Fish Market (La Poissonnerie)
About Fish Market (La Poissonnerie)
La Poissonnerie is a neo-Norman fish market hall built in 1936 along the banks of the River Touques. Designed by architect Maurice Vincent, the 700 m² building features reinforced concrete construction with a distinctive false half-timbered facade and corner watchtower, drawing inspiration from traditional Norman architecture. The market houses nine independent fishmongers selling fresh catches from the English Channel including sole, mackerel, sea bass, scallops, oysters, and lobster. Visitors can purchase seafood and have it prepared on the spot, dining at high tables inside the market while watching the active fishing port. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1992, the hall was painstakingly rebuilt after a 2006 fire to match the original 1936 design. The market opens daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, with fishermen selling directly from their boats at the pier between 5-7 PM offering the freshest catch at lower prices.
Interesting Facts
The market hall was built in a record 6 months during 1936. Mayor Fernand Moureaux launched an architectural competition in 1935 specifically requiring regional Norman design, and construction began in April 1936 with the building opening that same autumn.
The Saiter family has been selling fish here for over 130 years across six generations since 1887. Their signature Pillet-Saiter fish soup, created by Jeannette Saiter in the 1960s, won a gold medal at the 1971 Paris Agricultural Show and is now exported as far as China.
Before sea bathing became fashionable in the 19th century, Trouville was entirely a fishing village. A Sunday tradition developed where Parisians would take the train to buy fresh seafood and eat it on the riverside or during the journey home.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Boulevard Fernand Moureaux, 14360 Trouville-sur-Mer, France