A Visit to the Tuesday Market in Vaison-la-Romaine

We look forward to Tuesday mornings because it is the day for the weekly market in Vaison-la-Romaine. That morning, rain or shine, always finds us leaving the house early for the trip to Vaison-la-Romaine. A trip to a market, especially this market in Vaison-la-Romaine, is my favourite thing to do.

Vaison-la-Romaine is 6 miles north of our home in Sablet on a winding road and then left around the round-about across the Ouvèze River. You know you are close when you see the castle at the top of the hill.

Continue reading here for Michel’s photos of the market in Vaison la Romaine, including some of his favourite vendors.

Reasons to Visit Vaison

Vaison-la-Romaine is divided into two parts by the Ouvèze River. On the right bank is the ancient Roman colony and modern town and on the left bank on top of a rocky spur is the old medieval town topped by the castle mentioned above.

Vaison is a moderate-sized town in a gorgeous region, surrounded by Mont Ventoux and the hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail. There is plenty to explore in town, including an extensive Roman site, a medieval village on the hillside and a 19th-century “modern” section. If you approach the Vaison area from Avignon, you pass the towns of Sablet and Séguret, framed by the Dentelles.

Vaison has more of a “country” feel than many other cities in Provence. Located in Haute Provence, separated from the rest of Provence geographically, Vaison has retained its ancient charms. There are many quiet, preserved hilltop villages with cobblestone streets, old stone houses, and no large building complexes or industrial parks. The size of the town and the number of amenities make Vaison a terrific place to live.

Where to Eat in Vaison

Fromagerie Lou Canestou is a cheese shop owned and run by Josiane Deal, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF). Josiane supplies cheese to about 100 restaurants in the Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône.
10 Rue Raspail,
84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Closed on Sundays

Bistro Du’O is an excellent restaurant whose young chef won a southern Rhône “Top Chef” competition in June 2014 (sponsored by the Chateau Vaudieu winery). This restaurant is a favourite of Michel and Shirley’s when they visit from nearby Sablet.
Rue Gaston Gévaudan
84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Telephone:+33 (0)4 90 41 72 90
They also have three (3) beautiful guest rooms if you want to stay over.

Peyrerol Patisserie, Chocolaterie, and Glacier make everything on site. There are exquisite pastries, chocolates, and ice cream.
7 Cours Henri Fabre,
84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Closed on Mondays

L’Arbre à Vins
14 Place Montfort
84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Telephone: +33 09 54 33 64 44
Closed Sundays and Mondays

Where to Stay near Vaison

Village House: Rent this beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of boulangerie, cafe, butcher, tabac (news store), grocery store, pharmacy and medical offices. Three (3) bedroom house with three (3) bathrooms which include showers and toilets. Large, well-furnished kitchen with a sitting area with wood burning fireplace and adjoining terrace.

B&B: Le Prieuré La Madelène is the site of a former 12th-century Benedictine priory nestled in Malaucène at the foot of Mont Ventoux. This Bed and Breakfast with five (5) guest bedrooms, a private cottage (gîte), is located just a few minutes from Vaison La Romaine. If you are looking for pure Provencal relaxation, Le Prieuré La Madelène is a charming, intimate guest house ideally located for exploring Provence and the Rhône Valley.

Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.