Guide to Market Days in Provence | Where to Go and What to Buy
One of my favourite ways to spend a morning in Provence is to wander through its markets. The scent of fresh herbs, the gentle hum of village life, and the soft morning sun shining down through the dappled leaves. It’s more than just a way to get your vegetables, it’s a way of life. And a beautiful way to connect with the region.
From busy town squares to tiny markets tucked between narrow village streets, markets are the essence of Provence life. Where the locals come to shop, and to catch up with friends over coffee (or a cheeky glass of wine). But they’re also an unforgettable experience for visitors. Packed with the most delicious seasonal produce, aged cheeses, spices, and handcrafted goods. Each one has its own personality, and discovering them is one of the best things you can do in Provence.
Below, I’ll invite you to some of my favourite markets to visit throughout the week, and share tips about what to buy, and how to make the most of your market-hopping adventure in Provence.
Types of Markets in Provence
While all the Provence markets share characteristics, if you turn up to a marché paysan (farmers market) expecting to find antiques, or a marché artisanal (craft market) expecting strawberries, you may end up disappointed.
So, to avoid any mishaps, I’ll give you a brief explanation of the main types of markets you’ll encounter in Provence.
Marchés Paysans (Farmers Markets)
This is your regular farmers market. Expect fresh, local produce and some homemade products like juices, jams, and honey. There’s always at least one organic stand (often many), which is indicated by signage saying “AB” or Bio.
Marchés Provençaux (Provençal Markets)
These markets are the most common. A place to pick up fresh produce, but also prepared foods, textiles, souvenirs and flowers. They’re a bit of everything, and the most typical kinds of markets, especially in larger or more touristic towns.
Marché des Artisans et Créateurs (Craft Markets)
This is where you’ll find local creators selling their wares. Think ceramics, jewellery, olive wood utensils and textiles. Some markets have a theme (eg the Easter pottery market in Bonnieux), while others are more broad.
Brocantes or Marchés des Antiques (Antique Markets)
Brocantes and marchés des antiques are markets where antique dealers sell their treasures. Don’t expect huge bargains, but you can pick up some lovely unique pieces for your home. If you go to a few Brocantes around the region, you may recognise some of the same sellers, but not all markets are created equal.
Vide Greniers (Flea Market)
Vide grenier roughly translates to “empty the attic” so you can imagine this as more of a flea market. If you’re among the first to arrive, you can certainly find some treasures at a vide grenier. But it pays to know what you’re looking for.
Provence Market Calendar
While nearly every village has a market of some kind, I’ll focus on the ones worth visiting – and then dive deeper into a few of my personal favourites.
Regular Markets in Provence
- Velleron – Farmers Market every evening in summer. Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays in winter.
- Aix-en-Provence – Daily Farmers & Flower Market, Provencal Market on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
- Avignon – Covered Food Market at Les Halles – every day except Monday.
- Marseille – Fish Market every day by the Old Port.
- Senas – Farmers Market every day in summer, except Sundays.
Sunday Markets
- Aigues-Mortes (Provencal Market)
- Ansouis (Provencal Market)
- Coustellet (Seasonal Farmers Market)
- Carpentras (Puces-Brocante – i.e. a mixture of antiques and second-hand goods)
- Châteaurenard (Provençal Market)
- L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Provencal Market & Brocante)
- Pelissanne (Provençal Market)
- Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque (Seasonal Farmers Market)
Monday Markets
- Avignon (Farmers Market)
- Bédoin (Provencal Market)
- Cadenet (Provencal Market)
- Forcalquier (Provencal Market – if you can only choose one today, choose this one!)
- Fontvieille (Provencal Market)
- Lauris (Provencal Market)
- Saint-Didier (Provencal Market)
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Provencal Market)
Tuesday Markets
- Aigues-Mortes (Seasonal Farmers Market)
- Apt (Farmers Market)
- Cucuron (Provencal Market)
- Gordes (Provencal Market)
- La Tour d’Aigues (Provencal Market)
- Lourmarin (Evening Farmers Market)
- Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt (Provencal Market)
- St-Remy-de-Provence (Evening creators market in summer)
- Tarascon (Provencal Market)
- Vaison-la-Romaine (Provencal Market)
Wednesday Markets
- Arles (Weekly Provençal Market + Brocante on the first Wednesday of the month)
- Beaucaire (Brocante)
- Digne-les-Bains (Provencal Market)
- Marseille (Farmers Market)
- Riez (Provencal Market and Seasonal Truffle Market)
- Saint-Remy-de-Provence (Provencal Market)
- Sault (Provencal Market)
- Salon-de-Provence (Provencal Market)
- Uzes (Traditional Market)
Thursday Markets
- Goult (Provencal Market)
- La Roque d’Antheron (Provencal Market)
- L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Provencal Market)
- Maussane-les-Alpilles (Provencal Market)
- Menerbes (Provencal Market)
- Nyons (Provencal Market)
- Orange (Provencal Market)
- Roussillon (Provencal Market)
- Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (Provencal Market)
Friday Markets
- Bonnieux (Provencal Market)
- Capentras (Provencal Market)
- Eygalières (Provencal Market)
- Fontvieille (Provencal Market)
- Lambesc (Provencal Market)
- Lourmarin (Provencal Market)
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Provencal Market)
- Pertuis (Provencal Market)
Saturday Markets
- Apt (Provencal Market)
- Arles (Provencal Market)
- Avignon (Provencal Market)
- Digne les Bains (Provencal Market)
- Le Thor (Provencal Market)
- Manosque (Provencal Market)
- Pernes-les-Fontaines (Provencal Market)
- Riez (Provencal Market)
- Salon-de-Provence (Farmers Market)
- Sisteron (Provencal Market)
- Uzes (Traditional Market)
- Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (Brocante)
- Venelles (Farmers Market)
My Favourite Markets in Provence
It’s hard to choose just a few favourite markets in Provence when they all offer something special. But the following markets are the ones that call me back for more than just filling my veggie quota for the week.
