Provence Markets Filled with Exceptional Choice Delights Hard to Resist
Provence markets were the highlight of many of our wanderings during our month long visit. As we moved from town to town we sometimes enjoyed apartment living where we could enjoy all the season produce and fish we discovered in the outdoor markets. The brocante and antique markets were fun but the vibe of the large weekly markets just can’t be equalled.
It is delightful to see the sidewalk cafés fill with people surrounded by their paniers (baskets) and sacks of fresh produce for the coming days. This is now the time for a coffee and good visit with friends who have also just completed their shopping.
You’re going to find everything from olive oil to truffles in these markets which are open from 8 to noon generally but some stalls may be open as early as 7 and everyone usually packed up and ready to go home by 1300 (1p.m.)
Let’s begin with Aix-en-Provence.
We explored the Tuesday market in Aix (all markets noted on the map in the Aix post link) which spread over several squares and the length of Cours Mirabeau. Generally speaking, week-day markets (if the town has more than one market day) do not tend to be as large as the Saturday market so we were amazed at the size and offerings of this market!
We found clothing and other textiles such as table cloths along both sides of Cours Mirabeau. The flower market was on the Place de l’Hotel de Ville, Place Richelme was food – a farmers’ market), Place de Verdun was a mix of items but in general no food, and Place des Prêcheurs had fish, vegetables and fruits.
Arles Market may have been our favorite of the Provence markets.
We were fortunate to have discovered a guest house facing Blvd Clemenceau where the lively Saturday market stretched for over 2 kilometers. Blvd Clemenceau eventually becomes Blvd des Lices where the market continues and ends with the flower market that wraps around the corner onto Blvd Émile Combes.
The market spills out into the little squares it passes along the way and the cafés spill out onto the sidewalks where everyone gathers to enjoy the morning (sun or not!) with coffee and friends. What a delight! According to our guest house hosts, there is also a very small farmer’s market with regional products on Wednesday on Blvd E Combes that also includes ready-to-wear.
Wednesday found us exploring the market in Saint-Remy.
Wednesday is Saint-Remy de Provence’s only market day and the best place to begin is Place de la République. From there, the market then meanders through the little streets, sprawling through the centre-ville.
l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market
We loved just “being” in l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. We ambled leisurely through every little street and many times more than once on some streets. Their outdoor market is on Sundays and includes both traditional market fair as well as a plethora of brocante and antique stalls. In fact, the town has gained fame for being the European antique capital.
Pernes-la-Fontaine turned out to be a delightful one of the Provence Markets.
As the market wound through the narrow little streets of Pernes-la-Fontaine’ Saturday market , the unplanned abundance of lovely veg and fruits took us by surprise. We were headed to our gite (holiday house) and the prospect of having a full kitchen to cook all these lovely things was over-whelming! I quickly ran out of free hands to take pictures with.
The market filled the road on the perimeter of the village and followed the Nesque River. As “outsiders” we easily stood out among the friendly locals. Everyone wanted to know our travel story. Such a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning.
Uzès weekly market and Sunday brocante was another Provence markets favorite with us.
Our first visit to Uzès found us at the brocante in the parking lot of the “grande surface” shopping center. Comparable to one enormous garage/yard/boot sale, we had a blast. There was musical entertainment of all types. This market takes place every Sunday from 600 to 1300 (6a.m-1p.m.) This site is a good starting point to find brocantes or vide greniers in a specific area France.
Uzès also has a traditional open-air market every Wednesday and Saturday. As I mentioned in this blog post , the Saturday market is frenetic and sprawls through many of the streets. The Wednesday market was our favorite. Ir is centrally located on Place aux Herbes and also extends out from the Place.
Can you believe these gorgeous little goat cheeses!
A month in Provence and we explored six wonderful markets.
Uzès itself became our home away from home so we visited their market repeatedly.
If you are wondering how to locate market days, I began my search with Provence Days. Their website is highly organized and I used it multiple times.
Happy Travels!
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