Markets in the French Alps: weekly markets in Haute-Savoie and the Portes du Soleil

Visiting markets during your vacation in France

During a holiday in France, the daily rhythm often naturally changes. While at home, you begin the day with a full agenda; on a holiday in the mountains, the morning is more relaxed. You wake up in your chalet or apartment in the Alps. When you open a window, you see the morning sun rising above the mountaintops, gradually illuminating the valley. A soft mist still hangs in the valley as the village slowly comes to life. On such mornings, many villages take part in a tradition: the markets in the French Alps.

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This article contains information on the following topics

  • Visiting markets during your vacation in France
  • The location of Haute-Savoie and the Portes du Soleil
  • How Alpine markets are different from other French markets
  • An overview of markets in the Portes du Soleil
  • Locations and opening hours of the markets
  • Which villages have which markets
  • Summer and winter markets
  • Typical regional products from Savoye
  • Practical tips for when visiting a market
  • Combining market visits with activities
  • Markets in other regions of France
  • Frequently asked questions

Where are Haute-Savoie and the Portes du Soleil located?

The Haute-Savoie region

This article focuses on the markets in Haute-Savoie, a region in eastern France, bordering Switzerland. The area between Lake Geneva and the Alps is known for mountain landscapes, alpine meadows and villages that attract many visitors all year round.
Haute-Savoie is a part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is one of the most popular mountain destinations in France. For more information about this region, you can directly visit the website of the French tourism office.

The Portes du Soleil mountain region

The Portes du Soleil mountain region is in Haute-Savoie. This area stretches across the borders of France and Switzerland and consists of various villages connected by winding mountain roads and modern lifts. In winter, this is one of the largest ski areas in Europe, with slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers. When the snow has melted in summer, Portes du Soleil becomes attractive to hikers, cyclists and nature lovers. You can find more information about this mountain area on this page.

De villages of the Vallée d’Abondance

In the French part of the Portes du Soleil, you will find several villages located in the Abondance valley.

  • Abondance
  • La Chapelle d’Abondance
  • Châtel
  • Morzine
  • Les Gets

Many tourists stay in these villages or go to visit them from their Alpine chalet. Local markets are within ten to fifteen minutes’ reach of the FranceComfort AlpResort and AlpChalets holiday parks. Since each market takes place on a different day, you can visit several markets during a week on your vacation.

What to expect from an Alpine market

Markets in the French Alps are usually smaller and quieter than markets in big cities. They are often cosy village markets, where locals and visitors gather in a friendly atmosphere. It is precisely this small-scale vibe that makes a visit to an Alpine market attractive. If you arrive at the village square at around eight o’clock, you will see the first vendors busy setting up their stalls. The local baker neatly arranges freshly baked bread on wooden boards. Further along, you will see a cheesemonger carefully slicing a large wheel of Abondance cheese. Not to miss, at another stall, are jars of honey from the mountains, ready to be bought.

The first visitors slowly enter. Some people prefer to walk around and look at all the stalls before buying anything. Others have only one goal and head straight to their favourite stand. For many tourists, a morning at such a market unfolds as follows:

  • First, a cup of coffee with a treat
  • Then, stroll leisurely past the stalls
  • Sample a piece of cheese or sausage
  • Buy bread and fruit for lunch
  • Perhaps get takeaway honey or jam

Later in the day, visitors often use what they bought from the market for a nice, simple lunch on the balcony or terrace of their chalet. During a vacation in the French Alps, it is often these simple moments that make the stay truly special.

What is the difference compared to other French markets?

France is famous for its markets. There is a weekly market in almost every region, and each region has its own vibe.
In Provence, the markets are often big, full of life and with an explosion of colour. In Dordogne, you will find stalls packed with foie gras, walnuts and the best regional wines. In the Alps, the markets are mostly on the smaller side and have a distinct mountainous charm. The markets are easy to visit from the location of your holiday home in France.

Local products from Savoy

Items sold in Alpine markets are a part of daily life in the mountains.

Typical Alpine market goods are:

  • Cheeses from Savoy, such as Abondance and Reblochon
  • Cured meats such as dried sausages
  • Honey from alpine flowers
  • Bread and pastries from village bakeries
  • Mountain herbs
  • Local liquors such as génépi

Astonishingly, many vendors are the producers themselves. So, it is likely that the person behind the stall selling cheese or honey has made and sourced it themselves. This personal element adds to the speciality and experience of Alpine markets.