Saint-Remy-de-Provence Wednesday Market
The Wednesday morning market in Saint-Remy-de-Provence is one not to be missed. Set against the plane tree-lined boulevards and the charming buildings of the old town, it stretches through the streets in a medley of colour.
Here, you’ll find everything from handmade soaps and Provençal tablecloths, to fresh produce and delicacies like truffle-infused olive oil. It’s the ideal place to spend a morning shopping, sipping coffee at a local cafe, and enjoying a spot of people-watching.
Things to do nearby St Remy after a trip to the markets:
– Glanum
– Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole
– Les Baux de Provence & Carrieres des Lumieres
– Local Vineyards
L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue Sunday Market
The best all-in-one market, the Sunday market in L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue combines a traditional Provençal market with an excellent antiques market. Often called the “Venice of Provence” for its picturesque position on the canals, L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for its standing in the antiques industry – this is one of the best places to shop for them.
You can easily spend an entire morning or longer wandering through the town and its markets, pausing for lunch in one of the gorgeous eateries alongside the river Sorgue.
Things to do nearby L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue after a trip to the markets:
– Fontaine de Vaucluse
– Lavender Museum in Coustellet
– Le Thor Grottes
Aix-en-Provence Provencal Markets
Though there are daily farmers and flower markets in Aix-en-Provence, it’s the thrice-weekly Provencal market that you want to visit if you can.
Held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, this vibrant market spreads up through the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, before weaving through Rue Thiers and joining the market stalls in Place du Verdun. Here you can find everything and anything you could be looking for – from linen dresses and sunhats, to tapenade and cheeses for your picnic lunch.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence after a trip to the markets:
– Walk the Cezanne trail
– Visit Musée Granet
– Have afternoon tea at Hôtel de Caumont
– Find more ideas here.
Apt Saturday Market
The Saturday Apt market is one of the most famous in the region. Frequented throughout the year by the Luberon locals, in summer it gains momentum with an influx of tourists.
Providing an authentic market experience, you’ll find everything from candied fruits (a local delicacy), to freshly cut flowers, regional produce, and handmade crafts.
Things to do nearby Apt after a trip to the markets:
– Tour the villages of the Luberon
– Visit lavender fields
– Wander around Fort de Buoux
– Have a picnic by Pont Julien
Lourmarin Friday Market
While not as big as some of the others on this list, the Lourmarin market is still a very decent size and offers plenty of variety. In the summer months, it stretches out along Boulevard du Rayol, up Avenue Raoul Daultry towards the Château, and into the main square on VC du Galinier.
It’s a busy but enjoyable affair, and the restaurants and cafes of the old town are perfect for a relaxed lunch after you’ve filled your market basket.
Things to do near Lourmarin after a trip to the markets:
– Visit the Lourmarin Chateau
– Have lunch at Domaine de Fontenille
– Visit Cucuron or Ansouis
Eygalières Friday Market
Situated in Les Alpilles area of Provence, the village of Eygalières is blessed with a magical location among ancient olive groves and vineyards dotted with stone farmhouses and cypress trees. With a backdrop of the craggy Alpilles mountain ranges, it’s what Provence dreams are made of.
Perhaps this is why a tiny village hosts one of the most popular weekly markets in the region. Come here for a more relaxed experience, and shop a range of locally made and grown goodies. Eygalieres also hosts an exceptional brocante on the last Sunday of each month.
Things to do near Eygalieres after a trip to the markets:
– Visit the ruined castle at Orgon
– Take a walk through Saint-Remy-de-Provence
– Visit Les Baux de Provence
Uzes Saturday Market
While not in Provence, Uzès is just a quick jump over into the Gard department, and a great addition to a day trip to the Pont du Gard. Held in the shady Place aux Herbes in the heart of the old town, it’s an excellent place to browse arts and crafts, local foods and wine.
