Les Halles d'Avignon (Avignon Market Halls), Avignon (must see)

Avignon Market Halls (Les Halles d'Avignon) located on Pie Square (Place Pie) in the heart of Avignon, is a vibrant marketplace that has become synonymous with the city's gastronomic culture. This covered market, also known as Central Halls (Halles Centrales), hosts around fifty traders offering a diverse range of high quality products including bread, cheese, fruits, vegetables, poultry, pastries, delicatessen items, shellfish, flowers, and both organic and exotic goods. Renowned authors like Peter Mayle and Jean Viard have celebrated the market, solidifying its reputation as a culinary hotspot.

A unique feature of Market Halls is the impressive 600 square meters green wall on the north façade, designed by botanist Patrick Blanc, which adds to the market's distinct allure and serves as a significant city attraction.

The origins of Market Halls trace back to the 16th century when the land, once owned by a man executed as a heretic, was designated for a covered market. Though construction was slow, the market hall was eventually completed in 1624, featuring not just shops but also a guardhouse and a chapel. Over the centuries, the market evolved, with major redevelopment projects taking place in the 19th and 20th centuries. Notably, the first iron market hall was installed in 1864, and a major construction project commenced in 1898, resulting in the current halls being inaugurated in 1899.

Throughout its history, Market Halls has undergone numerous changes, including a roof redesign in the 1920s and various structural modernizations in the mid-20th century, adapting to the shifting commercial landscape with the advent of supermarkets and the subsequent need for downtown revitalization.

Today, Avignon Market Halls is not just a market but a lively community hub where, every Saturday since 2006, chefs and artisans from Greater Avignon engage with visitors through live cooking demonstrations using fresh ingredients from the market. This tradition not only highlights the rich culinary heritage of Avignon but also offers a hands-on experience for food enthusiasts looking to learn and share in the artistry of local cuisine.