Provence has some of the best markets in France. With high-quality fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and local selections, the experience can’t be beaten. If there is one experience you have while in Provence, let it be a morning at a market.
Some of my favorite memories from my three trips to Provence have been exactly that. A slow morning, a stroll into the village, and a couple of hours of eyeing and buying. For me, French farmers’ markets are quintessential to the foodie experience. Pick up a few of your favorite ingredients and put together a picnic or lunch to enjoy back at your accommodations.
The atmosphere of the Provence markets is some of the best in France. Imagine shopping on warm summer mornings in shaded squares or bundled up in autumn when seasonal produce such as truffles and squash is bought for cozy meals.
You’ll find everything you need to know about which markets operate throughout the week and some handy tips for the best experience.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Where to Stay to Visit the Markets in Provence:
- Lourmarin (Staying at Le Moulin), for the best undercover village
- Saint-Remy-de-Provence (Staying at Le Saint-Rémy), for the best central location
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Provence? Don’t miss my Provence guide, 7-Day Provence itinerary, and my in-depth guide on the best villages to stay in Provence!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Provence is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
A Guide to the Best Markets in Provence
What to Expect at French Markets
There are a few things you can do to get the most out of your market visit, from knowing what to bring with you to when to arrive.
Time of Day
Most markets start in the morning and finish by noon or early afternoon. Some vendors will sell out or pack up before the market’s listed closing time, so I recommend arriving early.
Parking
Knowing where to park ahead of time can also make the experience more enjoyable. If you arrive early, you’ll have a better chance of finding a great parking space, too. Items like freshly caught fish and certain cuts of meat can also sell out early, so plan if you are looking for something specific.
Bring Cash
Cash is still preferred at most local markets, so do be sure to carry euros. Smaller notes and coins are also great if you plan on buying smaller amounts, especially early in the day.
Bring a Reusable Bag or Basket
It’s also expected that you will bring your reusable bag or basket. Those iconic market basket bags that you’ve seen all over social media are available at most markets, as well as stores throughout Provence. They come in sizes from small to large, and it’s a beautiful souvenir to take home with you that doubles as a beach bag.
Bartering Isn’t Typical
It’s also worth noting that bartering isn’t typical at the markets in Provence. Prices are as marked, especially at food markets and stalls. However, sometimes you can haggle at brocante, which are flea markets. The only time prices change at a produce market is when it’s the last 30 minutes or so — the vendors will often tell you a discounted price for whatever is left.
List of Provence Markets by Day
Monday
Bedoin
Considered one of the most beautiful markets in Provence, the Bedoin market transforms the town centre into a dream-like painted scene. Fresh fruit and vegetables, local specialties, and handmade crafts are sold at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
Cavaillon
For a market with a local feel, Cavaillon’s Monday morning market is a slightly less charming weekly market, but good if you want to pick up more budget-friendly options. Located in the town’s main thoroughfare, a selection of fabric, leather goods, and household items is available alongside fresh produce, including the melons that Cavaillon is famous for.
Tuesday
Aix-en-Provence
Aix’s fruit and veg market is open daily at Place Richelme, but on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, it also has additional markets at Verdun Square and Prêcheurs Square. This is a great spot to pick up local cheese, olive products, and a collection of gourmet jams, syrups, and wine. There is also a fresh flower market in Town Hall Square every day, except the first Sunday of the month.
Cucuron
Taking place around a large water feature in the centre of Cucuron, this is one of the best markets for local produce. Favorite items among market-goers are the cheese and honey, and there is an opportunity to sit and people-watch around the basin to take in the market day atmosphere.
Gordes
A vibrant, picturesque market that fills the centre of Gordes at the base of the castle on Tuesday mornings, Gordes market is a popular choice in Provence. A great place to pick up freshly baked bread, cheese, and saucisson, as well as soaps, fabrics, and artworks by local artisans, this is a relatively large market that’s perfect for buying ingredients and enjoying a picnic lunch nearby.
Vaison-la-Romaine
Set among the historic centre of town, the Vaison-la-Romaines market is one of the biggest in Provence. With up to 450 vendors in summer, you’ll find a mix of food, crafts, clothing, utensils, and local products available.
Wednesday
Arles
Set on Boulevard Emile Combes, the market is divided into two sections. The south has stalls selling clothing and accessories, while the northern end features stalls selling food, including regional products, herbs, and spices.
