More and more of us are switching to sustainable living, buying high quality food and local produce. The ideal way to bring producers and consumers together is at the farmers’ markets where you can find farm fresh produce, handcrafted creations, meet people, make new discoveries and share memories, and the good news is that more and more of them are springing up around the Charleroi Metropolitan Area.

Promoting short supply chains in Thuin

Organised by the ADL and the town of Thuin, the local produce and craft market at Thuin takes place every second Saturday of the month on Place du Chapitre, at the foot of the Belfry. Between the hours of 2pm and 6pm, shoppers are invited to roam the various stalls selling vegetables, cheese, biscuits and other local delicacies. You might spot the unmissable Clos des Zouaves: a sweet natural wine produced in a vineyard neighbouring Thuin. The region’s craftspeople also have their wares on display: from jewellery, soaps and liqueurs, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

The market is an opportunity for local producers and craftspeople to promote their wares and production methods, whilst supporting a short circuit economy: shoppers can buy regional produce directly at affordable and realistic prices.

Citizens’ initiatives abound in Fleurus!

For a number of years now, the town of Fleurus, the citizens’ collective ‘Fleurus en Transition’ and Fleurus Culture have been getting together to organise a market in support of local producers and establishing solid ties between producers and consumers.

What you can expect in your shopping basket: seasonal fruit and veg, dairy products, fruit juices and syrups, wine, honey, zero waste textiles and other local creations. When you want to take time out between purchases, food trucks are on hand to satisfy any cravings!

The local farmers’ market takes place on the first Friday of the month from June to September on site at the Château de la Paix. The organisers hope that the initiative will promote healthy eating habits and encourage producers to switch to environmentally friendly farming methods.

This summer, the team at ‘Fleurus en Transition’ will be adding some new activities to the market: there will be a bike repair workshop, the establishment of shared allotments, and an artists’ trail: all serving the local community!

Sample local delicacies at the Nismes Farmers’ Market

Set up in 2013 by the team from the Viroin-Hermeton Natural Park, the Nismes Farmers’ Market continues to delight our taste buds: from fresh fish, dairy products, cured meats, craft beer and even preserves and nougat, this local market is full of tempting treats. Even more original: you can find doggie treats and chews made locally using natural products. Your four-legged friend will be over the moon!

With its location on Place Châtillon, in the heart of the municipality of Viroinval, the Nismes farmers’ market sets out its stalls every other Saturday.

In addition to promoting healthy and local produce, this market is an opportunity for the region’s craftspeople to display their wares such as handmade candles, zero waste items and children’s clothing. An information stand on the ‘Semeur’, the local currency of the Entre Sambre and Meuse area, is also available to view.

Meet local producers at Fontenelle

Every last Saturday of the month from June to September, the Guinguette organic and craft market welcomes about twenty market gardeners to the Guinguette at the Fontenelle Ponds.

Wandering around the stalls, you will discover organic goods such as bread, flour, dairy products, olive oil and fruit and veg. You will also find arts and crafts: from preserves, honey, beer and handmade cosmetics, you will be spoiled for choice. What makes this market special: a sewing workshop is on hand for mending any clothing in need of repair or to hem up your favourite pair of trousers!

The market of Guinguette des Étangs aims to promote short supply chains and bring citizens and local producers together. The aim is to be able to fill your shopping basket with high quality products whilst enjoying yourself at the same time.

Fill your shopping basket at the Martin Pêcheur local and organic market

For a number of years now, the Martin Pêcheur local and organic market has become the place to be for those living in Montigny-le-Tilleul. And for good reason: this market is full of little gems not to be missed: from organically-produced foods and handcrafted creations, there is something to satisfy all tastes.

There is also the handing out of free seeds! You will mainly find the seeds of common, bee-foraging plants and they are usually indigenous.

The market takes place every third Saturday of the month from April to October, between 2:30pm and 5:30pm. Don’t miss it!

Admire the handiwork of creative locals in Couvin

On the second and fourth Sundays of the month, between 7:30am and 1:00pm, the Viroin-Hermeton Natural Park and the municipality of Couvin organise an arts and crafts market on Place Marie de Hongrie in Mariembourg.

This market takes place at the same time as the weekly market, and offers local producers and craftspeople the chance to showcase their goods as well as meeting people face to face.

As you peruse the dozen or so market stands, you will come across seasonal fruit and veg, dairy products and even cured meats. Wood turners, basket weavers, jewellery makers, ceramists or glassmakers and blacksmiths will also be happy to show you the fruits of their labours.

Whether at Thuin, Fleurus, Viroinval, Chimay, Fontenelle, Montigny-le-Tilleul or even Couvin, the Charleroi Metropolitan Area is buzzing with local markets. Stroll around them, treat yourself, eat more sustainably, support the local economy, eat better quality food… We can think of a good few reasons for visiting them!