There are four markets in Monaco, the indoor and outdoor markets at La Condamine, Place d'Armes, an international market just behind the train station and Marche de Monte-Carlo on Avenue St Charles.

These aren't the biggest markets around but they are convenient and open every day. La Condamine mostly consists of fruit, vegetables and florists outside. At Christmas time you will also find lots of fresh Christmas trees on sale of varying sizes and colours.

Once you've bought your fruit and veg you can go inside and visit some of the many butchers, delicatessens, cheese shops and bakeries. You can buy ready made local meals and Monegasque specialities to take-away.

All around the little square there are restaurants and cafes to sit and enjoy your morning coffee and newspaper after youve finished your shopping, under the backdrop of the Palace. The market is open from 0600 - 1400.

The International market sets up just behind the train station and is open every day except Sunday in the mornings only, it isn't very big and not as popular with the locals.

The Monte-Carlo Market on Avenue St Charles is open every day and there is a car park close by where the first hour is free of charge. This market is focused more on local specialities like pates, breads, spices and charcuterie than fruit and vegetables.

In 1994 the mayor of Monaco set up a free shuttle service to take people in need of assistance from their homes to the markets at La Condamine and Ave St Charles. If you need to use this service it is available from 0730 - 1400 Mon - Sat and has to be pre-booked. You will need to speak French though to book a car but the number is +377 93 30 63 94.

If you are in Monaco but want to go a bit further afield then the market at Ventimiglia, just over the Italian border, on Fridays is supposed to be exceptional and certainly one of the largest in the region.