Provence market days are the best way to experience life in southern France. This tradition is not reserved for just Saturday mornings. Rather, you can find a daily market in some nearby town or village every day of the week.
Provence markets are a true feast for the senses. You’ll hear locals catching up with a friend or their favourite vendor. See the brightly-coloured displays of fruits and vegetables from the farmers market. Smell the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread and fresh and aged cheeses. Touch the beautiful showcase of French linens, flowers and lavender. And, taste a sampling of fresh olive oil or the traditional cookies called Calissons.
Best Markets in Provence
Every Provence market runs from about 9 am to 12:30 pm. Here’s your guide to the best markets to visit in Provence near the regions of Vaucluse and Luberon for every day of the week. (Updated: for 2022)
Bedoin Market Day on Monday
The village of Bedoin sits at the base of Mont Ventoux, the tallest mountain in Provence. The main road that brings you into town is filled with activity. Hikers and cyclists fill the cafes and shops. However, it’s inside the old town with the narrow cobblestone roads where you’ll find the market. Once you have finished at the market, drive (or cycle) to the top of Mont Ventoux where you will experience the most breathtaking views of the Alps in this area. Going to the summit of Mont Ventoux is a top thing to do in Provence.
Monday market days can be found in Cadenet, Cavaillon and Lauris
Gordes Market Day on Tuesdays
The hilltop village of Gordes is known as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or Most Beautiful Village in France. The market is set at the foot of a castle in the centre of the old town. Beyond the typical market stalls of fresh produce and cheese, you’ll find vendors selling textiles, like traditional woven baskets, espadrilles, and linens, along with lavender products and ceramics. Gordes is known for having one of the best markets in the Luberon region. Roam this ancient town and admire the views of the French countryside. Inevitably, you’ll want to stop your car driving into or out of the village as it’s even more magical from the outside.
Tuesday market days can be found in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cucuron, Lacoste, La Tour d’Aigues, St Saturnin les Apt and Lourmarin (evenings only)
St Remy Market Day on Wednesdays
One of the best and most well-known markets in the region is in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This small, sleepy village comes alive on Wednesday mornings offering everything from seasonal produce to local olives to bread to Provençal ceramic cookware and tableware. It truly has it all. You can’t help by not getting swept away by the activity this market offers. After the market, explore the old town made famous by Vincent Van Gogh where he painted some of his most memorable pieces, including The Starry Night, which features St. Remy.
Wednesday market days can be found in Avignon, Gargas, Merindol, Pertuis, St Martin de Castillon and Sault
Rousillon Market Day on Thursdays
Roussillon is an impressive village situated in one of the largest ochre deposits in the world. This makes this village famous for its magnificent red cliffs and amazing views. This inspiring landscape is the perfect backdrop to have an impromptu picnic. Gather what you need at the market – a baguette, a chunk of cheese, some tapenade and a bottle of wine, and gaze upon those incredible views.
Thursday market days can be found in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Caumont, Cereste, Goult, L’Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue, Menerbes and Robion
Lourmarin Market Day on Fridays
Lourmarin is a Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or Most Beautiful Village in France. Nestled in the middle of vineyards, olive groves and almond trees this village is blissfully quiet and quaint with some of the best shops and restaurants in the region. Although not the largest market as some, it does showcase the best quality vendors in the region. Lourmarin market day is a local’s favourite and easily became mine too.
Friday market days can be found in Avignon and Bonnieux
Apt Market Day on Saturdays
The biggest Saturday market of the Luberon is in Apt. Over 300 market stalls fill the old town centre. It’s a local’s favourite because it has fewer products aimed at tourists. With over 300 stalls, it offers a bit of everything. Apt is the world’s capital for candied fruit (or fruit confit). This is the market to buy something authentically made in Apt.
Saturday market days can be found in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cheval Blanc, Oppede-le-vieux, Pertuis and Manosque
Isle-Sur-La Sorgue Market Day on Sundays
Taking place right along the winding River Sorgue, as well as the inner streets of the town, is where you’ll find the best Sunday markets. Twin markets with antiques on one side of the river and farmers and flea markets on the other. The antique market is rated as the largest and best market in Provence and the second-best market in France, followed by Paris. Start your Sunday morning early, as parking is limited and it gets extremely busy very quickly.
