The Night Markets of France: A Taste of Summer - Lot-et-Garonne

This week we dive into the heart of summer in southwest France — the French night markets. Imagine fairy-lit village squares, the smell of food cooking on open grills, glasses of wine clinking at long wooden tables, and music drifting through the evening air. These markets aren’t just about eating, they’re about community, laughter, and the joy of sharing life together.

For us, night markets are where friendships are made, birthdays are celebrated, and memories are created. And in this episode, we take you along for the ride as we enjoy the final markets of the season — a bittersweet farewell to one of the things we love most about life in France.

From Castillonnès with its fairy-tale square to Fongrave on the river, every market has its own character. The food stalls serve everything from Thai noodles to mussels, duck confit to crêpes. There’s always music, children dancing, friends catching up, and the wonderful sense that everyone is welcome. It’s noisy, vibrant, and full of life — and yet, somehow, deeply relaxing. That’s the magic of summer nights in France.

In this episode we’re joined by friends old and new. Linda and Carey, who many of you met in a previous video, are still house-hunting in the area and may soon become neighbours. We also share evenings with John and Louise, and we’re delighted to bump into the lovely travelling YouTube family Family Go Explore, who came bearing gifts (yes, cheddar and chocolate biscuits do make us very happy). These are the moments that remind us just how special and connected life in rural France can be.

But this episode is also about endings. This was the last night market of the year. After weeks of food, music, and community, the summer season is drawing to a close. It’s always a little sad to say goodbye, knowing we have to wait months for the markets to return. Yet that sadness is mixed with gratitude — because we’ve enjoyed every single evening, every conversation, and every shared meal.

There are quieter moments too. We stop at an abandoned church, hidden away yet full of character and history. These little discoveries are part of what makes exploring France so rewarding. Whether it’s a lively market square or a forgotten ruin, every corner tells a story.

And there’s also a glimpse of what’s coming next — our friends from Baguette Bound have arrived from Texas, and we’ll be filming a special joint interview with them. Expect plenty of laughs and some honest conversation about what it’s like to make the leap to life in France.

👉 About us:
We’re Richard and Maria, a British couple who swapped island life in Jersey for a riverside villa in southwest France. Our channel, A New Life in France, is all about the real experience of moving abroad: the joys, the frustrations, and the laughter along the way. From boat trips on the River Lot and visits to medieval villages, to interviews with other couples and families who’ve made the same move, every week brings a new story to share.

👉 Stay with us at Villa La Rive:
Our home, Villa La Rive, isn’t just where we film — it’s also a boutique B&B where you can experience the French lifestyle for yourself. Guests stay in our Kingfisher and Heron rooms, enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river, and relax by the pool. Richard also offers River Rambles — guided boat trips along the Lot, where you’ll see kingfishers, herons, and maybe even join us on a market night across the water in Fongrave.

For bookings and more information: https://villa-la-rive.com

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Life in France isn’t always easy — but evenings like these remind us why we chose this path. Sitting under the stars with friends, sharing food and wine in a bustling village square, or quietly exploring a forgotten church, this is what makes living here so special. The night markets may be over for now, but the memories will last until they return.

That’s your lot… until next time.