French market checklist: what to arrange and when

A French market needs more than stalls and food. You have to secure the market space and permit first, then confirm vendors, registrations, power, signage and the layout. In the final week, check deliveries, weather, cash, tickets and dietary requirements. On setup day, allow time to cordon off the area, build the stalls, arrange tables and chairs, chill drinks and test every payment and power connection.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve market space
Apply for the required permit
Book Stalls and Vendors
Send invitations
2 people
Publish the online event
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Create the booth layout
Inform exhibitors
Assess power needs
Determine the route and signage
Create price lists and signs
2 people
Print menus
Count wristbands and admission tickets
Prepare cash
Check the shopping list
Do non-perishable shopping
2 people
Buy fresh groceries
2 people
Set out drinks chilled
2 people
Collect materials
3 people
Check the weather forecast
Receive deliveries
2 people
Cordon off the area
3 people
Build the stalls
6 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Connect power and extension cords
2 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Hang French decorations
3 people
Set up the information desk
2 people
Set up payment points
2 people
Set up catering stand
4 people
Prepare snacks
4 people
Set up the coffee and tea station
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Place waste stations
2 people
Check toilets
Welcome exhibitors
3 people
Stock the stalls with products
6 people
Perform sound check
2 people
Brief the opening team
3 people

Event

Open market
2 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Staff the entrance and information desk
2 people
Staff the booths
8 people
Serve cheese and bread
3 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Hand out drinks
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Clear tables
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Clean the toilets in between
Check the lighting
Check stock
Announce final sales
Close the market
3 people

Aftercare

Take down the stalls
6 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Pack leftovers safely
3 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Clean borrowed items
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Distribute leftover food
2 people
Close out cash till
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Market stallsqty 10
Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Beer tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 12
High tablesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 6
Presentation boardsqty 12
Storage binsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 120
Dessert platesqty 80
Glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Wine glassesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving plattersqty 20
Pitchersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Payment terminalsqty 3
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 10

Decorations

French flagsqty 20
Buntingqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 20
Flower arrangementsqty 12
Price tagsqty 80
Directional signsqty 12
Cocktail table coversqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 8
Pliersqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 4
Kitchen scalesqty 2
Aluminum traysqty 30
Food storage containersqty 20
Ice packsqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start with the site and paperwork: reserve the market space and apply for the required permit before confirming vendors or publishing the event. Keep the permit details with the event documents on the day.
Give vendors a firm deadline for arrival times, power requirements and dietary information. Use the final layout to show each exhibitor where to unload, trade and store supplies.
Plan the visitor route before printing signs. Mark entrances, stalls, toilets, payment points and any restricted areas, then print price lists, menus and directional signage from the finished layout.
Do the shopping in two rounds: buy non-perishables first and fresh groceries close to the market date. Chill drinks before opening, and keep coolers, food warmers, serving platters and reusable tableware ready at the stalls.
Treat setup as a timed build rather than a quick tidy-up. Leave several hours to cordon off the area, assemble market stalls and tents, place tables and chairs, connect extension cords and power strips, and test coffee machines, kettles, speakers and payment terminals.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a French market?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the market. This gives you time to reserve the space, apply for permits, book stalls and vendors, publish the event and process registrations before the final shopping and setup week.
When should I apply for a French market permit?: Apply as soon as the location and date are fixed, preferably 8 weeks before the event. Permit processing times vary, so do not wait until vendors or invitations are already confirmed.
How much food and drink should I prepare for a French market?: Use your registration count plus a small buffer for walk-ins, and collect dietary requirements before buying fresh groceries. For drinks, plan around 2 to 3 per visitor for the first hour, then adjust for the expected opening time and weather.
How long does it take to set up a French market?: Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for a small market, and longer if you have many stalls or tents. Include time to build the stalls, arrange tables and chairs, install signs, connect power, receive deliveries and test payment equipment.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.