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.
During my week in the Luberon, I made a quiet ritual of visiting a different village market each day, sometimes two. I’d follow the scent of ripe melons, pause to listen to the hum of local gossip, and lose track of time among olives, honey, and handmade linens.
I’ll share my favourite markets and why it stood out, plus a weekly calendar so you can find a market wherever your slow wanderings take you.
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Why Markets Matter in Provence
Visiting markets in Provence France isn’t just about picking up groceries—it’s stepping into the heart of daily life. These open-air gatherings have been part of Provençal culture for centuries, rooted in tradition and community. Locals don’t rush through them. They come to chat with the vendor they’ve known for years, to sample the first cherries of the season, or to pick the freshest goat cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves.
It’s a true feast for the senses. The colours alone are enough to stop you in your tracks: sun-drenched tomatoes, bundles of lavender tied with twine, striped linen tablecloths flapping in the breeze. The air carries the scent of thyme, cheese, and sweet melons that perfume the entire square. You’ll hear the murmur of conversation in French—quick, lyrical, and warm—the occasional bark of a dog, the clink of a wine glass at a nearby café.
Each stall is unique. One might be run by a woman who spins her own wool; another by a farmer whose dirt-under-the-nails hands proudly offer eggs collected just hours earlier. There’s a wonderfully slow-footed pace to the experience that has nothing to do with efficiency. You wander, you linger, you taste.
That’s what makes these markets so essential—they’re not just a place to buy things. They invite you to slow down, to observe, to connect. Whether you’re a regular or a curious traveller, a market day in Provence is like entering a living postcard, where time moves just a little differently.
My Favourite Provence Market Days
During my week in the Luberon, here’s where I went each day—and why each market stood out in its own way.
Monday Markets: Bédoin
Set at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Bédoin market can be found in the Old Town of this village. To find it, you need to go beyond the main street, which is lined with hikers and cyclists sitting in the cafes or popping into outdoorsy shops lining the street.
To be honest, Bedoin is a bit off the beaten path, and there wasn’t anything too special about visiting this market. What drew me here was to visit the top of Mont Ventoux. My husband is a huge cycling fanatic, and this was top of his list to see (although we drove to the top). The most awe-inspiring views of the French Alps are waiting for you at the top. So for that reason, it’s worth it!
Where to find other markets on Mondays:
- Arles
- Cadenet
- Cavaillon
- Lauris
- Nîmes
Tuesday Markets: Gordes
Gordes is a hilltop village that draws crowds for good reason, and its market is as photogenic as the town itself, as it’s known as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
I arrived early and found the stalls still setting up. The views over the valley were as much a part of the experience as the market itself. I bought a small pot of lavender honey from a woman who looked like she’d just harvested it that morning. It’s smaller than others, but oh so quaint, and one I highly recommend you add to your Luberon itinerary.
Where to find other markets on Tuesdays:
- Aix-en-Provence
- Avignon
- Cucuron
- Lacoste
- La Tour d’Aigues
- Lourmarin (evenings only)
- St Saturnin les Apt
Wednesday Markets: St Remy de Provence
Saint-Rémy’s market felt like a celebration. This small, sleepy village comes alive. The entire town center transforms into a maze of stalls and café tables, packed with everything from Provençal fabrics to saucisson and soaps.
I watched a man expertly flip chickpea crêpes onto plates, the scent drawing a small crowd. I couldn’t tear myself away from the colourful Provençal ceramic cookware and tableware, wishing I could buy one in every bright colour.
Where to find other markets on Wednesdays:
- Avignon
- Gargas
- Merindol
- Pertuis
- Sault
- St Martin de Castillon
Thursday Markets: Roussillon
Roussillon’s ochre-tinted streets provide a gorgeous backdrop to its Thursday market. It’s smaller and quieter, but I loved that about it.
