Plan Your Visit to Sault on Market Day

The pretty town of Sault sits on a rocky outcrop to the southeast of Mont Ventoux and is at the heart of local lavender production. It sits above the valley that takes its name, and the shaded Promenade opposite the Tourist Office on the road towards Aurel offers incredible views across the Southern flank of Mont Ventoux, which in June and July is shaded in various tones of purple when the Lavender fields are in full flower.

Continue reading here for details (and photos) from Julie’s visit to Sault on market day, which is Wednesday. A sign in the central plaza (Place du Marché) in Sault indicates that the weekly market started in 1515. This market is one of the oldest continuous markets in Provence.

Whether you are in Sault to bike Mont Ventoux or not, you will undoubtedly see lots of spandex and plenty of high-end bicycles. This village is the start of one of the three ascents of the “Geant de Provence” – the giant 1909m mountain.

Sault is famous for its lavender fields and beautiful vistas of rolling countryside.  Mark August 15th in your calendar for the annual Fête de Lavande in Sault, a purple-hued event.

Nearby is Monieux, a hidden gem of a village, and the stunning Gorges de la Nesque, which is also popular with cyclists.

Here is a guide to markets in Provence and along the Côte d’Azur.

Julie Whitmarsh

Julie and her husband Andy started visiting the Vaucluse area 25 years ago & over the years have increased the amount of time they spend there with their growing family. She has a deep affection for the area, finding it is a great place to visit, where the whole family can relax and enjoy time together.

She longs for the day when she can ‘up-sticks’ from her home on Dartmoor & relocate to the Luberon and spend her days cycling, walking, visiting markets & brocante fairs and of course enjoying the local food and drink.

Her blog VaucluseDreamer gives her a space to highlight some of her favourite things about the area from places to visit to particular activities that she and her family all enjoy.

She hopes one day it will be a place where she can share the process of renovating a house in France, but at the moment that will have to wait.