Sunday market in Divonne-les-Bains

One thing that I always love to do is to visit the local outdoor markets, especially those just across the border in France.  For many years, I lived close to the border with Ferney-Voltaire.  The Saturday morning market there is always very busy and fun to see, especially because of its international flavor.  But we had missed the Ferney market in order to travel to Yvoire the preceding day, so I suggested a trip instead to the Sunday market at Divonne-les-Bains.  Divonne is, in fact, much closer to where I now live in Switzerland - less than ten minutes away.

It was only going to be a quick visit because our major scheduled visit of the day was a trip to cheese country and the town of Gruyères.  The males in the group were not too enthusiastic about an earlier wake-up and preferred to sleep in a bit more.  Friend G was definitely up for it.  Princess C was also enthusiastic - until the actual moment of the wake-up call.  Then she too opted for another hour of sleep.  Undaunted, Friend G and I headed for the spa town of Divonne.  We arrived at a fortuitous moment, around 9 a.m.  Not too early and not too late.  The stallkeepers had had enough time to display their wares but the crowds that generally arrive later in the morning were absent.  Parking was also not a problem.

The stalls were literally a feast for the eyes.  Honey-lovers take heart: whatever flavor you desire, it can likely be found here.

Spices galore ...

and the dried fruits that one can find further south, in the markets of Provence, can also be found here.

Fromages, fromages everywhere ...

and pain to go with them,

and olives ... mmmm!

Meats,

seafood,

and roasted chickens - appetizing aromas filled the air.

Paella was still in the process of cooking.  So what if technically it's not French?!

Vegetables and fruits were arranged so colorfully that one - almost - hated to buy anything and thus disturb the arrangements.

There were also stalls that weren't related to produce or eating, such as this one displaying wall hangings

and several clothing stalls where Friend G managed to find a few bargains.

Our visit to Divonne-les Bains was, of necessity, too brief.  But it was most enjoyable.  Best of all, I can always look forward to another one in the near future!