French Market
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Wine Local produce

French Market

A corner of France in the heart of Modena

Modena — Modena (036)
Dates 16 Oct — 18 Oct 2026
Location Modena (036)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About French Market

For three days, Piazza Matteotti, in the historic center of Modena, transforms into a small corner of France. The French Market brings flavors and scents from across the Alps to the city: over eighty types of cheeses, wines and champagnes, spiced cured meats, freshly baked baguettes, croissants, crêpes and colorful macarons, alongside Provençal crafts with lavender, soaps, tablecloths and perfumes. A traveling event that visits the main cities of central-northern Italy each year, with free admission and a convivial atmosphere.

A market that smells of France

Every year the French Market transforms Piazza Matteotti, in the heart of Modena's historic center, into a corner of the French countryside and cities. For three days, the square fills with colorful stalls, gazebos, and tents where French operators and merchants offer the best of French food and wine traditions and craftsmanship. The initiative is part of the rich calendar of events promoted by the Municipality of Modena and represents one of the most anticipated events of the city's autumn in Emilia-Romagna.

The flavors of France

The cheese stall alone is a journey: dozens of varieties are on offer, from Mont d'Or in its typical wooden packaging to Camembert from Normandy, from Brie from Île-de-France to Rocamadour from Midi-Pyrénées. Alongside the cheeses are wines, presented in numerous labels ranging from Champagne to the great red wines of Bordeaux, to cider. There are also cured meats, processed with spices and aromatic herbs, and a bakery corner with crispy baguettes, croissants, crêpes, waffles, and the famous macarons in all shades.

Crafts and scents of Provence

  • Provence and the French Riviera: tablecloths, soaps, lavender, scented essences, and straw bags;
  • Paris: perfumes, cosmetics, and a wide range of fashion accessories;
  • Sweet specialties: cookies, chocolate, and typical creams to enjoy on-site or take home.

Strolling among the stalls is an experience that engages all the senses, with colors, aromas, and the unmistakable French chatter of the vendors.

In the heart of Modena

The choice of Piazza Matteotti places the market just a short walk from the Duomo, the Ghirlandina, and Piazza Grande, a UNESCO heritage site, making the visit an ideal opportunity to discover or rediscover Modena's historic center. Admission is free, and the event is designed for families, curious visitors, and lovers of French products. A small trip across the Alps without leaving the Emilia-Romagna Region.

French Market — edition 2026

From October 16 to 18, 2026, the French Market returns to Piazza Matteotti in Modena. For three days, the historic center hosts stalls from French merchants with cheeses, wines, champagne, cured meats, sweets, and Provençal crafts. The event, with free admission, is confirmed by the official press release from the Municipality of Modena in the 2026 event calendar.

The 2026 edition of the French Market in Modena takes place from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18 in Piazza Matteotti, in the heart of the historic center. The dates are confirmed by the official press release from the Municipality of Modena, which includes the event in the city's autumn event calendar.

As per tradition, visitors can find over eighty types of French cheeses, wines and champagnes, flavored cured meats, baguettes, croissants, crêpes, and macarons, as well as crafts from Provence and the French Riviera, featuring lavender, soaps, and perfumes. Admission is free.

Highlights French Market 2026

  • Cheese stall with dozens of French varieties
  • Wines, champagne, and cider from across the Alps
  • Baguettes, croissants, crêpes, and macarons
  • Provençal crafts: lavender, soaps, and perfumes

Prices French Market 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — French Market

Where

Piazza Matteotti, historic center of Modena (MO), a short walk from Piazza Grande and the Duomo.

How to get there

By train: from Modena station, the historic center is reachable on foot in about 15 minutes or by city buses. By car: exit Modena Nord or Modena Sud from the A1 motorway; it is advisable to use the parking lots around the historic center, which is subject to a limited traffic zone (ZTL).

Admission and hours

Free admission. Opening hours, generally from morning to evening, will be announced by the organization closer to the event.

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Where does it take place — French Market

Piazza Matteotti

Piazza Matteotti, 41121 Modena

Contact French Market

French Market in brief

Gastronomy Wine Local produce World cuisine Chocolate Family Art crafts Crafts Outdoor International Modena

History of French Market