The Halles de Niort were voted the most beautiful market in France, Thursday June 27, 2024, a seduction operation organized by a major television channel.
It is finally the moment of glory that the Halles de Niort have been waiting for. Coming in 6th position in the competition in 2022, the market in the city center of Niort was elected this Thursday, June 27, 2024, the most beautiful market in France, as part of the program organized by 1 p.m. on TF1. 219 markets were in the running in the 24 different regions.
A few minutes before the results, Sebastien Pacot, marketer at the Halles de Niort, was enthusiastic: “We are hopeful that it will be Niort.” In the background, the hubbub of this big market Thursday. “Yes, they are very juicy”, he replied to a customer, between two questions. This Niort market faithful sees this title as “some recognition” : “It’s a way of highlighting the markets and the spirit that has evolved, the conviviality that we can find and which is preserved in the place despite what our times are going through.”
For the traders at the market, located in the city centre, this news comes as a breath of fresh air. The manager of Anjali hopes that “It will attract even more footfall and a new clientele will be attracted to our beautiful market.”And for good reason, “the building is magical, we are surrounded by Dijon, we are in the heart of a historic place, it is worth highlighting.” Indeed, the monument inaugurated in 1871 is the pride of traders. “It’s a chance to work in this framework.”
The Halles de Niort were inaugurated in 1891.
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© France Télévisions
Iron frame, large glazed area, and the interior is also impressive: lhe covered halls of Niort were inaugurated in 1871. They were designed by Simond Durand, the city’s architect, who was inspired by the Halles Centrales de Paris demolished in 1971.
To compensate for the uneven ground, the architect imagined a system combining two superimposed structures: a stone base and a metal hall entirely covered with glass panes. The stone base made it possible at the time to store goods, particularly grain. Today occupied by businesses. The aisles of the building were built around 1929.
On big market days, more than thirty traders set up outside the Halles, in addition to the 60 traders inside.
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© France Télévisions
Since then, there has been a market with around sixty traders where you can find everything. “This is what makes our market strong, it is very complete, with very diverse products”insists Anjali’s shopkeeper.
Useful information
Opening days and hours: Tuesday from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday from 4 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: Place des Halles, 79000 Niort