Sunday market days can be found in Ansouis, Avignon and Coustellet
Every day there is a Market in Provence
There are two larger cities that offer a market day every day, well almost.
Aix-en-Provence Market Days
Aix en Provence is full of winding laneways leading you to fountains and quiet squares. Each square hosts different market stalls for food, flowers, antiques, art and textiles every day of the week. However, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays offer the full market experience. As such, Aix en-Provence markets draw big crowds compared to most, but that’s all part of the experience. Visit the market in the morning and continue exploring the city’s top sites in the afternoon. There is a lot to see and do in Aix-en-Provence.
Avignon Market Days
Avignon features a market every day except Mondays. It’s a bit unique in that it’s a covered market. Located next to a multi-storey car-park built specifically for Les Halles market. The Avignon market is a must for foodies as there are over 40 stalls selling local produce. On Saturday morning at 11, a local chef does a cooking demonstration using produce from the market. From November to March it’s truffle market time, and Avignon is one of the best ones to visit. Avignon is also known for its art, dotted throughout the old town you will find pretty art stalls too.
List of Daily Market Days in Provence
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| Arles Bedoin Cadenet Cavaillon Forcalquier Lauris Nimes | Aix-en-Provence Avignon Cucuron Gordes Lacoste La Tour d’Aigues St Saturnin les Apt Lourmarin (evening) | Avignon Gargas Merindol Pertuis St Martin de Castillon Sault St Remy de Provence | Aix-en-Provence Avignon Caumont Cereste Goult Menerbes Robion Roussillon | Avignon Bonnieux Lourmarin | Aix-en-Provence Apt Avignon Cheval Blanc Manosque Oppede-le-vieux Pertuis | Ansouis Avignon Coustellet Isle sur la Sorgue |
Experience More of Provence
Home to lavender fields, vineyards, pretty villages and so much more. Guided tours always make for the best days. Here are some of the day tours you might want to take:
- Experience the best of Provence on a full-day tour from Avignon. Learn about the region’s history and culture and stroll through the charming hilltop villages of the Luberon, click here to learn more.
- Enjoy a full-day trip dedicated to lavender. Discover the real Provence with its typical villages, Senanque Abbey, and breathtaking landscapes, click here to learn more.
- Experience the best vineyards with the ‘Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire appellation and sample red and rosé wines, click here to learn more.
As a holidaymaker…
A market day in Provence is the best way to immerse yourself in the Provençal way of life. Plan your itinerary around these visiting the most beautiful places on market days in Provence.
Want to read more, or need additional resources to help with your trip planning? Check out some of my other articles:
- Top Things to Do in Nice for First-timers
- Best Hilltop Villages near Nice
- 7 Most Beautiful Villages of France in Provence
- Your Guide to Gassin near Saint Tropez
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Luberon Villages in the Heart of Provence
This brings back a lot of memories. But oh how useful it would have been to have your list of markets by day 30 years ago. I was travelling in a campervan, with no effective provision for keeping stuff cool. So knowing the whens and wheres of markets outside of St Remy and Aix would have been really useful. I’m always hoping for another chance to visit.
It’s such a beautiful area of France, how can you not want to return?
Fabulous post – it’s just reminded me of how much I love France and need to revisit! There’s nothing better than a gentle mooch around a proper market and you’ve highlighted some absolute gems here.
So happy to hear you love France and going to visit the daily markets.
Absolutely amazing spots!! I’ll have to mark some of these!
Markets are such a fun place to explore. Each market is cool and unique, you truly can find something different in each one. Would love to explore the markets here!
It’s such a great way to see the village and also get a glimpse of daily life too.
Wow! That’s perfect for me – I love going to Markets and I love the variety of local products. I had no idea they had one every day.
Yes, within a short drive you’re only a village or town away from visiting one.
Oh, exciting, we’re leaving Paris and exploring the Provence! The markets look all super cute and I’m in awe of the colours and variety! Your overview when any of the markets are on is super helpful. I’m not too much into France travels if I’m honest but if I would explore the Provence, I would visit Grasse.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Grasse is a beautiful village for go to, just in a different area than in Provence.
