Halles de Wazemmes, Covered market in Lille, France

Halles de Wazemmes is a covered market in Lille housed in a red brick and metal structure with bright, spacious halls. Around 25 permanent vendors sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, and specialty foods in organized sections.

The market building dates to the late 19th century and follows the Baltard architectural style typical of French market halls. Interior spaces have been renovated several times over the decades to adapt the layout for modern retail needs.

The Wazemmes market, held around the covered halls on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings, is rooted in Lille culture; the Sunday edition ranks among France's largest markets. The halls themselves are open Tuesday to Sunday and house permanent traders selling fish, charcuterie, cheese, meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables, bread, wine, Asian and Réunion specialities, oriental pastries, organic and fair-trade goods, and Spanish, Italian and Portuguese products.

The halls open Tuesday to Sunday, and the surrounding Wazemmes market runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings. The Sunday market is the busiest, so arrive early. The building sits on place de la Nouvelle Aventure, with the market stalls set up around it.

The building replaced the guinguette de la Nouvelle Aventure, a riverside dance and drinking spot on the square of the same name. The 1881 cadastral plan still called it Marché de la Nouvelle Aventure, and the square keeps that name today. Look for the clock and the red HALLES DE WAZEMMES strip on the taller gabled section.