Insider Provence Guided Market Tours with a Local

Sure the markets in Provence are tempting, but…

Are you curious about in the ins and outs of working in a market in Provence?
Do you want to taste the best Provencal ingredients and find out how they’re made?
Would you like to eat breakfast at the market with the workers?

After two years of waking up early, driving to various locations all around Provence, heaving out of the truck gas bottles, setting up wonky tables, sourcing ingredients from the other stalls, making stuffed tomatoes from scratch in blistering hot weather or freezing Mistral wind, learning the hard way all the banter and French slang that comes with such a job, and eventually becoming a seasoned market worker, I’m still in love with markets. 

…Continue reading here for details on the guided tours that Ashley is now offering at the following weekly markets: Arles, Eygalieres, Gordes, Isle sur la Sorgue, St Remy de Provence.

Markets in Provence

There is a market every day in Provence. You just need to find one close to your location or make an adventure out of the shopping experience. This comprehensive listing of the Markets of Provence and the Cote d’Azur is a Reference Guide organised by day of the week and location in the region.

Aix-en-Provence

In late fall and winter, explore the Truffle Markets in Provence with this guide to planning your visit and delicious recipes too.

Julie at Vaucluse Dreamer describes the lively Lourmarin market. Lourmarin is a charming Luberon village every day of the week, but the Friday market stalls add an element of colour and dynamism to the streetscape.

Ashley maps out her visit to the Arles Saturday Market.

Slightly further afield, but well worth a drive, are the markets in Uzès (Wednesday and Saturdays) and Saint Quentin la Poterie.

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.