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 Friday of each summer month, 4 to 8:30pm, Boulevard Béranger; the antiques market, the first and third Friday of the month in the pedestrian zone on rue de Bordeaux, and on the first Sunday of the month, a larger version of the event on rue de la Scellerie; 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, with a huge selection of fresh local meat, cheese, and produce, is at place Gaston-Paillhou Monday through Saturday 7am to 7pm and Sunday 7am to 1pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.