We awoke from a wonderful night of sleep, showered, had our caffeine fix and excited headed out. Why? Well, it was Saturday, and I'd heard so much about the Saturday Market in Beaune. And it really delivered.
Stretching from Les Halles outward, it is a wonderful sprawling maze of deliciousness. Such colors, such fragrances….
With items that made me wish we were spending another few days here.
And it's not only food items….
And while we saw a few tourists; there was a distinctive "local" vibe to the place. From folks catching up on things while buying some produce…..
To one of the local pooches working his way around a walnut.
After taking a quick loop, we decided on the vendors we wanted to hit up. We bought a baguette; possible the best of the trip from the gentleman right outside the Halles.
Right inside the market hall, is a booth full of….loveliness…..of the foie gras variety.
He was REALLY generous with samples. So after doing our rounds we returned and he greeted us with a laugh and a smile. We'd definitely take some foie gras; but also really loved something else he carried.
Yes, that is a smoked duck breast stuffed with foie gras! Problem was, there was no way we'd be able to finish a whole one. The solution? The gentleman joyfully sold us the display!
There was a wonderful charcuterie stand at the back of the market.
We stood in line patiently with the rest of the customers and after working with the really friendly staff had our picks wrapped and ready.
This is my favorite market in France. In the afternoon it turns into a Antiques Market.
Saturdays 9am to 1pm.
It was still not even 10am, so we headed back to the apartment to stow away our bounty. And head back out to breath in the beautiful countryside.
We headed out of Beaune and into the village of Pernand-Vergelesses; to the small streets above the village. There we found the site of the oratory of Notre-Dame de Bonne Espérance (Our Lady of Good Hope). Right in front of the statue is quite a view.
That looks like it comes straight out of a postcard…..
We wandered about a bit more……sometimes taking little side streets…..
Then headed back for an early lunch.
This was a wonderful meal. We'd have enough for lunch on the train back to Paris the next morning.
As I sat back; glass of wine in hand and had "that moment". The one where I realize that this is the payoff for all the long hours and hard work the Missus and I put in. This is why we do it!
Thanks for reading!