From yesterday to Monday Market Square is being transformed into a celebration of flavours, crafts and culture from northern France.
This is the first time for two years that islanders have had the chance to attend the market, which prior to Brexit visited the island regularly.
One of the most popular stalls belonged to Lulu ‘Fromage’ Le Gallais, who had been coming to Guernsey for almost 20 years.
‘It is great to be back,’ she said.
‘And the people are so glad to see us. We hope to be back more, but the problem is all the paper, paper, paper, we have to write.’
The market provides an opportunity for islanders to purchase French delicacies that are currently unavailable for personal import.
Due to ongoing restrictions on bringing meat and dairy products into the Bailiwick, these goods can only be accessed when imported under strict commercial rules.
One of the people taking advantage was Cleo Rosumek, who had bought cheese and flavoured sausage.
‘I used to go all the time when it was at North Beach and I’ve really missed it,’ she said.
‘We went to Dinan for a festival this year and specifically went to a local market just to get the experience again.
‘I would love to see it come back more, hopefully with Brittany on board and everyone talking about closer links to France that will be a reality, after all we are just two hours away on the ferry.’
Ken Jordan bought a plethora of French delicacies, including garlic, tomatoes, figs, walnuts, cheese and pate.
‘It’s great to see it back,’ he said.
‘I think we could get away with one every few months, it’s always so popular. It’s great to get that authentic taste of France. The food just tastes different.
'The figs are like a taste of the earth, they are so clean and fresh.
‘Anyone not here today I’d recommend to get down over the weekend, it’s great for the produce and the people watching.’
Visit Guernsey lead marketing officer Zoe Gosling said they had enthusiastically supported the market’s return.
‘It offers an additional authentic experience for visitors – while also being something we islanders can enjoy,’ she said.
‘Hosting the market in Market Square will bring visitors into the heart of St Peter Port, which we hope will also provide a welcome boost in footfall for Town businesses.’
The French Market is open from 9am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday and 9am to 3.30pm on Monday.
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