

I'm familiar with the markets in Provence
with their tablecloths, soaps, olivewood
bowls, etc., but I'd love to know what kinds
of 'things' are sold in the Dordogne, Lot,
Basque-lands and L-R markets. Not edible
stuff but local craft-y specialities.

Also, please tell me about your favorite
markets........

TIA!

In the Dordogne - well, specifically in the Périgord Noir - a lot of the same vendors show up at the markets, so there isn't TOO much variation between markets. That said, the best market is the biggest in Sarlat, followed by the ones designated as "marchés de France" - Le Bugue, Lalinde, St-Cyprien.

The only things not edible that I would say are truly indigenous to the Dordogne are the vendors selling fossils and stones and minerals. Otherwise, as all over France, the markets are becoming homogenized. We have the provençal tablecloth guy and the second-hand clothing guy, and a woman who sells beautiful handmade sweaters, and the used book people, and some local artists selling watercolors and oils, and the candle lady, and several jewelry guys, and the toy man.....but really, not that much outside the edible category that's a local specialty.
It in the edible category that the local specialties shine.

I'm with StCirq on this. baskets and berets are the specialities in our local market in Trie; although, what I LOVE are the flowers.

Merci, mes amies fordoriques - I know
exactly what you are saying. Now,
how about favorite brocante markets -
not necessarily upscale but interesting.

Again, thank you.

In the Dordogne, there are no "fixed" brocante markets that I know of. There are, however, many brocante stores. Any tourist office or bookstore will have a small publication that lists all the brocante fairs for the season, as well as advertisements from stores. It sells for 5 € and comes out around Easter each year.

Sarlat has some local potters doing very nice work (and expensive). It also has a more commercial pottery shop on the little square with the bronze goose. Alain Lagorsse, a coppersmith from St. Amand de Coly used to have a stand in the Saturday market during the summer; it was located on the main street that cuts through Sarlat. His stuff is beautiful but expensive.

Thanks for all the information, folks!