What would the south of France be without its markets? Take a stroll and buy olives, nougat and other local specialities at our selection of the finest markets in Provence.
The great Provencal market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
If there's one market in Provence worthy of the name, it's the one in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence! Here, every Wednesday, the stallholders sell all the best products from the south of France: olives, olive oils, herbs, honeys (https://www.france.fr/fr/provence/moodboard/miel-de-lavande-apiculteur), fruit, vegetables and many other delicacies. Lovers of Provençal handicrafts may want to take home a local ceramic, fabric or pottery, while wellness enthusiasts will be interested in the essential oils and soaps made from the lavender, rosemary and thyme grown in the region. The large Provencal market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a visual and olfactory celebration of the local terroir.
The truffle market in Carpentras
In Carpentras, in the Vaucluse, there's a black gold that everyone wants to get their hands on... the truffle! Held every Friday morning from mid-November to the end of March in the Place Aristide-Briand, the Carpentras truffle market is a veritable institution. Here, producers and connoisseurs come together in a very special, quiet atmosphere to bargain for the season's harvest at a premium. In summer, one of the most beautiful markets in Provence gives pride of place to the white truffle, also known as the Saint-Jean truffle. Whether you're an amateur or not, you'll have to get up early to catch a glimpse of this regional treasure, as the market opens at 8am and the produce goes very quickly!
Marseille's fish market "La Criée"
Every day from 8am to 1pm, all year round, the Vieux-Port in Marseille echoes with the lilting accents of fishermen selling their treasures of the night. Marseille's fish market, formerly known as La Criée, has been a local institution since 1909, and is not to be missed for anything in the world. Here you'll find some of Marcel Pagnol's Provençal characters bent over their sole, mackerel and other sardines. The fish are gutted and scaled on the spot, a guarantee of quality and freshness. At this market in Provence, you're sure to find everything you need to prepare a good bouillabaisse!
Apt's historic market
The Apt market is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Provence. Every Saturday morning, the old town is invaded by a mosaic of colours and shapes from the stalls of the 300 or so stallholders who sell their made-in-Provence products. Since the 16th century, this market has attracted tourists, locals and gourmets in search of the flavours of the South of France. Tapenades, apricots and other nougats delight passers-by. The jewel of the Lubéron, the Apt market has also been awarded the "Marché d'exception" label. The best way to discover it? Get lost in the narrow streets and discover its secrets!
The Aix-en-Provence flower market
Not necessarily edible, but just as pleasing to the senses... flowers! To find the famous flower market in Aix-en-Provence, let the delicate fragrance of the roses, ranunculus and dahlias that fill the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday be your guide. You'll find everything from bouquets to pot plants, aromatic herbs and small fruit trees. You can also simply wander between the stalls to enjoy the explosion of colours and shapes that only nature can produce. On the other days of the week, the Aix-en-Provence flower market takes over the Place des Prêcheurs.
By Sandy Pérolle
Epicurean and lifestyle specialist.
