Marche De Arceaux is a well known and popular market held under the arches of Aqueduc Saint-Clement, also known as the aqueduct des Arceux. This market is considered an institution of Montpellier, this market takes place Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 1:30 pm. It is an accessible market for all being able to be reached via bus, tram, bike, or even walking. The market’s proximity is also close to the Place Royale du Peyrou which is also a noteworthy, located right above the market right by the Arch. The aqueduct itself has a rich history, having been built in the 18th century to supply water for Montpellier. It connects the Saint-Clément source to the Château d’eau on the Promenade du Peyrou, stretching over 14 kilometers. This construction allowed for the enabling of Montpellier to have its numerous downtown fountains. The market is now located under the centuries old aqueduct.
https://www.montpellier-tourisme.fr/decouvrir/vins-et-gastronomie/ou-faire-son-marche/c-est-jour-de-marche-aux-arceaux/
The Marche De Arceaux is often renowned for its strong emphasis on local and organic products. This market rotates around 80 different vendors from around the region spanning across the South-East side of France. Many of these vendors are local producers from the Occitanie region, and proudly representing their work through their goods and produce. You can find cheese makers from Aveyron, bakers from the Hauts Cantons, market gardeners from the Plaine de Mauguio, and beekeepers from Lozère, among other vendors at the market. Many vendors at the market pride themselves in using all organic practices, showcasing AB organic labels along with others, while other vendors may be seen reselling imported goods for consumer preferences, it was also made known while the market does accept a large amount of vendors that do resell imported goods as it is not solely a “farmers market”.
The market offers a wide array of food items that would delight any taste pallet. These include farm-fresh produce such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, and pre-made hot foods. You can find producers, refiners of cheese, bakers, butchers, and even fish mongers at this market creating a diverse market catering to the preferences of plenty. Though the market may be seen as a primary spot for your local produce it also acts as a communal area, when at the market it was obvious to see that this space brought together a wider community of individuals who were set on the idea of supporting local produce.
https://www.montpellier-tourisme.fr/decouvrir/vins-et-gastronomie/ou-faire-son-marche/c-est-jour-de-marche-aux-arceaux/
https://www.montpellier-tourisme.fr/decouvrir/vins-et-gastronomie/ou-faire-son-marche/c-est-jour-de-marche-aux-arceaux/
After conversing with many of the vendors at the market, it was obvious that Le Marche De Arceaux is the largest and most popular market in Montpellier, and that many of the vendors only attend this market for that particular reason. Consumers have made it known that this market holds a special place to the hearts of many in Montpellier, being a vibrant and historically significant market to Montpellier, it is very obvious that it continues to thrive and enrich the community of Montpellier.
Citations
https://www.montpellier-tourisme.fr/decouvrir/vins-et-gastronomie/ou-faire-son-marche/c-est-jour-de-marche-aux-arceaux/