What a lovely ride through these lovely markets. I haven’t been to Provence yet, but when I do this would feature in my top list. I love visiting markets for the surprises they have in store. Vegetable and fruit markets makes me feel so refreshed.
I agree, there’s just something about seeing the fresh produce in a market.
One of the things that I do watch out for when traveling to a new place is the market. I find it therapeutic to be in any market. Thanks for this guide. The colors, the smells, the variety of goods in these markets in Provence… it’s all so appetizing! Each market has its own unique character and appeal.
I too enjoy visiting markets at home at abroad. I just love the markets especially in Provence.
French markets are always so picturesque! I loved taking photos and asking about all the cheese and vegetables when I visited Provence (and France). We always were there on a road trip with limited kitchen facilities, what was a pity. I would have loved to cook with some of the delicious ingredients you can buy on the markets there.
It’s wonderful that Province has markets everyday. Not like here when I have to wait until weekend and sometimes the first or sencond Saturday of the month. The produce looks fresh, and look at that asparagus size! I would like to buy fresh baked bread and fruits from one of these markets.
They produce markets in France offer the best local ingredients. A definite must visit.
Your descriptions make me want to visit immediately. I’m making a note to visit Gordes on a Tuesday in order to check out the market. I love lavender and it would be a great souvenir to bring home. The daily list of markets is super helpful;, thank you for putting it together
Glad to hear you found the article helpful, and Gordes is a must visit town.
I love that there’s a market every day in Provence. As a lover of any kind of market, I’d visit every single one and probably buy so many things. So cool about the Van Gogh reference, I never knew!
It was a highlight to visit one (or two) every day we were in Provence, and my carry one was full of treasures that came home with me.
Really wish I’d done my research about markets BEFORE going to Provence. You don’t necessarily just happen upon the best markets by chance, do you? I would have loved to visit some of these, and will definitely plan ahead if there’s ever another chance to go. In Provence, especially, there are so many skilled artisans and crafts to showcase!
I had carefully planned my markets before going to Provence, and so glad I did. It was a highlight of my trip to visit one (or two in a day).
We do love to visit local markets when we travel. So we would definitely plan to do that on a visit to Provence. Good to know there are markets on different days of the week so you can enjoy more than one. Lavender products would definitely be a draw for markets in Provence. But fresh cheese will be my weakness.
The fresh cheese and baguettes are my favourites too, and definitely worth trying when you are there.
I love exploring markets like this when I travel. These ones look incredible to visit as part of day trips. Those baguettes are making me hungry!
It was a great way to see some of the beautiful towns by stopping in and exploring the market too!
I’m definitely pinning this one! My husband and I spent a couple of days in the South of France and loved it. I especially love to wander through markets. This gives me great ideas for the next time I visit.
The south of France is simply magical and even more so when you’re at the wonderful markets.
Wow! this is such an original post! I love seeing market and the south of France is such a beautiful place to explore! thanks for sharing ❤️
Thanks Lasma, so glad you enjoyed it! I loved visiting the daily markets.
What a fun guide! Markets are a great way to experience local life and pick up some wonderful souvenirs! I especially love the ceramics from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – they’re so vibrant and colourful! Thanks for the great guide!
I’m so glad you like it Hannah! I enjoyed visiting a new market every day.
These look fantastic! So many fantastic markets – I could spend days feasting on just the cheese and bread, with everything else just an added bonus. I definitely hope to visit France again once it’s safe/possible.
Definitely a feast for the senses isn’t it?!
Those markets look so amazing! I have to make it back there to check some of these out! Local markets always have awesome things to offer, especially for tourists and travelers.
I agree. I loved to tour each town on the market day, it almost feels like you are part of their community, even if only for the day!
What a great idea for a post, Renee! I’ve found myself on city breaks for just three days and regretted not looking up what days the local markets are open but this is the perfect article for Provence.
I love the sound of Roussillon so will be aiming for a Thursday haha.
I’m so glad you like it Shireen. Yes, definitely Roussillon is a special place to go.
I’ve been to lots of places in France but never explored Provence – I should, I know …… but just have never got round to it. The idea of a market per day (with so many to chose from on your list) would be a tempting way to vist each city. As you mentioned in one – a baguette, chese and a bottle of wine would be the best experience and a great “souvenir”.
