In the pedestrian area of rue de Bordeaux, from the magnificent train station to rue Nationale, you'll find dozens of mall-type shops and department stores selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, leather goods, and the like. Up rue Nationale toward the river are more shops and upscale boutiques, and a small mall with chain stores. Rue Nationale continues across the river, but turn left on rue du Commerce toward the old town center. You'll want to explore the streets and courtyards for regional specialties, books, toys, and crafts. A hotbed for antiques is east of rue Nationale (toward the cathedral), along rue de la Scellerie.
Of the more than 30 markets here, the most animated are the gourmet market (Marché Gourmand), the first and third Friday of each summer month, 4 to 10pm, place de la Résistance; the antiques market, the first and third Friday of the month in the pedestrian zone on rue de Bordeaux, and the fourth Sunday of the month, a larger version of the event with more brocante than genuine antiques; the flower market, Wednesday and Saturday 8am to 6pm, boulevard Béranger; and the craft market (Marché Artisanal), Saturday 9am to 1pm, place des Halles. Traditional food markets take place Tuesday to Sunday mornings at various locations; ask at the tourist office. The covered market, Les Halles et Grand Marché, with a huge selection of fresh local meat, cheese, and produce, is at place Gaston-Pailhou Monday to Saturday 6am to 7pm and Sunday 6am to 1pm.
