The Louhans poultry market (Marché aux volailles) takes place every Monday morning in the town centre of Louhans, in the Saône-et-Loire (71) department of Burgundy, France. It is one of the largest weekly markets in Burgundy, with over 200 stalls. Besides poultry, visitors can also find fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, shoes, clothing, leather goods and household items.
The market has a long history dating back to the 13th century, originally selling local farm produce such as livestock, poultry, butter, eggs and grain, as well as cloth. Louhans is the capital of Bresse chicken country, and the market has long been a showcase for the region’s famous poultry.
Despite all the changes over the centuries, the market has kept its authentic character. The most traditional part is the agricultural market on the Place de la Charité, where local producers sell their goods in a covered hall dating from 2006. Here you can try Louhans’ local delicacy, the Corniotte, a triangular pastry made of choux dough on a shortcrust base. You’ll also find live animals for sale at this area of the market, including various breeds of chicken, guinea fowl and rabbits. During my visit in 2025 I unfortunately also saw puppies for sale, with several different breeds being offered by the same seller, which is usually not a great sign. Please remember to adopt, don’t shop, if you get tempted by the cute puppies.
The stalls in the town centre offer a wide variety of goods, with food products mainly found around the church. In the arcaded street, the range is more mixed: shoes, clothing, leather goods and more.
On public holidays, particularly Easter Monday and Whit Monday, the market runs all day and draws more than 15,000 visitors.
The Louhans poultry market won 3rd place in the 2024 Votre Plus Beau Marché (Your most beautiful market) competition held annually by the French TV channel TF1.
Louhans poultry market locations
- Place de la Charité: poultry market & local producers
- Place Bertrand-Thibert: produce
- Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, place Aristide-Briand, place Saint-Jean and place de l’Eglise: food & produce market
- Grande Rue (arcades): clothing market
- Rue de la Grenette: organic market
Market day
Monday
Opening hours on market day
Monday: 8am – 12.30pm
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