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Provence’s local markets

  • Provence, France

People standing at a food stall in the market

Photo Daniel Kapikian

Last updated: 19 July, 2024

Provence’s markets are famously vibrant, bustling hubs that embody the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Held in picturesque towns and villages, these markets attract both locals and tourists, offering a window into the daily life of Provencals. The markets also play a role in building and maintaining the local community, serving as social gathering places where people meet and gossip.

They’re particularly famous for locally produced food. Stalls here are stuffed with fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, local honey, olives, freshly baked bread and more – a great place to sample local specialities. You’ll also find the usual fare of handcrafted items like textiles, pottery, arts and crafts and soaps (making them perfect for finding unique gifts).

Some of the best markets to visit include the Saturday market in Aix-en-Provence, known for its extensive range of local produce and goods; the Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, famous for antiques and bric-a-brac; and the Wednesday market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, offering a quintessential Provencal experience with its diverse array of products.

Recommendations

3

Saint-Remy-de-Provence market

  • Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France

view of stalls at the Saint-Remy-de-Provence-market

Experience

This buzzing local market, held every Wednesday, is one of Provence’s most vibrant and authentic – attracting visitors and locals from the wider region. Located in the heart of this charming town, it offers a wide variety of local products, including fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and regional specialities. You’ll also find handcrafted goods, textiles, and pottery.

Good for age: 18+

Duration: 3 hours

When: All year

Freq: weekly

Place Richelme Food Market

  • Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France

pretty town square with market stalls selling food

Experience

Each morning, Aix hosts one of Provence’s best markets, overflowing with the freshest fruit, vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood and cheeses from local producers. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, it expands tenfold and includes a massive flower market.

Good for age: 18+

Antiques of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

  • L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Provence, France

the pretty town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in provence, canal and restaurants

Experience

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of Provence’ for its picturesque canals, this charming town has gained international fame for one thing – antiques. A hub for antique enthusiasts, it’s incredibly home to over 300 permanent antique dealers and numerous galleries. Its biannual antiques fair, one of the largest in Europe, attracts collectors and dealers from around the world. For the rest of us non-afficianados, there is a vibrant and fascinating market, held every Thursday and Sunday, featuring a wide array of antiques, vintage items, and art pieces.

Good for age: 18+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: All year

Freq: daily

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: daily
When: All year
Duration: 2-3 hours

When to do it

The markets are held all year around, but on different days.

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