Things to do near Uzès after a trip to the markets:
– Visit the Pont du Gard & its museum
– Take a drive to Nimes
Smaller Luberon Markets
The smaller Luberon village markets aren’t really worth setting aside a whole morning for, but can be excellent additions to a road trip around the area. Some of my favourites include the markets held in Goult, Ansouis, Cucuron, Menerbes, Gordes and Cadenet.
What to Buy at the Markets of Provence
Visiting the Provence markets allows you a unique insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The foods, crafts, and textiles on offer showcase the area’s traditions, artistry and expertise. Here are a few ideas of what to buy.
Edible Delights
There’s no mistaking that Provence is a foodie’s paradise. Here are a few specialities you may want to try (alongside the best tomatoes, strawberries and melons you’ve ever eaten!):
- Goat Cheese (Fromage de Chevre). Sold in small rounds, often with coatings of herbs or ash, it’s an excellent addition to your picnic basket.
- Olives and Tapenade. The olive stands at the Provençal markets are huge, and there’s a lot to choose from. But vendors are usually more than happy for you to try before you buy.
- Honey & Spreads. This is your chance to try lavender honey or wild quince jam. Don’t miss it.
- Herbes de Provence. Goes without saying.
- Candied fruits and nougat. Both local recipes, they make excellent souvenirs.
- Truffles. Winter and Spring markets bring truffles and truffle-flavoured products to the forefront.
Homewares and Crafts
You will be tempted by many of the homewares on display at the markets, and these local items make great mementoes to take home.
- Olive Wood Items. Breadboards, spoons, salad bowls, serving platters – you name it, and they’ve probably made one out of local olive wood.
- Ceramics and pottery. Each area has its own style, but look out for Faïence earthenware or Terre Vernissée (glazed earthenware), and marbled pottery. Fine porcelain pieces are increasingly available from local artists, too.
- Provençal textiles. From colourful tablecloths to tea towels and napkins in floral patterns. There’s a very distinct look to Provençal linens that will bring a smile to your face long after you depart.
- Soaps. Made with natural oils (often olive oil), and scented with every fragrance you can imagine. These make great gifts and can be purchased with little tin boxes for transport.
- Woven Baskets. The perfect accessory to carry all your treasures and market finds!
Beauty & Wellness Products
You’ll typically find a few stands at any Provençal market selling oils, lotions and bath products.
- Lavender oils. An obvious choice, but look for pure lavender oil, rather than lavandin. The former has medicinal properties, whereas the latter is used just for its scent.
- Skincare. You’ll find a range of lip balms and body lotions infused with essential oils, beeswax and shea butter.
- Bath Salts and Scrubs. Epsom salts infused with local oils, herbs and flowers are another excellent souvenir or gift to take home.
What Not to Buy
While many markets uphold strict vetting and quality controls, others do not. You’ll sometimes find stalls selling cheaply made accessories and clothing, and mass-produced ceramics that aren’t made with the same tradition and care you’ll find by supporting local artists.
Insider Tips for the Best Experience
Visiting the Provence markets is amazing, but it can also be overwhelming for first-timers. Here are a few tips to get the most from the experience.
Time Your Visit Right
Markets typically start around 8 in the morning, and hit peak busyness around 9 or 9.30. Arriving early means not having to battle for parking, getting the pick of the produce and beating the crowds.
Bring Your Bonjour
There’s perhaps no more important word in the French language. Start every interaction with a “bonjour” (hello) and you’ll have a much friendlier reception than if you just launch into a question or request. Add in “merci” (thanks), and an “au revoir” (goodbye) or “bonne journée” (have a good day), and you’ll be forgiven for not speaking any other French.
Don’t Forget Your Cash
These days, many vendors accept cards for payment. But they’ll often have a limit of €5 or €10, so it pays to always have some cash on you for smaller purchases. The same goes for boulangeries (bakeries) – if you try to buy a €1 baguette with your card, you could get turned down.
Bring a basket (or buy one)
Plastic bags have been phased out in France. And although this isn’t always enforced, it’s always a good idea to bring a bag to carry all your shopping home. Market baskets are a fun accessory if you can fit one in your luggage. Otherwise, bring a reusable shopping tote.
Know When to Haggle (and when not to)
Haggling isn’t a thing at the typical Provençal (food and goods) markets. The price is firm. But at the brocantes and vide greniers, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for the “meilleur prix” (best price).
Take your time and enjoy
Try not to be overwhelmed by the choice of markets, or the number of goods on display. Take your time, don’t rush. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the markets and sit in a cafe to watch the bustle. You’ll enjoy the experience a lot more if you’re not hurrying to the next market or attraction on your list.
Et Voilà! I hope you’ll find this guide to the Provence markets helpful. It’s one I’ve been meaning to write for a long time, as I know they’re a key attraction for people visiting the region, and it can be hard to know which markets are worth a visit, and which ones can be skipped.
Above all, enjoy this uniquely Provençal experience – slow down and sample the flavours, have a banter with the vendors, and shop up a storm. Just remember to come with room in your suitcase!
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