Best Markets in Provence – Daily Guide in 2023
Markets in Provence are the best way to experience everyday Provençal life in southern France. The tradition of visiting the daily Provence market is not reserved for just Saturday mornings. Rather, there’s a market day in Provence in some nearby town or village every day of the week. You just have to know where to find them!
Let this be your guide to the best Provence markets- where to find them and what day of the week. Grab your basket and let’s go!
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Best Markets in Provence
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 and lavender. And, taste a sampling of fresh olive oil or the traditional cookies called Calissons. Treat yourself to a tiny bouquet from the flower market
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.
Monday Provence Markets – go to market day in Bedoin
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 in the old town with the narrow cobblestone roads where you’ll find this French market.
Once you have finished at the market, drive, or cycle to the top of Mont Ventoux where you’ll experience the most breathtaking views of the Alps in this area.
The best markets on Mondays can be found in Cadenet, Cavaillon and Lauris
Tuesday Provence Markets – go to market day in Gordes
The hilltop village of Gordes is known as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or the Most Beautiful Village in France.
The Gordes market day 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 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.
The best markets on Tuesdays can be found in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cucuron, Lacoste, La Tour d’Aigues, St Saturnin les Apt and Lourmarin (evenings only)
Wednesday Provence Markets – go to the St Remy de Provence market
One of the best and most well-known markets in Luberon 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 of the St Remy market day 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.
The best markets on Wednesday can be found in Avignon, Gargas, Merindol, Pertuis, St Martin de Castillon and Sault
Thursday Provence Markets – go to market day in Roussillon
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. Of all the Luberon market days, the Roussillon market day is one of my favourites!
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.
The best markets on Thursday can be found in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Caumont, Cereste, Goult, L’Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue, Menerbes and Robion
Friday Provence Markets – go to the Lourmarin market
Like Gordes, Lourmarin is also 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 compared to other French markets, the Lourmarin market does showcase the best quality vendors in the region. Lourmarin market day is a local’s favourite and of all the Luberon market days, this one stood out to me.
The best markets on Friday market days can be found in Avignon and Bonnieux
Saturday Provence Markets – go to the market in Apt
The biggest Saturday market in southern France (beyond Nice) 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 making this market one of the best ones to buy something authentically made in Apt.
The best markets on Saturday can be found in Aix en Provence market, Avignon, Cheval Blanc, Oppede-le-Vieux, Pertuis and Manosque
Sunday Provence Markets – go to the market in Isle-Sur-La Sorgue
Taking place right along the winding River Sorgue, as well as the inner streets of the town, is where you’ll find one of the best Sunday markets of France.
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. But it’s worth it! I just wish I pack away some of the beautiful treasures from the antique market in my suitcase!
The best markets on Sunday can be found in Ansouis, Avignon and Coustellet
Aix-en-Provence Market Days
There are two larger cities that offer a market day every day, well almost every day – Aix en Provence and Avignon. The Avignon market day even has its own dedicated building. Both are considered among the best of the south of France 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. The two most popular are the Aix en Provence farmers market full of fresh fruit and produce and the flower market.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays offer the full market experience. As such, Aix en Provence market days 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.
Market Day in Avignon
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 Provence markets to visit. Avignon is also known for its art, dotted throughout the old town you will find pretty art stalls too.
Market Day in Provence – A List of Daily Market Days
Here are the Provence markets by day.
Best Provence Guided Tours
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, book your dates here
- Enjoy a full-day trip dedicated to lavender. Discover the real Provence with its typical villages, Senanque Abbey, and breathtaking landscapes, check prices here
- Experience the best vineyards with the ‘Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire appellation and sample red and rosé wines, book your dates here
- Luberon Market & Villages Day Tour – a full-day tour from Aix en Provence – book your dates here
France Travel Resources
Still looking to plan your next trip to France, or want more inspiration? Check out these articles, including Paris.
South of France
- Guide to Luberon Villages in Provence
- 7 of the Most Beautiful Villages in Provence
- Top Things to See and Do in Nice
- Visit the Most Beautiful Village of Gassin
Paris
- 21 of the Must-see Streets
- Prettiest Parks and Hidden Gardens
- Secret Covered Passages
- Guide to Saint Germain in the 6th arrondissement
- Visit Jardin du Luxembourg in the 6th arrondissement
- Guide to Ile Saint-Louis in the 4th arrondissement
- What to do in Le Marais
- Visiting Reims in Champagne region (30 minutes from Paris)
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As a holidaymaker
Market days in Provence are divine! There isn’t a market day in Provence that I didn’t fall in love with! Plan your itinerary around these market days in France as a way to experience this tradition and also to visit some of the most beautiful villages too!
