A country market in the Cantal

When we stay in our house in France, we always make sure to make the trip to the local market which takes place in Maurs, every Thursday morning. The ride by itself is worth it -- the beautiful hills with the fog still hanging over the valleys...The market is a 'farmers market' in the true sense of the word -- there still are farmers who will come to town, display their wares on the grounds in front of the medieval church and sell their beautiful products like eggs, vegetables, flowers and tools made from wicker or carved out of wood.Produce are fresh and abundant, and local. We love all the different cheeses and sausages, the artisanal bread, the wonderful fruit and vegetables... There's even a woman with a giant water bucket full of trouts -- she will catch the one of your liking and, uhm, clean it on the spot (the kids find this especially intriguing)!And every summer, I stock up on purple garlic that lasts almost a full year!The market is very much a social affair as well -- people come to town to buy fresh produce, but also meet up with friends and family in one of the cafés (and drink café au lait of course).Market day is a busy cay, because back home, we have a great lunch, a productive afternoon... and a delicious dinner! ; ) Ah, summer holidays -- I can't wait until next year!xxx EstherPS A yummy and summery green lentil salad