7 Best French Markets to Breathe Scents of Provence

French markets in Provence enchant the most sensitive souls to the beauty. They always attract those who take advantage of the summer to breathe the lavender fragrances of this beautiful region of France. But Provence is also charming in spring when you can immerse yourself in its colors, art and traditions. I love little towns in Provence. Everytime I visit it I cannot resist to go in search of flavors and junk in the most beautiful French markets of its towns. To tell the truth, I always love visiting markets around the world. Also London Markets have a lot to offer, especially for the picturesque atmosphere!

NOTE: Getting from Paris to Provence is easy. The best way is taking the Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV). So if you are in Paris why do not you take a trip to one of these beautiful villages and its French markets?

You can have a complete list of Provencal markets here. Please, always check out dates and times!

Here are my favourite French markets in Provence, the place I love to call “the French region of lavender”.

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1. Aix-en-Provence

It is one of the most famous markets in Provence (perhaps the most famous).

For crafts and antiques lovers do not miss the flea market on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at place Verdun.
To taste delicious fruit and vegetable stalls open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Place des Prêcheurs and every day at place Richelme.
For lovers of flowers: head to the Place de l’hôtel de ville on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.
To buy fabrics and clothes appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays in cours Mirabeau.
If you cannot do without books go to antiquarian books market, every 1st Sunday of the month, at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville.

In this market, I bought some French cheese such as Tome de Chevre and St. Marcellin recommended by the locals, jams, honey and herbs. Check out Aix-en-Provence website to plan your visit.

2. Arles

If you want to immerse yourself in the world of French flavors another market that I really liked is in Arles. It opens every Saturday morning at Place de la République and it winds through the French boulevards for over 2 km. The typical Provencal flavors are a real invitation to taste: spices, goat cheese, the flower of salt of the Camargue, fish and meats such as bull, and honey. The products are very genuine. The organic farmers are the producers and they gol to markets to sell their fresh products.

The Flea market is held every first Wednesday of the month on the Boulevard des Lices.

3. Isle sur la Sorgue

This is a charming town in Provence. It is like a small Venice that winds on the canals. It is really nice. There are tasty restaurants with amazing views of the green surroundings. My favorites restaurants here are: Mistral Bistro Moderne and Le Vivier.

The Flea market is held every Sunday morning at 4 Avenue Des Otages with special deals on crafts stuff. Then, every year for the Easter weekend and the weekend of 15 August, the city organizes the Fair at the Flea, with the market of fleas at night.

Agricultural market is held on Thursday and Sunday from 6 am to 14. The first Sunday of August there is also a fascinating floating market which is a faithful reconstruction of the old markets of this beautiful town. People also wears old costumes.

4. Les Halles 

Avignon, the city of Popes, has several markets, but the most important market is the covered one of Les Halles. It is held every day of the week except Mondays and it starts at 7am. You will find local products like fruits, vegetables, herbs, olive oil and other culinary specialties of Provence. Other markets, such as the ones of flowers, are held in the town square.

5. Cavaillon

This Provencal town is well known for its melons. Every year in July there is a melon festival celebrating the taste of this delicious summer fruit. The typical market is held every Monday.

6. Apt market

It is held on Saturday mornings in the Luberon area and it is ideal to buy lavender and candied fruit. In 1996 it received an award as prestigious label “exceptional French market” for its lively atmosphere.

The Farmer’s Market is held every Tuesday morning. The atmosphere is amazing! Here you can buy fruits, vegetables, flowers, wines and olive oils, spices, fruit juices, honeys, marmalade and health food in general.

7. Vieux Port

You can buy soaps and Provencal fabrics in Marsiglia at Vieux port. Vieux Port is also famous fish market that is held every morning.

To buy tasty exotic fruits and vegetables, and spices go to Market des Capucins close to Canebière.

Cours Julien is a market which is held on Wednesday and offer  products from organic farming. Here is also a market for stamps every Sunday morning and a market of antique books on the 2nd Saturday of the month.

To find flower markets and enjoy their colors and scents go to avenue du Prado, place Monthyon and the allées de Meilhan.

Conclusion

France really offers a lot of things to do. Choose the most beautiful town and visit French markets in Provence. You could also plan a travel itinerary and enjoy each of these charming towns.

Have you ever been to Provence? 🙂

Salva

Salva