The Most Beautiful Markets in the Lot

Foie gras, truffles, saffron, Cabécou cheese, Cahors wine: the Lot region can also be explored through its markets. Whether you’re staying at the Slow Village Mas de Saboth or elsewhere in the department, here’s a selection of the Lot’s finest markets—from major city events to small farmers’ markets—along with our tips for shopping at the market and bringing home gourmet specialties from the Quercy region.

The Markets of the Lot: A Way of Life

Markets set the pace of life in the department. There, you’ll meet farmers, ranchers, and artisans who love to talk about their work, and you’ll find the very best the Lot region has to offer: seasonal fruits and vegetables, goat cheese, deli meats, poultry, honey, saffron, craft beers, and Cahors wines. Dates and hours vary by season: it’s best to check with the tourist office before you go.

Figeac and Gourdon: Two Country Markets

In Figeac, the weekly market brings the town to life with goat cheese, jams, pastries, and crafts, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere: it’s the perfect opportunity to stroll through the historic center and visit the Champollion Museum. In Gourdon, the market is held on Saturdays in the town center, featuring local producers, artisans, and a variety of stalls.

Castelnau Montratier, the Summer Farmers' Market

In the summer, lively market nights featuring concerts bring together local producers at Place Gambetta, where you can enjoy platters of food to eat right there. The dates change every year, so it’s best to check with the tourist office. It’s a great idea for a food-focused outing with family or friends.

Lalbenque, the truffle market

From December through early March, the Lalbenque truffle market takes place on Tuesday afternoons. The sale follows a specific ritual in the early afternoon—it’s best not to be late. Demonstrations and gourmet tastings offer visitors a chance to learn about truffles and truffle hunting.

Vers and Martel: Markets on a Human Scale

About 1 km from the Slow Village Mas de Saboth, the small “Marché des Saveurs de Vers” market brings together about ten vendors selling fresh, regional products in the summer, on Thursday late afternoons at the Place du Communal. On some evenings, events are organized around a communal meal. In Martel, the “town of seven towers,” the market hall hosts a traditional market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Our Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Markets in the Lot

• Come early: the best items sell out fast, and the morning air is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Bring a shopping bag and a cooler if you're bringing home cheese or cold cuts in the summer.
• Try before you buy: producers are happy to offer tastings.
• Mix up your outings: large city markets in the morning, farmers’ markets in the evening during the summer, and truffle markets in the winter.
• Check the days and times with the tourist information offices; they vary by season.

What local products should you bring back from the Lot?

Among the local specialties of the Lot region, Rocamadour cheese, saffron, walnuts, Cahors wine, foie gras, and Quercy pastis are the classics to pack in your suitcase after your stay at Slow Village.