Central Covered Market

Local Production - Basse-Terre

Market activity has been taking place on this site since the early 19th century, and several covered market structures have been built here over the years. Following the devastating hurricane of 1928, a new covered market was constructed by Ali Tur around a central clock tower inspired by oriental forms (1932). A protected historic monument, the clock tower, made of wood, metal, and glass, was refurbished during the renovation of the covered market in 2003. The “show” gets underway at 6:00 a.m. daily, when vans begin unloading their fruit, vegetables, and flowers, and hurried restaurateurs and curious strollers begin moving between the stalls. In this profusion of colors and aromas, everything has its place. The fish market area is specially designed for fishmongers. Set back from the road, the covered market overlooks the esplanade. Visitors are greeted by spice merchants, women selling flavorful beverages, aromatic plant specialists, butchers in large aprons… all plying their wares in a friendly, lively atmosphere.