Best Markets in Provence: Part 1 Provençal

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 of glasses of rosé.

The weekly market is a ritual that is truly part of living in Provence …Continue reading here for Ashley’s favourite markets in Provence – one for each day of the week – along with some extra travel tips on how to make a day out of your trip to the market.

Markets Every Day

No matter your “home” base in the region, rest assured that the drive to a local market will not be far. Almost every city, town and village has a market day, and some larger locations may even have two markets per week. Temptation at a market is everywhere in the piles of produce, fresh fruit, ripening goat cheese, and buckets of olives. However, practice a bit of buyer-beware as some vendors are resellers who buy from large chains and re-package their goods for marketgoers. Study the “Pays d’Origine” tags these little signs tell you where the produce comes from and give you an indication of quality, with #1 being the best. Try to buy local, in-season, and, where possible, directly from the producer.

Most markets start around 8 am and end by 1 pm. Although, there are also several evening markets in the summer months. Check the exact times of the market you plan to visit, as there can be variations throughout the year and the region.

List of Markets in Provence

Ashley Tinker

Ashley was born and raised in Montréal, Canada. She has always been drawn to the history, way of life and beauty of Europe. Her feelings for Europe were reconfirmed while studying art in Florence, Italy. Ashley says that stone buildings, colourful shutters and terra cotta tile rooftops fill her dreams and now her days.

Ashley moved to Provence in 2014 with her partner Robin (he also shares her Francophile passions). They are in search of the French joie de vivre, which they find at every turn in the local markets and natural beauty of Provence. This couple are indulging in local olives and wine as the Provencal sunshine changes craggy rocks into things of beauty.

You can see all of Ashley's blog posts on Curious Provence.

Take a look at Ashley's beautiful fine art photography on her Photographer in Provence website.