Which markets are there in the Portes du Soleil?

Abondance market – Sunday

On Sundays, the Abondance market takes place, one of the most authentic markets of the region. Located in the heart of the Abondance Valley, this market is known for its famous Abondance cheese. The market takes place in the centre of the village, near the Abbaye d’Abondance.

As you walk through the market, you will notice that many products come from the immediate area. Local farmers offer their cheeses, beekeepers present their jars full of honey, and bakers from the village sell freshly baked bread and croissants.

The market starts around eight o'clock and lasts until about half past twelve. Because the market takes place on Sundays, it is visited by locals as well as tourists. The cheese stalls are often the biggest attraction. The vendor cuts pieces of the cheese for visitors to try. Many visitors combine a trip to the market with a visit to the abbey. After strolling around the market, many visitors stay to sit on a terrace and relax for a while. Find out more at Information about Haute-Savoie.

Châtel market – Wednesday

The Châtel market takes place every Wednesday. Located in the vicinity of Place de l’Église along the main street, this market is one of the largest markets in the region. It is open from 08:00 AM to 13:00 PM.

In the beginning hours, it is often still quiet. Vendors are setting up their stalls while locals are occupied with their shopping. Around 10:00 AM, the crowd starts to pick up, especially during the summer months.

In comparison to smaller village markets, this market offers a greater variety of goods to purchase. You will not only find regional products but also clothes, accessories and handmade items.

In the centre of Châtel, there are terraces and shops close together, enticing many visitors to remain in the village for a while after seeing the market. Châtel is one of the most popular villages in the Portes du Soleil and is well worth a visit during your holiday in this region.

Which market suits your holiday best?

If you are spending several days in the Portes du Soleil, there are plenty of markets to visit.

Market

Feature

Morzine

Largest market

Châtel

Variety of goods

Les Gets

Charming village square

Abondance

Local market

During their holiday in France, many travellers choose to visit multiple markets. When you stay in a FranceComfort chalet or apartment, you will often find yourself in one of these charming villages in no time.

La Chapelle d’Abondance market – Monday

La Chapelle d’Abondance is located a little further down the valley, towards Châtel. This small village is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests. During the summer months, a small village market is held, usually along the main street. It is within walking distance of your holiday home in the Alps.

Although this market is not as big as those in Morzine or Châtel, it still attracts many visitors who are staying in the Haute-Savoie region. As you stroll through the market, you will often come across a mix of local products and artisan stalls.

Many visitors combine a trip to this market with a walk through the mountains. There are many possibilities. FranceComfort provides you with plenty of information about other activities in the region.

Morzine market – Wednesday

The Wednesday morning market in Morzine is one of the most popular weekly markets in the Portes du Soleil. Located in the heart of the area, Morzine attracts visitors from surrounding villages. As a result, the market is often larger than those in smaller villages. Stalls are found in the village centre, around Place de l’Église and in the nearby streets.

When you visit the market, you will be welcomed by a diverse range of products. You will find cheeses from Savoy, fruit and vegetables from the Rhône Valley, artisanal bread, honey from the Alps and charcuterie.

The market usually opens around eight o'clock. To be able to browse comfortably, it is recommended to arrive early because the market gets busier from ten o'clock. This is especially true during peak season. After visiting the market, many people go to see the centre and or enjoy lunch. For more information, please refer to the page about Morzine-Avoriaz.

Les Gets market – Thursday

The Thursday morning market in Les Gets offers a very different atmosphere from the markets in Morzine or Châtel. This charming mountain village in the French Alps, with its wooden chalets and a cosy, compact centre, has a unique air to it. This market takes place on the Place du Village. There are cafes and restaurants surrounding the square, providing an ideal place for taking a break.

Additionally, this market is fun to visit for families with children. The market usually starts around eight o'clock and lasts until about half past twelve. The stalls are filled with local products such as honey, sausage, cheese, jam and syrups. There are often souvenirs too.

As the village square is not very large, one hour is enough time to enjoy the market. Many visitors combine their visit to the market with a pleasant walk in the surrounding area or with a nice lunch. Read more about the village of Les Gets.

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Best time to visit a market

Many tourists wonder about the best time to visit a market. In general, there are three time periods:

Early morning (08:00 – 09:30)
Quiet atmosphere, plenty of time to sample products.

Mid-morning (09:30 – 11:00)
Most stalls are open; there is more activity.

Late morning (11:00 – 12:30)
Busier, but often still a pleasant atmosphere.

