While St Peter Port’s Market Square has previously hosted traders from Normandy, this was the first time the Celtic-influenced peninsula in north-western France had been represented.
Breton delicacies, including honey, beer, cheese and crepes were on offer at five stalls.
Unfortunately the tail of Storm Dave, causing trouble in the north of England, meant the first day of the market on Friday was on the damp and chilly side.
But with the market stretching across the bank holiday weekend, the stallholders who had made the trip were looking forward to a brighter forecast for the following days.
Brewer Laurent Jouffre was there selling beers and spirits from his brewery and distillery. He said hoped this would be the first of many trips to the island.
‘I’ve been over to Jersey maybe 50 times, but because of the changes to the ferries this is now so much more convenient,’ he said.
‘I’ll still go to Jersey, and in Brittany we really think of the two islands as sisters.’
Mr Jouffre was full of praise for the States, which had helped them to organise the trip.
‘They have made everything simple, for certificates and permissions, even with bringing liquor and cheese, which can be complicated.
‘That help will help strengthen this connection.’
One of the islanders who had braved the drizzle to check out the market was Economic Development Committee president Sasha Kazantseva-Miller.
Her committee has made no secret of its hopes for greater economic ties with France.
As well as greeting stall holders, she was also there to meet the Vice-President of the Brittany region, visiting the island on holiday, to give him and his family a tour of the island.
‘We’ve had the Normandy market for a number of years,’ she said.
‘Through the work we’re doing with the Brittany, we’ve built that relationship, and we’re delighted to have their market here.
‘It’s a small market, but there’s a bigger market that can come here, so it’s about making small steps. And it’s also part of the Big Eat food festival too.’
n The market has been open all weekend and will also be selling this morning.
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