The Marché de Wazemmes fills the Place de la Nouvelle Aventure and the streets around it every Sunday morning, and on a smaller scale on Tuesday and Thursday. It is the most important food market in Lille — more interesting than the tourist-oriented Saturday market near the Grand'Place — and one of the best markets in northern France.
The range reflects Wazemmes's demographics: North African stalls sell merguez, olives, harissa, and preserved lemons alongside mountains of fresh mint and coriander; West African vendors have plantains, smoked fish, and cassava; and mixed-economy stalls sell everything from live chickens to second-hand power tools. The French produce stalls — seasonal vegetables, farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie — are tucked between the ethnic vendors in a genuinely integrated market culture. Arrive before 9am for the best produce; the market peaks between 9am and noon and winds down by 2pm. Breakfast options around the market include several Moroccan cafés serving mint tea and msemen flatbreads from early morning.