Those who prefer to stroll at ease are recommended to go early when it is less crowded.

Summer markets in the French Alps

The markets in the French Alps come to life during the summer months. Many holiday goers flock to the region, resulting in an impressive array of stalls and a wide range of products.
If you visit a market in the Portes du Soleil during July or August, you will find a village square transformed into a place of gathering. Here, locals do their weekly shopping, walkers pause to rest while tourists browse the stalls.

In the summer, the village square fills early with residents, hikers, and holidaymakers. While strolling past the stalls, your eyes can feast on the view of beautiful mountains surrounding the village. Visitors enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice as they look over the village square. Many tourists do their shopping for dinner and later enjoy it on the terrace of their chalet or apartment. A slice of fresh bread with some cheese and sweet fruit from the market makes a simple yet delicious meal, to be enjoyed with a background of an impressive mountain landscape.

Winter markets in the Portes du Soleil

Markets can also be found in the villages of the Portes du Soleil during the winter months. However, they are usually somewhat smaller in scale in comparison to the summer months. During the season of winter sports, there are often some stalls set up in the heart of the village. They sell mainly local delicacies that are enjoyed in the cold weather. After a morning of skiing in the Alps, you can stroll through the village and every now and then come across stands offering cheese, sausage, or hot drinks. At the winter markets, you will discover products such as Abondance cheese, Reblochon, Savoyard sausage, hot waffles and mulled wine. Delicious and enjoyable after a session of cross-country skiing with your family or friends.

In some villages, small Christmas markets are organised around this holiday. The wooden stalls, Christmas lights and the scent of hot drinks create a cosy ambience. For the winter sports enthusiasts, it is a pleasant activity to stroll through the village after a day on the slopes. Take a piece of cheese or sausage with you for the evening! Find more information on Winter sports in the Portes du Soleil.

Regional Products from Savoy

An important element of a visit to an Alpine market is the regional products from Savoy. The culinary traditions of this region are closely intertwined with life in the mountains. Many dishes are based on ingredients that are produced and grown in the mountains.
At markets in the Portes du Soleil, you will often come across various cheeses, cured meats, and other regional products. For more information about these delicious cheeses, please visit the fromages de Savoie page.

Well-known regional products include:

  • Abondance cheese
  • Reblochon
  • Tomme de Savoie
  • Savoyard sausage
  • génépi liqueur
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Abondance cheese

Abondance cheese is one of the most famous cheeses from this region. This French cheese has been produced in the Abondance Valley for centuries. The secret? The milk for the cheese comes from cows that roam freely in the mountains. This gives the cheese its distinctive flavour. Abondance cheese is often used in traditional Savoy dishes but can also simply be enjoyed on a slice of bread. In many markets in the area, there are stalls where you can buy this cheese directly from local producers. You can sample different ages of cheese, from young cheeses which have a mild flavour to older varieties that have a stronger aroma.

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Reblochon

Reblochon is a creamy cheese that originates from the Thônes region. This delicious cheese is of great importance in the Savoyard cuisine and has been produced for centuries from the milk of cows that graze on the vast mountain pastures. One of the most famous dishes that uses this cheese is tartiflette, a casserole made of potatoes, bacon, and, of course, cheese. Reblochon cheese has a soft texture and a subtle nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with hearty mountain dishes. If you visit the markets in the Portes du Soleil, you will often come across various versions of Reblochon.

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Tomme de Savoie

Tomme de Savoie is a semi-hard cheese known for its mild, slightly nutty flavour and characteristic natural rind. This cheese is made from cow milk sourced from the Alps. You will often find it on a cheeseboard or in hot dishes. Local artisanal producers from the region like to sell this cheese at markets where it is a beloved treat. In the Portes du Soleil, you can find the opportunity to taste this delicious cheese from the producer before deciding to buy. Furthermore, some vendors offer a variety of ages of cheese, ensuring an interesting assortment of flavours.

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Génépi

Génépi is a herbal liqueur from the Alps. This liqueur is made from a plant that grows at high altitudes in the mountains. The taste is a blend of herbs and aromas, with a subtle bitterness that is characteristic of the mountain flora. Traditionally, génépi is consumed after a meal as a kind of digestif. In countless mountain villages in the Alps, you can find small artisanal producers making this liqueur according to their own recipes. During your visit to the French Alps, you can often discover small producers at local markets, selling their own bottles of génépi. Many tourists take a bottle of génépi back home as a souvenir.

