From Paris with love: French market returns to charm Prague’s Kampa Park

Every summer, under the arching presence of Charles Bridge and the leafy shade of Kampa Park, the romantic heart of France briefly beats in the middle of Prague. The French Market, or Francouzský trh, returns once again this July, transforming the cobbled square into a fragrant, flavorful, and festive slice of la belle France.

Now in its 17th year, the event is more than a food fair—it's a cultural crossroads where the French community in Prague, Czech Francophiles, and curious passersby converge around fresh-baked baguettes, sizzling crepes, soulful chansons, and some of the best cheese and wine this side of Bordeaux.

“The very first market was in 2007,” explains Thomas Bouton, one of the organizers, to Expats.cz. “It started at Jungmannovo náměstí as part of a French culinary event organized from France to promote French cuisine and food. In the following years, the market started to live as itself as many people enjoyed the possibility to get nice French products together with a nice social atmosphere. Importers could meet new customers and there was a nice festive atmosphere that gathered people."

That sense of joie de vivre has only deepened over the years. After brief stints at Ovocný trh, the French Market found its spiritual home on Kampa in 2010—thanks in part to the support of the French Embassy—and has since become one of Prague’s most anticipated summer events.

While the scenic backdrop of the market is quintessentially Czech, the offerings are unmistakably French. This year’s vendors include the usual suspects: fine wines, creamy cheeses, crusty breads, and charcuterie. But visitors can also expect a few surprises.

“New this year will be homemade pâté Pantin, that will be provided by the No Stress Pekařna. This is a really old recipe of baking pâté in oven with some meat. This is really succulent and new on the market,” says Bouton.

Another highlight? A beef stand paired with a variety of mustards from Burgundy, boasting flavors like cognac, fig, and piment. Traditional, but with aromas that will surprise people.

And for the sweet-toothed? Expect the legendary Crêpes Suzette, flambéed with Grand Marnier, and a decadent twist: truffle crêpes.

There are no workshops this year, but music takes center stage, with a lineup of live French performers bringing a touch of soul to the already rich ambiance.

One act to look out for is Sawl, a singer from Réunion Island who’s been gaining attention in French music circles for his haunting voice.

Also new this year is an eco-friendly twist: to reduce plastic waste in Kampa, all wine will be served in special French Market glasses available for purchase at the event. “Because plastic is totally forbidden on the Kampa area we will ask people to get a specific glass, with the logo of the French Market printed on it for the amount of CZK 100. It is very usual, but it will be the first time on the French Market," explains Bouton.

At its core, the French Market isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about what happens around it.

“French people can spend hours in their kitchen! What I am mostly excited about at the French Market is the gathering of people and the time they can spend together, around French products. In France, dining is a social moment and this is what we like to share on top of our specialties,” Bouton says.

And the feedback has been resoundingly positive.

“The French community is always very proud to join the event and to be represented in such a beautiful part of Prague, under Charles Bridge. This is always a magical moment as we meet also with the tourists around.”

Bouton says they receive calls starting from February from people coming from Ostrava, Brno, and Plzeň wanting to know the date and book their hotel especially for the event. Some tour operators from Norway and Germany even include the market in their program.

Whether you’re there for the truffle crêpes, the soulful songs, or the simple joy of a glass of rosé beneath the trees, the French Market at Kampa is a midsummer rendezvous not to be missed.