If you are in Provence then a visit to a market is a must. This is a chance to dip into the daily life of Provence, to experience the culture of real southern France. Markets are a way of life and in Provence, food is taken seriously and that’s reflected in the delicious produce you’ll find on the stalls. Lush, seasonal fruit and vegetables of all shapes and vibrant colours, herbs and spices, goat cheese of every sort, olive oil from local orchards, honey and jam. Baskets of strawberries, bunches of asparagus, clusters of sweet grapes, country bread, baguettes and fougasse.
Truffles in winter and even in summer as the market at Carpentras has a special summer truffle market! Stylish clothes, hats and straw baskets, jewellery (great presents to take home). The air filled with the sound of water playing in fountains, music and songs from buskers, the calls of the market traders, the buzz of happy crowds. And afterwards, what could be better than taking a seat on the terrace of a gorgeous café or bar, enjoying a chilled glass of locally produced wine and watching the world go by…
Here are the markets of Provence (Vaucluse) for every day of the week so that whenever you’re there, you don’t miss out…
Market Days in Provence
Note markets generally start around 08.00 and finish at 13.00 unless stated otherwise.
Provence Markets Monday
Luberon: Cavaillon, Lauris, Cadenet
Haut Vaucluse: Bédarrides, Bollèn, Mont Ventoux: Mazan, Bédoin
Provence Markets Tuesday
Luberon: Cucuron, Gordes, La Tour d’Aigues, Lacoste, St Saturning les Apt.
Bouches-du-Rhône: Aix en Provence, Tarascon
Avignon and Alentours: Avignon (Les Halles, Place Pie)
Haut Vaucluse: Vaison la Romaine*, Beaumes de Vensise
Mont Ventoux: Caromb, Mormoiron
Provence markets Wednesday
Luberon: Rustrel, Viens, Gargas, Mérindol
Pays des Sorgues: Le Thor, Velleron
Bouches-de-Rhône: Arles, Saint-Remy de Provence, Salon de Provence
Avignon and Alentours: Avignon (Les Halles, Place Pie)Haut Vaucluse: Sérignan du Comtat, Valreas, Pumeras (night time market)
Mont Ventoux: Malemort du Comtat, Cilles sur Auzon, Malaucène, Sault
Provence Markets Thursday
Luberon: Robion, Roussillon, Villelaure, Menerbes
Pays des Sorgues: L’Isle sur la Sorgue (local produce specialities)
Avignon and Alentours: Avignon (Les Halles, Place Pie)Haut Vaucluse: Orange, Mazan (night time market in July and August)
Mont Ventoux: Vacqueyras, Sarrians (night time market)
Provence Markets Friday
Luberon: Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Lagnes, Pertuis (Provencal specialities)
Bouches-du-Rhone: Barbentane, Graveson, Tarascon (organic market)
Haut Vaucluse: Chateauneuf du Pape, Visan
Mont Ventoux: Carpentras*
Provence Markets Saturday
Luberon: Apt*, Oppède, Cheval Blanc
Pays des Sorgues: Le Thor
Bouches-du-Rhone: Arles, Aix en Provence, Nimes, Poit Saint Esprit, Uzes
Avignon and Alentours: Avignon (Les Halles, Place Pie, Villeneuve les Avignon)
Haut Vaucluse: Aubignan, Mornas, Puymeras, (night time market), Mirabel, Valréas, Le Barroux
Mont Ventoux: Pernes les Fontaines, Saint Cecile les Vignes, Grillon
Provence Markets Sunday
Luberon: Ansuois, Coustellet*, Mormoiron
Pays des Sorgues: Isle sur la Sorgue*
Avignon and Alentours: Avignon (Les Halles, Place Pie), Sorgues
Mont Ventoux: Monteux, Sarrians, Villar, Vaison-la-Romaine (July/August)
*outstanding markets
Useful website to check details and time: www.provenceguide.com
