Montmorillon

There’s a good selection of shops in Montmorillon’s main town with an excellent fishmongers and a number of butchers, bakers and a fruit and veg shop in the main square.

Hairdressers and florists abound. There is a tabac in the square, an opticians and pharmacy and there are a number of clothes shops.

One of the highlights is the almond Macaroon shop and museum for which Montmorillon is famous.

The macaroons are delicious but will not keep for more than a few days so if you’re buying to take home, leave your purchase until the very last minute.

Generally shops are open 9-12 and 3-6 with some variations.

The nearest bakery for your morning bread, croissants and pain au chocolat is about a six minute walk away. Go to the top of the road and turn left

Each of the town's bakeries, however, are know for their particular specialties. The bakery Banette on the main road, near the small "superette" called Proxi, for instance, is famous for its large choice of breads.

For real bread enthusiasts, however, wait until market day and, of you're lucky, you will find, near to the fishmongers, a stall selling traditional hand-crafted oven baked breads produced by a young artisan.

The nearest supermarket to the house is Leader Price, a three minute stroll away. Cheap and cheerful, Leader Prices opens at 9am and is closed for lunch between 12.30 and 2pm. It stays open until 6.30pm which is really handy if you’ve been away all day or just don’t want to take the car out.

The main hypermarket is Hyper U which is open Mon-Sat 8.30am to 7.30pm, doesn't close for lunch and has just begun opening on a Sunday morning but be warned there’s seldom any bread or fresh fish on Sundays.

The quality of the fresh vegetables, meat and fish at Hyper U is exemplary as is the vast choice. Sad, I know, but we really look forward to our trips to this supermarket. (www.hyperu-montmorillon.com)

There’s also a Champion supermarket on the road to La Trimouille which has especially nice bread.

Nearly all banks in Montmorillon are closed during weekends and on Monday and are generally open from 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm Tues-Fri. Important to know if you arrive on Saturday!

There is a Credit Agricole in front of the cinema on the main road, the Societe Generale is along the road at the next traffic lights. The Bank Populaire is at the corner of the pedestrian area, facing the "Maison de la Presse" where you can buy English newspapers and magazines. The Credit Mutuel is a little bank still further along the main street.

For healthy products, bio products and alternative medicine visit Cannelle Citron a very nice little shop on the main market square not far from the City Hall.

At the little toyshop "A pas de loup", in front of Kim's salon de thé you'll find beautiful wooden toys, old fashioned toys and really nice traditional furniture and china.

Markets (Get there early for the best buys, most are finished by lunchtime)

Montmorillon - Wednesday & Saturday
Chauvigny - Saturday
Le Blanc - Saturday
Angles-sur-l’Anglin - Saturday
Availles-Limouzine - Thursday
Charroux - Thursday
Gencay - Thursday
Isle Jourdain - Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
Civray - Tuesday
La Roche Posay - Tuesday

THE market in the area is, however, is la foire des Herolles on the 29th of each month. This is a very traditional market with cattle, poultry and a huge selection of very fresh produce to buy and to sample in local restaurants. On market day the population of this tiny village swells from 200 to 2,000!. Try to get there early. 27km from Montmorillon. From La Trimouille go right on the D121 Route de Tilly road.

There are also special antique markets and book fairs held throughout the year - look out for local advertising

AND REMEMBER - PARIS IS 3HRS AWAY BY TRAIN. A GIRLS-AWAY-DAY IS ALWAYS AN OPTION!

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