I’ve tested it for you: the festive local producers’ market in Ayen
Publié le 18 April 2025 par su_laetis
Today, we're spending the day in the commune of Ayen, situated on a limestone plateau just a few minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Hiking in Ayen
Ayen offers magnificent panoramic views over theYssandonnais and numerous hiking trails. So we decided to start our afternoon with a "short" hike (Randonnée des lavoirs, des châteaux et des Puys) along the mauve trail, which in just 5 kilometres took us on a half-shady, half-sunny tour of the secrets of Ayen... It was the right distance, because I'm not a keen hiker and we weren't very well equipped. Of course, it's uphill and downhill, but the views were well worth the trip!
The Ayen Farmers' Market
We headed to the heart of the village where one of the most important and, above all, one of the oldest Marché des Producteurs de Pays is held. We arrived at 6 p.m. sharp, as the regulars had advised us.
In the shade of the plane trees that cover the "foirail", we discover around twenty stalls offering a wide variety of products. We put our heads together and put together a menu to suit everyone's tastes... For some, it'll be grilled trout, beef kebabs and duck sausages! For others, it'll be melon, duck rillettes and pâté de campagne spread on a crispy pie. All served with delicious chips and a bottle of chilled rosé. It's a gargantuan meal, guaranteed to be 100% local produce!
The friendly atmosphere of the local markets
We're in the middle of holidaymakers and, curiously, there are a lot of locals enjoying the moment too. Relaxed and friendly, we really feel like we're from the village.
We headed for the barbecue, where one of us handed over our precious victuals to the smiling volunteers in charge of cooking.
Some English people who had settled in the village and a 4-generation family who had returned to the 'old country' for the holidays sat down next to us. It was easy to get into a conversation - we'd forgotten our cutlery! Everyone got together to make us a second-hand housewife. The tone was set: conviviality, a warm welcome and gourmet delights - Ayen is a must for the summer season!
Our taste buds are in for a treat, and the laughter is going strong! With our stomachs full, we were delighted to hear the first notes of music from the evening's band. There's nothing like a few dance steps to ease the digestion. Old and young, shy and not so shy, young and old: everyone is on the dancefloor, carried away by the rhythm and the singer's infectious good humour!
It's nearly midnight, and it's a summer evening to remember, Ayen, you'll see us again!
Advice from a gaillarde
- Don't forget to arrive early if you want to eat there. There are a lot of regulars and tables are quickly reserved.
- Don't be like us and remember to bring your own cutlery.
- And don't forget to pack a jumper if you want to stay late!
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