St. Remy-de-Provence
Amble through Saint Remy’s weekly market where bright sun-ripened fruit and veg line the streets. This market is also a great place to buy beautiful linen and cotton dresses, tablecloths, tea towels, and paintings by local artists. This is one of the most popular markets in Provence, so arrive early, especially in summer, to secure a parking spot.
Thursday
Goult
The quaint village of Goult hosts a weekly market every Thursday morning at Rue de la République and Avenue du Lubéron. This is mostly a food and produce market, and is the perfect place to pick up ingredients if you’re staying nearby in self-service accommodation. I loved this market when we stayed in Goult, and there is sometimes even live music to enjoy.
Menerbes
Just as idyllic as the town, the Menerbes Thursday market appeals to all of your senses. Aromatic and visually stunning, stalls tend to focus on specialized offerings such as alpine cheese or handcrafted goods. A mix of both produce and homewares, this market is frequented by locals.
Roussillon
On Thursday morning, Rue des Bourgades is filled with tented stalls selling Luberon specialties, local art, and homewares. Smaller than the Wednesday market in Gordes, it is usually finished by midday, but it is perfect to complement a day exploring Roussillon and its ochre cliffs.
Friday
Bonnieux
Winding up the hill in Bonnieux, the market on Friday mornings is small but charming. At the bottom of the hill by the new church are stalls selling clothes and art, and further up the hill you’ll find jams, tapenades, and fresh produce in the square.
Lourmarin
Loumarin’s Friday market is sizable for the town’s size, and is more focused on homewares, clothing, and accessories. From pottery and cookware to scarves, handbags, and linen, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a day spent in the village.
Saturday
Apt
This is where you’ll find the largest market in the Luberon. With a history dating back around 900 years, Apt market sprawls through the streets and historic squares of Apt. This market has won awards for its produce and has a lively, warm atmosphere that makes it a great weekend stop. It’s also a popular seasonal (November-March) truffle market.
Avignon – Flower Market
Fragrant and full of color, Saturday mornings are well-spent strolling around Avignon’s flower market. Located at Place des Carmes, shoppers can not only purchase fresh blooms but also gardening tools, accessories, and seeds.
Sunday
Avignon
Operating from Tuesday to Sunday, the Market of the Halles in Avignon is held within the city’s medieval ramparts. Approximately 40 merchants sell a wide range of food products, including cheesemongers, grocers, baked goods, and wine merchants. This is a great option for Sundays, as many supermarkets aren’t open.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Antique fans will love perusing the 300 or so stalls of the weekend antique market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on a Sunday morning. In addition to one of the largest antique markets in Europe, there is a range of produce, fresh flowers, cheese, and artworks available for sale. For a unique experience, the floating market of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue takes place each year on the first Sunday of August (at the same time as the famous Sunday morning market). It opens around 9 am on the branch of the Sorgue, across from the public garden, and finishes around 12:30 pm.
What to Buy at the Markets
Most markets include a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, but many offer more than that as well. I recommend looking for the following local specialities and products to pick up from the Provençal markets.
- Nougat
- Lavender products
- Handmade soaps and lotions
- Locally pressed olive oil
- Olive products like tapenade and marinated olives
- Cheese, especially Luberon goat’s cheese
- Cured meats
- Handmade Jewelry
- Woven baskets
- Fabrics that are perfect for home decor, such as tablecloths or cushions
- Handmade pottery
Tips for Shopping the Markets
These few tips will help you feel like a local while shopping at the markets:
- Don’t touch produce — Don’t pick up fruit and vegetables unless you plan to buy them. And some vendors may prefer to pick up the produce for you, especially if they need to weigh it.
- Keep cash handy — Most vendors still only take cash at the markets, though occasionally a few may take a card for larger purchases. Be sure to keep cash with you when you visit the markets.
- Engage with the vendors — A simple ‘Bonjour’ and a smile will go a long way. Many will be happy to have a quick chat, and it helps you soak up the atmosphere of the market.
- Learn a few key phrases in French — Having a little bit of French for typical conversation points and questions used at the market will be helpful. From asking how much something costs to specifying the weight you’d like, this can be extremely useful.
- Consider weights and prices — A lot of produce is priced by the kilogram, so the final price will depend on the weight of what you’re buying. Keep this in mind, especially for more expensive items like produce, cheese, or meat, which can add up when you buy larger quantities.
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Xx,
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