I’m glad to hear that I might have tempted you to give Provence a try.
The more I hear about Provence the more I want to explore it. It might also help to improve my French.
Before reading this I would have said lavender is all I need to buy if I visit Provence, but now I’m already planning a second checked bag when I go. The cheese! And the ceramics! I’m sure these places are more than just markets, but I love a good market
They are definitely more than just markets! I too had tucked in my suitcase many local treasures from shopping at those markets every day.
Hope could you not want to buy everything?! Must get myself back to France very soon, all of your French posts are making me homesick for a country that isn’t even my own
I know right, they are dangerous places to visit as you don’t leave empty handed.
Roussillon seems like my go to place baguette and cheese, bring on all the carbs and cheese and I am a happy man!
All the markets look amazing!
Thanks Gus! Baguette and cheese lover – then you’ll have to go. The local cheese selection is incredible.
Those markets look amazing!! Provence is beautiful, what a beautiful trip! 💛
Indeed, it was a beautiful trip and memories.
I think you’ve just described my dream trip in France! I would love to spend a week in Provence going to a different town and market every day. Loading up on fresh cheese, baked goods, flowers and beautiful artisanal products sounds so perfect!
It is indeed one of my favourite trips of all time. Glad to hear we are alike!
I love visiting local markets when I’m travelling and Provence is super high up on my list so I’ll defs be bookmarking this. Gordes, Roussillon, and Aix-en-Provence are my top threes for sure. A market by a castle, delicious picnic treats, and a beautiful flower market. These all sound right up my alley!
Thank you for commenting Jas. You will definitely love this area then. There are so many wonderful villages to see, Lourmarin and Menerbes, are wonderful places to add to your list as well. Especially in the evening for a dinner would be lovely.
I didn’t realize Provence has so many markets? They all look like so much fun to explore.
It is really a part of their way of life. Most of Provence is full of villages and small towns and so there are no grocery stores. Locals count on these marketers and it forms part of their community. Thanks for reading.
What a truly lovely idea to base a visit around these markets! Everything from the cheese and bread to the flowers and soap just look so beautiful in your pictures. I can only imagine how good many of these markets must smell with so many fresh food items out in the open! Thanks for sharing, your shots do a great job of capturing the essence of these markets!
Thank you so much for your kind words Kevin. I am happy to know that it has made you almost feel like you are there. Thank you for commenting.
Provence has such a wide variety of fresh market items. Loved to see the eye popping range of colorful ceramics, baskets, cheese and fresh fruits. All these in backdrop of a rustic ambience makes it traverler’s delight.
Beautiful photos. I felt like I was shopping the market stalls right along with you. Your post made me want to book a trip to France sooner rather than later! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Sheila. I am happy to know that this post inspired you. Hope you are able to get to France once day soon.
Love this list! Visiting local markets is one of my absolute favourite ways to spend a morning while travelling. It really gives you an insight into day to day life of wherever you´re visiting, and it certainly doesn´t dissapoint in a beautiful, pastel village like Provence (which your pictures have beautifully captured)! I´d definitely love to see Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on Wednesday morning.
Thank you so much for your kind compliments Erica. Yes, that village certainly comes alive on market day! It was great to almost feel like you belonged to that community and not think of yourself as a tourist.
Thank you for this wonderful guide to Provence. Whenever I travel I always love to see the local markets.
You are most welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
A French vacation is never complete without trips to the market. That is a very nice list you cand up with for us frrwuent market goers!
Great, glad like it and that we have something in common!
Beautiful photos of amazing offerings at the markets! Makes me want to book a trip to France sooner rather than later. I really feel like I’ve just spent a week wandering the market stalls, you did a great job conveying the atmosphere of the markets.
Thank you so much for your kind words Sheila. It makes me happy to know that you felt you were part of the experience through my post. Appreciate you taking the time to stop by.
Very timely! We are in the South of France right now and were looking for the local markets! The villages of Gordes and St Remy are gorgeous in their own rights so combining a visit with a market day is the perfect motivation for a trip!
Oh, how amazing is that! Enjoy your travels and experience in the south of France. There is so much to explore, depending on which region you find yourself in. Happy travels!
