Why does the Hossegor market attract so many people?

When asked what market to go to in the Landes? Our answer is the Hossegor market! It's not the biggest market in the Landes, yet it attracts an exceptional crowd. We'll tell you why you absolutely must visit it.

A market with a holiday flavour

For many holidaymakers in the Landes region, the Hossegor market is THE place to go to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, a pleasant way to take your time and leave with your meal ready. This traditional market, which is held in the town centre near Les Halles, is a delight with its cheerful bustle and varied offerings. You can stroll from one stall to the next, move on, retrace your steps and chat to the shopkeepers... If you're allergic to crowds, come early in the morning, as soon as it opens (9am), because this market is very busy.

A huge display of stalls of all kinds

The Hossegor open-air market takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays from mid-June to the end of September, and on Sundays until November. People come here to do a bit of shopping, pick up a bargain, find an original souvenir to bring back from their camping holiday in the Landes, or simply for the pleasure of a stroll.

This seasonal market is packed with stalls selling mainly non-food products: women's, men's, children's and baby's ready-to-wear, linen clothing, bohemian dresses, ethnic chic prints, t-shirts with the "Hossegor" logo, shoes, leather goods, hats, costume jewellery and other fashion accessories that are all the rage on the beach in summer. Paintings and watercolours, as well as other decorative items such as cushion covers, tablecloths and Basque fabrics, are also on display. And of course, as at every market in France and the rest of the world, the hawkers are also on hand with their gadgets of all kinds.

A "food market" under Les Halles

What makes the Hossegor market so special is the Halles, with its relaxed atmosphere and delicious tapas. There are vendors selling fruit and vegetables, butchers, charcuterie, fish and seafood, wines, cheeses, as well as a good selection of Basque and Landes products (delicatessen, charcuterie, Spanish specialities, etc.). Prices may be a little higher, but the quality is there.

The other advantage is that you can have a drink or eat on the spot, seated or standing on the corner of a counter or around a large convivial table. You can choose between oysters from Lake Hossegor, tapas and other local dishes. Be patient, as the market bodega is never empty! You'll have to wait a good twenty minutes or more to get a seat.

Several weekly events

The traditional market in Hossegor town centre has several weekly dates, depending on the season:

- every Wednesday: from 1 June to 30 September

- every Friday: from 15 June to 15 September

- every Sunday: from Sunday 31 March to Sunday 3 November

BONUS: a country market (local producers) is held all year round on Saturday mornings at the Soorts fronton from 8am to 1pm; an evening craft market at Parc Rosny, every Sunday in July and August, from 7pm to 11.30pm.

Our advice on the best way to shop

- During the summer season, come before 10am to avoid rush hour. It's easier to find a parking space. Be careful where you park, as the municipal police are quick to issue fines!

- Make sure you have some cash with you, as some shops only accept cash. Just a few minutes' walk from the Hossegor market, you'll find several cash dispensers where you can withdraw money easily if necessary.

- To reduce your ecological footprint, take a basket, tote bag or trolley with wheels.

- Take the time to look around the market before you buy. This will give you an overview of the different stalls and the products on offer (quality, price, origin, etc.).

- Ask the shopkeepers for advice: don't be shy! Strike up a conversation with local producers. Ask them questions about their products, how they are prepared and preserved, and even recipe ideas.