Where is France’s Best Market?

The historic Marché des Halles de Béziers has been crowned Plus Beau Marché de France 2025 by viewers of TF1’s lunchtime news, beating 23 other markets.

The Marché de Royan (Poitou-Charentes) took second place and the Marché de Bergues (Nord-Pas-de-Calais) third in what is the eighth season of the competition.

The Halles de Béziers, built in 1891 in Place Pierre Semard in the heart of the Hérault city, is a listed Historic Monument and a striking example of Baltard-style architecture. During renovation works in 2024, which cost €20m, Roman-era remains were discovered, including a rare 2nd-century mosaic, further bolstering Béziers’ claim to be France’s oldest city.

Les Halles, which stands on the site once occupied by the medieval Saint-Félix church, has more than 20 stalls, offering a Mediterranean mix of oysters, Moroccan specialities, Lebanese mezze, cheeses and artisanal bread. Locals flock to favourites like La Maison d’Ambre, Pizza Mothy and the Biterran Creamery, as well as traditional fishmongers, butchers and fruit and veg stalls. There are also two restaurants, making it the perfect place for a spot of lunch, as sunlight pours through the vast glass roof and banda music adds to the atmosphere. Also be sure to explore the Passage Saint-Félix, the elegant Belle Epoque covered walkway running through the market.

Previous winners of the contest are Sanary-sur-Mer (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), Montbrison (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), Dieppe (Normandie), Étaples-sur-Mer (Hauts-de-France), Narbonne (Occitanie), La Réole (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and Niort (Nouvelle-Aquitaine). Les Halles de Béziers is open Tue-Sat 8am-3pm & 6pm-11pm, Sun 8am-5pm, closed Mondays.

From France Today Magazine

Lead photo credit : Halles Biltoki@Karinegregoire