Frog legs and pétanque: Prague's annual French market moves to Troja Castle

This year, the 16th edition of Prague's French Market will move to a new location. Traditionally held at Kampa Park, the growth of the festival led organizers to search for a location that could accommodate more visitors.

This year's event will be held from Thursday, July 13 to Sunday, July 16 at Troja Castle. Visitors will still be treated to French specialties in a convivial market atmosphere with live entertainment. The ceremonial opening of the market will be presided over by Alexis Duterte, Ambassador of France to the Czech Republic.

"The decision to move the French market to a new location was not an easy one for us. We spent fifteen years at Kampa and have many beautiful memories of this location, however, the ever-growing popularity of the event did not allow us to provide the kind of comfort we would have imagined for the visitors who arrived last year, more than 60,000," said Thomas Bouton, founder and main organizer of the French market, in a news release.

He adds that Troja Castle and the adjacent garden and park offer visitors more greenery and space for enjoying the French market vibe. "This year we will offer visitors more than 170 places to sit, there will also be tables, comfortable deckchairs, and three new pétanque courts," he said.

According to the French Embassy, the historical relations between France and the Czech Republic go back to the 14th century when John of Luxembourg, who grew up in the French court, became the head of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

The close ties between the two countries were further strengthened when Charles IV, son of John of Luxembourg, became emperor and commissioned the construction of the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, inspired by French cathedrals. However, during the Hussite revolt, the relationship became strained due to rumors about Czech heretics.

The 1914-1930 period marked the golden age of Franco-Czechoslovak relations, with France playing a crucial role in recognizing Czechoslovak independence. The years that followed witnessed various challenges and setbacks, particularly during the communist era when bilateral relations suffered. However, with the Velvet Revolution and the fall of communism, the relations between France and the Czech Republic began to improve.

The Czech Republic's membership in the European Union further solidified the partnership between the two countries, leading to strengthened cooperation in various areas. Today more than 4,000 French citizens call the Czech Republic home.

This year's market will present a total of 39 exhibitors and producers of French regional specialties daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (during the weekend from 10 a.m.). Traditional French delicacies on offer range from oysters, snails from Bourgogne, frog legs, a selection of regional cheeses, hams, cured sausages, duck, and foie gras, as well as pastries and desserts.

La Table will offer Mullard duck delicacies from the Landes region of southwestern France such as baguettes with shredded duck confit and onion jam, authentic French onion soup, and Cannelé pastries. Breton Crêpes, cider, and lavender products are other delicious offerings to enjoy at the market.

The wine list encompasses a range of white, rose, red, and sparkling varieties from Alsace, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Champagne and Loire regions which will complement wines from lesser-known varieties and French beers from microbreweries. La Cave d’Adrien joins the market this year with a selection of wines for a variety of budgets.

A musical program and entertainment for kids is also planned. Charlie & the Chocolates, Justin Lavash, St. Johnny, and Jazz Pot are all scheduled to perform.

While Troja Castle is accessible by bus, on foot, or bike from Stromovka, the festival organizers recommend a boat voyage for a truly festive arrival: a regular boat line departs from the Rašín embankment, with a 75-minute journey to the boat dock on Císařský ostrov near Troja Castle.