The market in old Antibes
The old town of Antibes dates back to before Christ and later became an important entry point into Gaul, what is now France. To protect the town from attack, extensive fortified walls were constructed and still remain today. Pablo Picasso stayed in the Antibes Castle in 1946, producing beautiful works of art, which he left there. The castle became known as the Picasso Museum and we were happy to see the exhibit. As many of you know, whenever I travel, I make a point to visit the local markets and the Provencal Food Market in Old Antibes did not disappoint. I loved the amazing mix of aromas, colors, and the many local characters.
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- The market in Old Antibes is charming and full of local foodstuffs including these beautiful saucisson of the region.
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- Farm fresh eggs sold by the half dozen
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- Local goat’s milk cheese – it was very delicious.
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- There were all types of fresh berries – black and red currants, blackberries, fraises des bois (Alpine strawberries), and red raspberries.
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- A vendor of fresh pasta
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- The first cheese I ever had in France was mimolette, a hard orange cow’s milk cheese similar to a smooth Edam. Louis XIV requested this cheese to be made because he wanted a French cheese to resemble the Dutch one.
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- Several types of eggplants made me hungry for ratatouille
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- The market is in a long plaza covered by this curved roof.
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- The vendors set up under the roof every morning.
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- These purple artichokes are beautiful.
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- I adore the markets wherever I travel – especially if the foods are fresh and plentiful.
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- Niçoise olives, of course!
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- Preserved lemons are an important staple for Moroccan cooking.
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- And lovely mixed olives
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- So many types of potatoes – La Charlotte
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- La Pompadour
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- La Belle de Nouvelle Fontenay
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- La Stela
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- La Primeur
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- La Rosabelle
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- La Amandine
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- Gorgeous tomatoes of all types come to market.
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- Fragrant small apricots
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- Fuzzy dark-skinned peaches
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- Great delectable strawberries
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- So many types of confitures (jams and jellies)
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- And many kinds of honey
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- Wonderful ducks, chickens, and other poultry – many sold with feet still intact
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- Cured ham
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- Another style of ham
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- And another
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- I would love to cook with these tomatoes.
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- Another poultry vendor
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- And, of course, foie gras
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- Wines at the local wine shop
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- There was a wide variety of rosé wine from the region.
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- A typical, but very good bakery
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- Two bakers at work
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- A whimsical stone decoration around a doorway
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- A local church right near the market
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- The ancient bell tower dates from the 12th century.
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- The newly renovated Picasso museum – we saw the first exhibit.
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