Antique-hunters will be delighted to pop in at the market (Grand Marché) of Saint-Denis, situated nearby the city centre.  One drops by to find beautiful gifts, but also for its peculiar atmosphere: because irrespective of the time of the year, there is always an air of holiday.   

It's within a vast hall enclosed with wrought-iron gate that the market welcomes its visitors.  Once one steps in, a subtle perfume emerges. 

Perhaps, it's the spices, in jars along the shelf.  Or still, the smell of old woods blended with fabrics hung up to the ceiling. 

Why not, the sugar, the real sugar cane, that is ideal to fill nicely the coffee or desserts with aroma?          

The least that one can say is that the market bears well its name.  Because within this very colourful atmosphere, one can bargain at innumerable products, from embroidered tablecloth to clothes to jewels to paintings and to furniture.... 

One will surely enjoy the know-how of the artisans, - who weave bags and hats in no time at all and their accuracies in making jewels.  One can come simply to stroll along the aisles and to immerse oneself in the atmosphere.     

"I could not resist it!"

Janick and Frédérique often come to this market along with their kids.  "What pleases us here is the atmosphere, we always feel we are on holidays.  We mostly come here to buy gifts for relatives or friends.  One must admit that there is an array of products.  We have a nice time."  Besides, Caroline, an inhabitant of Nantes can't believe it: "I came to buy souvenir gifts for my dear ones, but I'll never be able to choose: there are too much!"

Max and Florence, a newlywed couple, dropped by with a specific goal in mind: "Buying a beautiful Malagasy tablecloth to put in our living room." 

As for Eric, he states: "I won't buy anything, I just come to stroll along.  I find this place really nice."  Indeed, an hour later, Eric comes back with a jar of lemons pickles and a pareo for his girlfriend.  "That's right, he said, shrugging.  I couldn't resist it !"