The cuisine of Savoy

Regional products seen at markets form the basis of Savoyard cuisine. Many dishes from this region are hearty and suited to the mountain climate. Famous dishes include raclette, fondue savoyarde, tartiflette, and crûtes with mountain cheese.
When you buy products at the market, you can use them later to prepare a simple meal in your chalet or apartment. Would you like to know more? Check out Inspiration for local cuisine.

The atmosphere at an Alpine market

A visit to an Alpine market is made special by more than just the food and the products sold; it is the atmosphere. On the village square, residents and visitors will mingle. People take the time to talk to one another and admire the various products. Vendors offer you a taste of their cheese. The vibe is great in the market where stalls supply honey from the mountains and freshly baked bread.

Practical tips for visiting an Alpine market

A visit to a market in the Portes du Soleil is often a non-negotiable part of a vacation. There, you sample a piece of creamy cheese, buy something tasty for later and have a chat with a vendor. Later, you relax on a cosy terrace with a beautiful view of the mountains. From a stay in any of the holiday homes from FranceComfort or at one of the holiday parks, the markets are easily accessible. A morning where you choose to go to the market makes for a relaxed start to a holiday day in the French Alps. With the following handy tips, you can ensure that your market experience is even more enjoyable.

  • Bring a shopping bag to hold what you will buy
  • Bring cash for smaller stalls
  • Taste food before you buy
  • Combine your visit with another activity
  • Bring your snow chains during the winter months
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Combining a trip to the market with other activities

Touring a market usually takes about one to two hours, after which you still have a large portion of the day ahead of you. The Portes du Soleil offers numerous possibilities for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Many holidaymakers thus choose to combine a morning at the market with an activity in the mountains. Such popular combinations include:

Multi Pass in the Abondance valley

The Multi Pass offers many opportunities for activities such as mountain lifts, swimming pools, and bike parks. Read about this popular discount card here.

Touristic villages around markets

The Portes du Soleil markets are situated in touristic villages that are certainly worth visiting, even on non-market days. Many of these villages feature a charming historic centre with wooden chalets, cosy shops, and charming cafes.
If you further wish to explore the region from your holiday home in the French Alps, there are plenty of other villages to discover in the beautiful Abondance valley.
For more information on this, please visit tourist places in the French Alps.

Markets in other regions of France

France is famous for its markets. Each market is different according to the region. In the French Alps, the focus is on local products such as cheese, honey, and cured meats. In other areas, there are other products that grab the attention of visitors.

Region

Typical products

Haute-Savoie

Mountain cheeses, honey, charcuterie

Dordogne

Foie gras, walnuts, wine

Provence

Olives, herbs, lavender

Languedoc

Mediterranean vegetables and wine

Poitou-Charentes

Seafood and local cheeses

Below are some examples of regions where markets play an important role.

Dordogne

The markets in the Dordogne are among the most famous in France. In villages such as Sarlat, there are countless stalls with delicious local products. Therefore, a visit to the market often becomes one of the highlights of your holiday in this beautiful region of France. If you would like to learn more about Dordogne and where to stay during a visit, find inspiration for holidaying in the Dordogne and take a look at the page on holiday homes in the Dordogne. For a complete overview of the markets in this region, check out the pages about markets in the Dordogne and Lot.

Provence

In Provence, markets are often organised in large village squares amidst historic buildings. You will find stalls filled with Mediterranean delicacies such as olives, herbs, vegetables, and local regional specialities. If you would like to discover more about this beautiful region, you can visit the page about a holiday in Provence or find inspiration for a stay in a holiday home in Provence. You can find an overview of the markets in this region on the page about markets in Provence and Côte d’Azur.

Poitou-Charentes

In Poitou-Charentes, you will find charming markets in historic villages and small towns, where the attention is on local products. As it is located on the Atlantic coast, seafood is of great importance here, along with delicious regional cheeses and fresh vegetables. Those wishing to learn more about this area can visit the page about a holiday in the Poitou-Charentes and find inspiration for a stay in a holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes. Find an overview of the markets in this region on the page about markets in the Poitou-Charentes.

Languedoc

In the Languedoc, you will often find markets in lively squares surrounded by historic buildings. The stalls are filled with a colourful selection of vegetables, fruits, and local specialities. Moreover, delicious wines from the region hold a prominent place at many of these markets. Learn more about this region on the page on holiday in the Languedoc. You can also find ideas for a stay in the region at holiday home in the Languedoc. Are you also interested in an overview of all the markets? Visit this page for all about markets in the Languedoc.

