To Marche To Marche :

Love me a good old fashioned market. There is nothing that beats the buzz of the over-insistent market-folk who try sell you everything from amazing foodstuffs to very tinker-worthy objects. Ive done my fair share of markets, back home in South Africa it ranges from the awesomely-dirty farmers markets or old school style ones out of town, http://thexboxedfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/06/to-market-to-market.html to the cleaner wine farm markets to the suburban hipster filled stalls of pure wickedness.

 London also had various markets to go to, the smaller pop-up ones, http://thexboxedfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/10/to-market-to-market-2-high-highs.html, the colorful Portobello Market in Notting Hill, the old bustling Borough Market on the Thames and the insanely large market upon market upon back alley upon market in Camden.

It was therefore no surprise that I would attempt to find one when arriving in Antibes. Lucky for us I didn't have to search very far because we live just above the historical Provencal Marche. About 6 days a week throughout the day this market is on the go. Repetitive shouting from produce sellers, locals bargaining loudly whilst doing their daily shop, and a vast array of different types of tunes being whistled can be heard as you nudge past the cramped yet comfortable space. During the late afternoon the market closes and local cafes begin setting out their tables utilising the central space.

We have got stuck in a few times, bought a selection of macaroons from a very shy yet wonderful man, vegetables from a woman intent on locating the best of each for us, and some meat from a young flirtatious butcher who threw in a few extras, no charge. We did find however that shopping in the market proved to be a bit more costly than if we traipsed the isles of the local supermarket, however in hindsight you are not just getting a simple piece of fruit. You are getting the warm smile from the man weighing it for you, you are getting the genuine 'Merci" when its handed over to you and finally you get the undeniable satisfaction when you eat it.

This is what makes a market, it's something more personal, something with far more character, something that makes for a better memory. You are never able to remember one grumpy cashier from another when you shop at a store, but a market is a whole different ball-game, produce becomes personal. I captured a few snapshots in a hope to convey the atmosphere of this little market that has without a doubt found a place in my heart. It is not the same as the smells and sounds can obviously not be combined, however listen to the following track, scroll around and enjoy.

French Tomatoes

A historical snapshot of the same space

Nicest man who threw in a free olive after the photo

Packed up

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