Oh, I love exploring markets at different places. They give me a great place to indulge in some street photography. While Provence is still far away from the place where I live, I may visit there sometime and will explore all these places.
Yes, great photo opportunities you are right! Hope you are able to travel there one day soon. Thanks for stopping by.
I love visiting markets too. These markets are just so beautiful, my favorite from the list is Gordes. Do you have any recommendation on which time of the year is the best time to visit?
Thank you Fae. Yes, Gordes was wonderful for sure. We were there in September and like that’s time of year as many fruits and vegetables are still in season and it is less crowds than the traditional summer months.
I enjoy travel shopping almost as much as I do appreciate the food, but a market or should I say markets are a great place that combine those two joys. Absolutely love it, will have to give it a go.
That’s great, thanks for commenting Evan.
I love the markets in the Provence region but I dont go there for souvenirs etc, I just love the locally produced wine and food. Much better than the rest of France, this region. 🙂
Yes, agreed! I definitely go there for the food and the experience. Thank you for commenting.
This is such a great and useful post! We’ve been wanting to visit the Provence for so long now and still haven’t been (although it’s really not that far from our home!). Hopefully we’ll get to go there next Spring to see the beautiful lavender fields. And going to the daily or weekly local markets is one of our favorite things to do in France, so we’ll certainly check out all these awesome markets! Thanks a lot for putting this guide together! 🙂
That makes me happy to know you find it useful. I can’t believe that you haven’t been yet, you travel so extensively. 😉
More blogs to follow on this area, I have only scratched the surface.
Happy planning your future travels.
These suggestions look so lovely! I totally agree that going to markets are such a great way to immerse yourself in a city! We would love to visit someday!
I hope you get there one day soon. Thanks so much for commenting. Appreciate you taking the time.
I love this post its very helpful especially to families who try to make their money go far and for travelers to see what locals are up to. The kids can see a lot of things to try for a cheap price.
You are right, it is cost effective to grab something from the market and make your meals. Great point. Thank you.
Looks like lots of fun. Markets are a great way to get to know a place. Aix en Provence is beautiful. I need to go back!
Ah, you’ve been to Aix? Didn’t you just love it. It is larger city, but oh so beautiful. Hope you get to return one day soon.
This looks wonderful – you had me at scenic picnic! What months/season would you recommend visiting?
We were there in the late summer / early fall and were told that it is all year round, only the vendors may change depending on what their speciality is. Provence doesn’t experience a harsh winter. Although any of the towns were great to have that picnic, Roussillon was the most scenic in our opinion. Thanks for stopping by.
What a cool read! I have such a love for markets from all over the world. You never know what you are going to find and always end up getting the coolest things. Plus shopping local small families means way more than big corporate chains!
Yes, I love supporting the local farmers and artisans too. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.
Wow, so many different markets on each and every day of the week!
Yes, isn’t it amazing?! All of these towns and villages do not have supermarkets, they shop at farmers markets and small convenience type stores that offer the basics. Otherwise, they go to the bakery, the butcher all local in their town. It’s a wonderful way of life.
We had planned to visit Provence a few years ago and on my must do list were the local markets. We never did get there but I LOVE this list! It includes all those I found with a bunch of research plus many many more. I can’t wait to visit them one day.
Glad to know you might be able to use this in the future. Hopefully you get there one day soon. They are amazing to experience that wonderful Provençal way of life.
I’m from France and I really love markets, they’re such a typical and pleasant thing to do when visiting France. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photography too!
How wonderful Delphine. I hope I did this blog post justice from a local’s point of view! Thank you for your kind compliment and taking the time to comment.
The markets are my very favorite thing about France! Great post, I haven’t visited Provence yet but it’s on my list. Saving this one for the future!
Meredith
The Longest Weekend
thelongestweekend.co
Thanks for stopping by The Longest Weekend! Yes, definitely add Provence to your list, it is magical!
Oh too much delicious food. I love exploring local markets too. It’s such a great way to experience a new destination
Thank you so much Jean for your comment. Even though the markets offered the same type of options, you could definitely see the local differences. Yes, you are right, it was such a great way to start each day, and then explore that town we were in.