Charenton-le-Pont, Market

Hello,

I am writing this on Saturday, the best day to visit the excellent marché (market) in neighbouring Charenton.  It is about a 13-minute walk from the Centre, so people in this area often make the trek in weather good or ill.  In some ways, the market is overwhelming.  I really ought to count the number of vendors for each item.

As we approach the market from the south, we are greeted with a long line of vendors selling all sorts of dried goods, often at a good price (and likely not the best quality).

Once inside the enormous room, we find all sorts of goodies.  Sadly, we didn't need to buy much today, since we have recently splurged on the local market.

White asparagus is in season.  People seem to purchase it in quantity, several bags at a time.  Lots of peeling ahead, but it must be good.   

This fishmonger was explaining how to kill and cook a live crab.  Not all that large a specimen, but with a bit of butter it could be quite lovely.

These are mushrooms of all types, piles of them.

Fresh rabbits all stretched out, ready to be enjoyed.

Horse meat all wrapped up, ready to be baked.  I had some once, but all I remember is that it is quite lean and dry.

Pork is more to my liking.

I like the pile of radishes, which are obviously in season.

This shop sells bio wines, which have been raised without chemicals.

It's hard to see, but this is an enormous lineup at a vegetable stand which is very popular.  It stretches the length of the stall and then around to the centre of the side with the cashier.

Eggs are seldom refrigerated in France.  If they are sufficiently fresh, and moved/sold rapidly, all is well.  Our eggs are seldom quite as fresh as these.  You might also remember that most (good) cookbooks ask that the eggs be at room temperature. 

I purchased the cold salmon cuts (bottom left) and a quiche (centre), so we're set for several more lunches.

Some more lineups.

The bakery just outside the market is reputed to be one of the area's best.  Since the lineup went out the door and well onto the sidewalk, I decided not to wait.  They will be less busy on a non-market day.

Otherwise, not much to add.  Janice is kindly doing our laundry so that I will be well-supplied for my four-day trip next week.  I will rest a bit after lunch, then review the scores before heading to Michel's for a final rehearsal before our répétition général (dress rehearsal, but open to the public for free).  If Janice gets any photos, I'll post them.

Evan