A group of French traders crossed the Channel to sell their produce in Epsom marketplace on Friday morning - the day people were warned to avoid the area.
On Thursday police warned drivers to steer clear of the town because of the huge numbers of people expected to drive through the town on their way to Ladies Day at Epsom Downs.
Market manager Muriel Charles who lives in Rouen, in Normandy, said they had no idea about the Derby was taking place and had chosen Epsom randomly.
Mrs Charles said they had travelled on the overnight boat from Dieppe to Newhaven so they could set up first thing.
She said: "It’s the first time we have come to Epsom. All the traders are coming from France. They crossed the Channel last night."
Among the mouth-watering specialities on offer were 50 varieties of cheeses, sausages from Auvergne and patisserie including freshly-baked croissants, pain au chocolates and pain au raisins.
Other goodies included vintage music CDs; car, advert and film posters; handbags and more than 30 varieties of soaps from Provence.
Asked about a food recommendation, she said: "You must try the tartiflette. It’s a speciality from the mountains – very typical from the Alps – made from bacon, cheese, onions and cream. We eat this when we go to do winter sports."
The market will return to the UK in three weeks when it will be in Sutton High Street between June 20 – 23.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article