Part of our first day in Montreal was spent strolling up and down the aisles of Marche Jean Talon, a public market located in the city’s Little Italy district. Window shopping; I can take it or leave it. That is unless we’re at a farmer’s market. Then I’m all in, as I was when we went to the Jean Talon Public Market.
Jean Talon is a gastronomic playland, an amusement park that excites all the senses; the vibrant colors of flowers, pungent perfume of the cheesemonger, the crunch of a crusty loaf of bread, the warmth of a cup of cappuccino cradled in you palm and a myriad of tastes, from the sweet maple syrup candies to a savory crepe of mushrooms, bechamel, ham, and cheese.
Opened in 1933, Marche Jean Talon is one of Montreal’s oldest public markets.
Below: Colorful bouquets and plants offered by the flower merchants.
Marche Jean Talon is a half acre of purveyors of deliciousness. We came away with some creamy goat cheese, salami from the charcuterie, brilliant red strawberries, a loaf of bread and croissants.
While in Montreal we stayed in an apartment in a pleasant working class neighborhood on the outskirts of the gay village district. The apartment has a little back porch with table and chairs and this is where I took breakfast while Cora slept in. Breakfast always consisted of coffee, the savory pleasures that we brought home from Jean Talon, a good book and the quiet of the morning.
Strawberries, goat cheese a chocolate croissant and coffee.
To leave Jean Talon without a full and groaning grocery bag would be a shame. But even if you do come away with nothing in hand, the sights, sounds and smells will leave a lasting impression. 
What a delightful part of your stay! Love your breakfast menue AND routine!
Kyung, I could not begin to describe how good that cheese was. I miss it!
such gorgeous, warming colours
Thank you John. It is a very warming place – especially for the appetite.
Wow! Those colours! Mouthwatering!
Thank you and thank you for visiting.
I love markets and your photos reveal this one was really fantastic
Thank you Sheree. It is a fantastic place. A must see for anyone visiting Montreal.
Montreal and Quebec are on my bucket list
I enjoyed your post here – the way you describe the grocery bag as groaning was fun… and when we travel / my hubs usually has coffee and early morning While I sleep in too! And your breakfast plate from the store connected so well to
How you worded it earlier in the post. ☺️
Thank you so much for visiting and commenting. Jean Talon was one of the highlights of the trip. I just wish that we had a similar market in our area that was open every day.
The arrangement that we have with our spouses is pretty great isn’t it. I can go out and take pictures, guilt free because I know that part of her vacation highlight is sleeping in and relaxing.
Thanks for the nice reply – and wishing you a good day
Oh, My! If I ever get there, I am visiting this market for sure! Those flowers are exquisite and brought a huge smile to my face. Thank you for adding more beauty and happiness to my day 🙂
Jean Talon is a must. Anyone who visits should take along a big shopping bag and an appetite for having a meal there. There’s a wonderful creperie in the market. Or you can just buy a variety of foods from different purveyors and sit at one of the many tables.
Beautiful pictures , certainly on of the most interesting markets
Thank you. I enjoyed your own post on the relevance of public markets. On point.