Les Halles de Narbonne — Local services in Narbonne

The covered market Les Halles in Narbonne was probably voted the most beautiful market in France in 2022 by the regional daily press. This is incomprehensible. They are not superlative either as a building or in terms of the variety of exhibitors or goods on offer. Rather average for the country. Nevertheless, Les Halles are well worth a visit. On a Sunday in September, we saw groups of friends chatting happily over wine or beer with market specialties. At “Oh Saveurs des terroirs!” we bought delicious quiche and pâté at a fair price and were given friendly and competent advice in English by the young lady. At “Le Central Fruit”, the employee possibly took advantage of our tourist status and cluelessness when buying...

We caught the train from Perpignan and visitedes Halles and Narbonne for the first time yesterday where we spent two hours happily wandering the hallways looking and then buying interesting food and wine. Another reviewer had recommended Bebel as a place for lunch, and I think that was a popular review as people were lined up for there waiting for seats. We chose instead a Spanish tapas bar which had a very large selection of wines you could buy by the bottle or glass. Because it was close to Christmas, the Christmas markets were on across the canal and although not very busy at around 1.30pm, these provided a great place for a glass of vin chaud and some people watching. We are hoping to go back once more before we...

Vibrant and intoxicating atmosphere of colour, sound, smells and every sort of delicious food. Not just fresh fish, meat, game cheeses and vegetables of every colour and shape but lots and lots of pre-prepared pies, pasties, cakes, cakes and stews. The biggest volovants you've ever seen stuffed with ris de veau. Lots of places to sit and sample some wares or to have a coffee or a glass of something stronger. Have them fry up some fresh fish in front of you. Just beware the "open 365 days" thing. That's hideously misleading. The Halles might be open but 70% of the stalls might be dark. Midday or 1pm. January. Around holidays. Some days it's vibrant and thriving....