15 Vendors Likely To Be At A French Market

Not all markets are created equal.  Some are more interesting than others, some more Organic, more ethnic or more 'flea market' than food. There are, however, certain types of vendors you can count on at most every market from the center of Paris to the little square of the teeniest village in France.  This list  explains the 15 vendors you are sure to find at most markets - though not in any particular order.

1) The Cheese Vendor: Traditionally, there were some 300 regional cheeses made in France.  Now the number is well over 1000.  Many are protected by the AOC designation (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) meaning that  they have a specific French geographical origin. (This tradition BTW, dates back to the 15th century and began with Roquefort cheese)  Some cheese stands are exclusively French, while others have branched out to Italian and English. Keep your eyes open for the small producers too. These fellows generally feature one type of cheese - say goat - made from the milk of their own flock. There is plenty to choose from, you can ask for a taste, so don't be shy! 

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