Audruicq market
Day : Wednesday
Hours : From 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where : Place du Général de Gaulle et place des Marronniers
Every Wednesday morning, Audruicq square, its cafés and terraces come alive: it’s market day!
Every Wednesday morning, Audruicq square, its cafés and terraces come alive: it’s market day!
The Audruicq market is an unmissable local institution. Friendly and authentic, it brings together on average a hundred vendors, 95% of whom are regulars, which contributes to a real cohesion between merchants and visitors. The Audruicq market is a true living picture: the sounds of stalls being set up and the discussions of regulars are answered by the cackling of hens and the chirping of chicks on the animal market side, which is an attraction in its own right! Much more than a place to buy, it is a weekly meeting with the soul of a terroir, a tradition that adapts to the times, and a local pride shared by all. Proof of this is the wide mobilization of the municipality, the Intercommunal Tourist Office (formerly CPETI), merchants, and residents during TF1’s famous “Most Beautiful Market in France” competition.
Voted “Most Beautiful Market in Hauts-de-France” and 4th most beautiful market in France in 2019, the Audruicq market made a strong comeback in 2024, reaching 2nd place at the national level—a real feat for a town of this size, generating pride and visibility for local merchants. These distinctions brought strong visibility to the market—the Municipality, merchants, and citizens had largely mobilized!
Voted “Most Beautiful Market in Hauts-de-France” and 4th most beautiful market in France in 2019, the Audruicq market made a strong comeback in 2024, reaching 2nd place at the national level—a real feat for a town of this size, generating pride and visibility for local merchants. These distinctions brought strong visibility to the market—the Municipality, merchants, and citizens had largely mobilized!
Origin and history of the Audruicq market
The Audruicq market has its origins in the Middle Ages, specifically in the 12th century. Baldwin II, Count of Guînes, decided to establish Audruicq as a new town in 1175. Located on a passageway, he fortified its defenses, built a castle and a chapel… He transferred the market, which was previously held in Sutquerque (now Zutkerque), to Audruicq.
He also added a solemn annual fair at Pentecost to revitalize the place and make it more frequented. The market has therefore punctuated life in Audruicq for a long time, to the point of being today a structuring element of the city center. With the renovation of the Place du Général de Gaulle (inaugurated in 2021), the heart of the village has been modernized while preserving the market tradition, now more accessible and pleasant. Very popular during the summer season, it constitutes a real tourist attraction. To ensure access, the municipality offers a shuttle system in July/August.
What can you find at the Audruicq market?
Traditional fresh produce stalls:
Meat, fish, vegetables, cheese, local products, groceries, prepared meals, but also clothes, leather goods, haberdashery, toys, gadgets, crafts.
Poultry & Small Animal Market:
This is truly the market’s signature. In a unique and friendly atmosphere, you will meet hens, roosters, chicks, rabbits, ducks, as well as individuals selling their artisanal productions from the farmyard or garden.n
Summer Market (July/August):
In summer, every Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, a lighter market sets up on the Place des Marronniers, with about fifteen local producers, artisans, creators, and musical or festive entertainment.
