5 Public Markets to Discover in Brome-Missisquoi

Explore the true uniqueness of Brome-Missisquoi’s public markets, a region known for its gastronomic offer, its rich culture, and its outdoor activities, that has been attracting visitors for decades now. Each year, more than 2 million travellers come to explore this dynamic area which stands out through the great number of agrotourism businesses established here; In fact, the greatest amount in all of Québec.

The region’s five public markets are considered as pure treasures. The first on the list, the Marché Fermier De Frelighsburg is nestled by the river in the heart of one of Québec’s most beautiful villages. Here you’ll find a delicious variety of fresh products, pancakes prepared on site, local crafts, and all this in a very friendly ambiance. The market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon, starting in June and ending in October. In this border town, you’ll also discover the Beat & Betterave’s Café and nano-brewery which proposes a menu concocted with ingredients from their garden as well as from the area’s farms. Au Coeur de la Pomme orchard and Val Caudalies, Vignoble & Cidrerie, two other businesses located nearby, are certainly not to be missed!

Secondly, the Marché public de Farnham, launched in 2008, has become an institution appreciated by everyone since it first opened. Established in a beautiful building surrounded by green spaces, this market offers an abundance of fresh produce, cheeses, maple products and still much more. It welcomes its patrons every Saturday from June until September, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Only two minutes away from the market, you’ll find the Fromagerie des Cantons, and discover their amazing cheeses made with Jersey cow milk. Then, find a seat next door at the artisanal brewery Farnham Ale & Lager and take advantage of their terrace to enjoy a refreshing pint!

Marché Sutton, Sutton’s colourful public market is third on our list and is located near the town’s Main Street. Here you’ll find a great selection of garden-fresh produce, tempting pastries, ready-made meals and even pizza baked in a wood-fired oven for a delicious Saturday lunch. Open from May 18 to October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (from 8:00 a.m. in June, July and August), this family-friendly market also has some summer surprises in store for you, so check their Facebook page regularly. As you stroll down the Rue Principale, you’ll find a number of boutiques, restaurants, cafés. Their two microbreweries, À l’Abordage and Sutton Brouërie, offer a wide range of beers to suit all tastes!

In the heart of the Town of Lake Brome, on the way to Douglass Beach, and its popular lake, visiting the Marché public de Lac-Brome is the perfect activity before enjoying a swim or as a family outing. Open from June 8 to October 5, this market has a permanent structure so you can stock up on local products like fruit, vegetables, wine, cider, pastries and more, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday. Explore the market’s surroundings and visit the magnificent gourmet boutique of Brome Lake Ducks. We also suggest dropping by the Knowlton Co. microbrewery to sample their beers and try one of their wood-fired-oven baked pizzas.

Finally, Bromont à la ferme, located in the heart of Vieux-Bromont, invites you to treat yourself to fruit, vegetables, prepared meals, mushrooms, cheeses and other local delicacies, July 7 to October 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On the first Sunday of every month, a big market with live music and twice as many local producers and artisans than usual has proved to be a winning recipe for creating a truly festive market! Nearby, you’ll find many shops, including their Cafés de village N Latté Bromont and Confiserie Bromont. The West Shefford and Brouemont microbreweries are also great places to stop for a beer or a bite to eat.

Before heading out to explore these five local gems, take the time to find out all you need to know about their schedules, their special activities and the products being offered. Plan your visit so that you can make the most of meeting the passionate local producers who’ll be there to greet you with a smile. Don’t forget your reusable bags and some cash to take home some tasty souvenirs and support the local economy. If the market is closed during your visit, explore the many agri-food businesses in the region that will welcome you directly on the farm. Make the most of your experience in the Eastern Townships to discover all the wealth that Brome-Missisquoi has to offer!

To find out more about Brome-Missisquoi’s public markets: https://tourismebrome-missisquoi.ca/en/activity/public-markets/

Article written by Créateurs de Saveurs Cantons-de-l’Est