Parking and accessibility of the markets

The markets in the Portes du Soleil are usually located in the heart of the village, making them easily accessible. In smaller villages such as Abondance and La Chapelle d’Abondance, you can mostly park close to the village square. In larger villages such as Morzine and Châtel, there are various parking lots around the centre.

  • Parking du Pléney in Morzine
  • Parking de l’Office de Tourisme in Morzine
  • Parking du Centre in Châtel
  • Parking des Perrières in Les Gets

If you arrive early in the morning, there is usually plenty of space. Another possibility is to park your car on the outskirts of the village and walk to the centre.

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Winter sports in the Portes du Soleil: reside in the French Alps

A winter sports vacation in the Portes du Soleil entails skiing in a large and varied ski area in the French Alps, while lodging in a comfortable chalet or apartment. From accommodations like AlpResort Portes du Soleil and AlpChalets Portes du Soleil, you can quickly be on the slopes and explore the extensive network of lifts and pistes.

The ski area offers many possibilities for different types of winter sports enthusiasts. For example, you can take beautiful tours via the various ski routes and day ski runs in the Portes du Soleil. There is also a lot to enjoy for families. Find practical tips on this on the page on family-friendly winter sports with children in the Portes du Soleil.

After a day on the slopes, you can relax in a restaurant or wellness centre. Check out the page wellness and après-ski in the Portes du Soleil if you wish to know more. There is also a page with practical information for beginners about skiing for the first time in the Portes du Soleil. In addition, if you need help deciding which village best suits your dream holiday, there is a helpful overview on the page about which village in the Portes du Soleil suits you. Now you can rest assured that your stay in the French Alps will be a complete winter sports experience.

Your stay in the Alps

A holiday in the French Alps means waking up in a cosy and luxurious chalet, surrounded by mountains and blooming alpine meadows. To get to France, there are multiple modes of transport that you can take. For example, you can arrive by plane. It is good to know that if you are travelling by car, you will often encounter toll roads. For detailed information, please visit the page on toll roads, toll badges and Flux Libre.

Furthermore, in some cities, there are environmental regulations which require a Crit’Air sticker. FranceComfort has explained how this works on the page environmental zones in France. For practical information on rules and customs, visit the page Laws and regulations in France.

To prepare for your holiday, good planning is essential. You can find handy packing lists and helpful tips on the website. During your stay, you will most likely do your grocery shopping in local shops. It is handy to remember that there are significant differences between various shops. There is information on this on the page about supermarkets in France.

During your vacation, you can experience French traditions such as Quatorze Juillet and other holidays in France. During these days, special activities are organised. Some tourists enjoy returning to France so much so that they consider buying a home of their own. You can read more about buying a holiday home in France.

Editors: This article is put together by specialists at FranceComfort in close collaboration with local tourist offices in the Haute-Savoie, with advice from the park manager and from the experience of guests who have spent their holidays in the region over the years.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. On what days do the markets in the Portes du Soleil take place?
Sunday: Abondance; Monday: La Chapelle d'Abondance; Wednesday: Châtel, Morzine; Thursday: Les Gets.
2. What time are the markets open?
Open around 08:00 AM until around 12:30 or 1:00 PM.
3. Which market in the Portes du Soleil is the largest?
The Morzine and Châtel markets.
4. Where does the Morzine market take place?
Around Place de l’Église in the centre of the village.
5. What can you buy at an Alpine market?
Cheeses, cured meats, honey, bread, fruit, and artisanal products.
6. Are there markets also during the winter?
Yes, smaller markets and sometimes Christmas markets in the villages.
7. What is the best time to visit a market?
Those who wish to walk around at a leisurely pace are recommended to go between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
8. Are markets suitable for families?
Yes, there are foods, souvenirs, and outdoor cafes.

Book your holiday and discover the charm of French Alpine markets

A visit to a market in the Portes du Soleil is a delightful part of your holiday as it offers a glimpse into the daily life in this region. You stroll past colourful stalls, sample delicious cheeses, and chat with the friendly vendors. After all that browsing, nothing beats a cup of coffee on a terrace while enjoying beautiful mountain views.

During a stay in a holiday home in the Alps, it is these simple yet meaningful moments that make your holiday unforgettable. The markets in the French Alps give you a look into the local life and thus are a wonderful addition to your time spent in the Portes du Soleil.

Book your holiday in Haute-Savoie now.