Sunday in Divonne

No matter how many times I go to the Sunday market in Divonne it is always interesting.  Growing up in a city, I never really went to a farmers' market, although there was one in the area.  In France most places have an open-air market twice a week; yes even in Paris. 

Every Sunday vendors get up very early and set-up their stalls in Divonne.  Most come from the Rhone -Alps region of France, but some others travel longer distances. They have everything from vegetables, fruit and meat to clothes and mattresses.  The local shops such as the bakery and butcher are also open on Sundays.  Going shopping at the market is a very different experience.  You need to know what to buy.  You need to know how to buy.  There are no pre-package items. There are no frozen items.  The vegetables which are available are those of the the season.  In spring you find strawberries and asparagus.  In summer there are many stands with apricots and cherries.  In fall  mushrooms and pumpkins are readily available.  Today walking through the market, we saw all of the fall foods.  Even in the bakery the pies are made most from pears and apples, two fruits which are in plenty of supply at this time of year. 

One of the interesting places is the fish market.  On display are many kinds of seafood.  Some I would have no idea of how to cook.  You find octopus, shrimp, oysters, and many types of fish.  And if you like you can even eat oysters on the spot and have some white wine with them. 

I completely understand why people go to the market on Sundays to buy fresh food.  Not many stores are open in this area on Sundays.  I don't get it why one would go there and by a mattress.  Nevertheless there are people there selling mattresses and other small household furniture.  Additionally, there are booths of baked chickens.  These seem to be rather popular, because there are usually long lines in front of them.  In summer you will find a large pan of paella.  It looks good, but I have never ventured to try it.  Now that it is turning cold, you can buy choucroute.  Years ago, I was not a fan of choucroute, but I must admit on a very cold day, a good choucroute and some white wine are ideal. 


Local markets are very interesting.  The shopping experience is completely different than than in an American supermarket.  As we were walking around, we noticed a new booth.  A lady was selling an escargot product.  She saw us curiously looking and reading the information, so she came to explain all about it.  Vendors love to take the time to talk to customers.


Besides the different types of foods are the people from different countries. While Divonne is on the border of France and Switzerland, you hear people speaking English, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Arabic, as well as French. The community around Divonne is very international.