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French Food Markets: From Provence to Sydney with Solveig Coulon of Le Marché
Description
French food markets, Provençal cuisine, and the magic of seasonal produce take centre stage in this episode of Fabulously Delicious, as Andrew is joined by Solveig Coulon — a Provence-raised, Paris-born Frenchwoman who loved food markets so much she created her own in Sydney. Solveig is the founder of Le Marché, a French food market on Sydney's North Shore bringing together French bakers, cheese, saucisson, truffles, croissants, crêpes, raclette, macarons, and artisan producers — a little slice of France just fifteen minutes from the Harbour Bridge.
Growing up in the village of Vence in the south of France, Solveig shares vivid memories of Provençal market life, Mediterranean food culture, and the strong Italian and North African influences that shape the cuisine of the region. From hunting for fresh black truffles at the Grignan truffle market to her aunt's legendary cooking and family stories stretching back to a great-great-grandmother selling handmade goods at Parisian markets in the 1920s, markets are quite literally in Solveig's blood.
Solveig and Andrew also explore what makes French markets so distinct — the philosophy of seasonality, the joy of buying direct from the producer, and why the French relationship with fresh food is unlike anywhere else in the world. They compare the market culture of Provence, Paris, and the Loire Valley, and discuss why Australians have such a deep love affair with French food and culture.
A trained lawyer turned events producer, Solveig's journey — from organising Chanel catwalks in Paris to founding a French food market in Willoughby, Sydney — is as fabulous as it sounds. Le Marché trades every second and fourth Sunday of the month, and is the North Shore's most deliciously French way to spend a Sunday morning.
My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. This is a new 2026 update for the book and you’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com
For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com
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