My Favourite Markets
Just about every village in Provence has a weekly market. Some villages have markets that occur twice a week or even daily! Markets are absolutely my favourite part of living in Provence. We can easily spend a day wandering through the stalls and people watching as we sit at a wonky table with a couple glasses of rosé. The weekly market is a ritual that is truly part of living in Provence. On Sundays you’ll see whole families shopping together as kids amazingly express great interest in the new vegetables of the season.
If you’re planning on visiting Provence you must visit one of these wonderful events. Everyone has their favourites; I judge mine based on the quality of the produce, variety, ambiance and the ever so important factor – are there cafés positioned with a great view on sunny terraces?
You’ll find my list of favourite Provence Markets on my website and I’ve also included a “day out” plan with each of them if you want to make the most out of your market experience. All markets included in my list are morning markets. In the warmer weather the stalls are set up by 9 am and go until 12:30. In the winter, all these markets still occur, though they are smaller and start a little later.
Provencal Markets
A Provencal market includes not only prepared foods and produce, but provençal goods such as lavender, tablecloths, clothes etc. It is the best type of market to visit if you’re only here for a short time. When you arrive to the town or village on market day the location of the stalls will be evident. Just follow the French people with straw bags and know you’re getting closer when the parking starts to get really creative. All these markets get very busy during the warmer months starting around 10:30 am.
What you’ll find at a Provencal Market:
Fruit + veggies, cured meats, olives, wide variety of cheeses, olive oil, jam, honey, soap, lavender sachets, tablecloths, clothes, straw bags, prepared foods (rotisserie chicken, chick peas), wine, kitchen items, dried herbs, art, pottery etc.
See the rest of this article on my site where you’ll find lots of pictures, the list of my favourite markets and suggestions for ways to make a day of your market experience.
