The 2026 “Most Beautiful Market in France” trophy has just been awarded, and you’ll need to take a two-hour trip north of Paris to reach the winning town. On June 25, Hesdin-la-Forêt won the ninth season of the contest organized by TF1’s 1:00 p.m. news, beating out Villeréal and Jard-sur-Mer. This victory really puts the spotlight on this town in the 7 Vallées region!
France’s most beautiful market has just been chosen
Every Thursday morning, stalls are set up around the Place d’Armes, in front of City Hall, and sometimes spill out into the neighboring streets. Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, honey, clothing, jewelry, and crafts: the Hesdin-la-Forêt market has something for everyone with its wide variety and friendly atmosphere. Goat cheeses, forest honey, seasonal vegetables, and sweet treats—all regional specialties—are, of course, plentiful here.
Hesdin-la-Forêt’s charm also stems from its setting. The facades in the town center, the Place d’Armes, and the shopping streets give the market the authentic atmosphere of a northern French town. During its coverage of the contest, TF1 highlighted this stroll through the town center—with its sometimes unexpected encounters, loyal shopkeepers, and warm, friendly atmosphere—which ultimately propelled the town’s entry to first place.
A visit can easily extend beyond the market stalls. Hesdin-la-Forêt is nestled in the heart of valleys, villages, and wooded landscapes that are perfect for a day trip. After the market, you can stroll through the town center, take a walk toward the nearby forest, or explore other parts of the Pas-de-Calais region.
The success of the Hesdin-la-Forêt market serves as a reminder that a great market often boils down to a lively square, simple products, and vendors and residents who keep the event alive week after week. For a gourmet getaway in the Hauts-de-France region, the “Most Beautiful Market in France 2026” now has the perfect destination.
Hesdin-la-Forêt Market – Every Thursday morning