There was room to breathe and time to talk. I bought olives from an older gentleman who insisted I try three kinds before choosing. His stand overlooked the cliffs, and I remember thinking: This is exactly the kind of place I travel for. Also, I couldn’t help but pick up a pair of Espadrilles for such a great price.
Where to find other markets on Thursdays:
- Aix-en-Provence
- Avignon
- Caumont
- Cereste
- Goult
- L’Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue
- Menerbes
- Robion
Friday Markets: Lourmarin
The Lourmarin market was pure joy. It’s smaller, but I found the quality was second to none. I bought raspberries so ripe they stained my fingers, and a handmade ceramic bowl to hold them. I also picked up wooden boards perfect for charcuterie displays at home.
The vibe was relaxed, a little elegant, and felt like the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
Where to find other markets on Fridays:
- Avignon
- Bonnieux
Saturday Markets: Arles
If you want to see a Provençal market in full swing, Arles on a Saturday is the one. It’s sprawling and bold, covering over two km of stalls. I came for cheese and left with Camargue salt, a straw tote bag, and traditional cookies called Calissons to nibble as I walked.
There’s an energy here, loud and lively, but still grounded in tradition. It’s an obvious local’s favourite and beyond the market in Nice, this is the biggest Saturday market in southern France.
Where to find other markets on Saturdays:
- Aix en Provence
- Avignon
- Cheval Blanc
- Manosque
- Oppede
- Pertuis
Sunday Markets: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This market is equal parts antique fair and food market. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has a Sunday charm all its own. The antique market is rated as the largest in Provence and the second-best market in France, followed by Paris.
The waterways and bridges make it feel like a Provençal Venice, and the stalls are full of character—vintage postcards, woven baskets, copper pots, and local cheeses. I spent hours just browsing, ducking in and out of antique shops. It was the perfect end to the week. Tip: Start your Sunday morning early, as parking is limited and it gets extremely busy very quickly.
Where to find other markets on Sundays:
- Ansouis
- Avignon
- Coustellet
Two Market Cities: Aix-en-Provence and Avignon
Before spending a week in the smaller villages of the Luberon area of Provence, I visited two of Provence’s larger cities, and got to experience their market scenes—Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.
Both offered something different: grander in scale, faster in pace, and more in line with what you might find in other European cities.
Market Days in Aix-en-Provence – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
If you’re in Aix on a market day, you’ll know it immediately. The entire city seems to bloom with stalls—across several squares, down leafy boulevards, and along cobbled side streets.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and especially Saturdays are the best days to go.
This is where Provence meets elegance. It’s busy, sometimes crowded, and incredibly photogenic. I noticed the vendors had a polished edge, and there was a wider variety of goods: think silk scarves, antiques, artwork and specialty foods alongside the classic produce and flowers. It’s easy to be swept up in the beauty of it all, but you’ll need a bit more patience here. It’s definitely more of a busy city affair than a quiet village ritual.
Avignon Market Day – Every Day Except Monday
Avignon’s Les Halles is a covered market just a few steps from the historic city center. It’s open daily (except Mondays), and while it lacks the charming chaos of village markets, it’s incredibly convenient and packed with high-quality goods.
Inside, you’ll find everything from pristine fish counters to artisanal cheeses, wine merchants, and delicate pastries. The pace is brisk, the locals are regulars, and the layout feels more polished and urban.
For travellers who love to cook or picnic, this is a must. On Saturday mornings at 11, a local chef does a cooking demonstration. Be warned that the Avignon Saturday market is the busiest day of the week to visit. Another great time to visit is in the autumn, as they are the biggest supplier of the coveted French truffle.
Afterwards, stroll the old town, and you’ll find artwork on some corners, adding to the charm of visiting Avignon for the day.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience the markets like a local, arrive early—ideally around 9 a.m.—to beat the crowds and get the best selection (most wrap up around 1 pm). Bring a basket or tote, carry cash with small change, and don’t forget: always ask before touching the produce. A simple bonjour goes a long way, too.
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