A corner of France in the heart of Modena
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 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.
Strolling among the stalls is an experience that engages all the senses, with colors, aromas, and the unmistakable French chatter of the vendors.
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.
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.
Piazza Matteotti, historic center of Modena (MO), a short walk from Piazza Grande and the Duomo.
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).
Free admission. Opening hours, generally from morning to evening, will be announced by the organization closer to the event.
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Piazza Matteotti
Piazza Matteotti, 41121 Modena