Best Markets of Provence

The very best markets in Provence, chosen for the quality of produce as well as the setting. From Arles in the west to Nice in the east, these are the must-see markets of Provence. Cannes market

The Marché Forville is the covered market in Cannes open every morning except Mondays, and renowned for its produce, including fish landed at the harbour that day. Local restaurants use the Forville market as much as local residents.

Colourful market stalls in Cannes Forville — Forville Market in Cannes, a covered daily food market (except Mondays)

Nice market

The Cours Saleya flower market in Nice is actually both flower market and regular fruit and veg market, but the whole thing is called the flower market. In the heart of the old town, the Cours Saleya turns into a feast for all the senses every day except Mondays. Check out the Nice speciality of socca, ideally at Chez Thérésa’s stall which has been there since the 1920s – socca is a flatbread made with chickpeas.

Overhead view of market stalls in Cours Saleya, Nice — The Cours Saleya flower market in Nice is much more than a flower market

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known as the antiques capital of France and on Sundays the town is taken over by antiques, bric-a-brac and food markets, all at the same time. This makes for a crazy hotchpotch and a Provence must-see.

Market in the centre of Isle sur Sorgue — The Sunday food market winds around the town centre in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Aix-en-Provence markets

Aix-en-Provence has a number of markets on through the week, the best days to go are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday when there is the food market in Place des Precheurs, non-food market in Place de Verdun, the farmers’ market in Place Richelme farmers’ market, the flower market in Place de l’Hotel de Ville, and down the central street Cours Mirabeau is a clothes and textiles market. Then at the end of the year there is the Christmas on Cours Mirabeau.

Stall full of fruit and veg in Aix en Provence market — The Place Richelme farmers' market in Aix-en-Provence

Sanary-sur-mer market

The harbour at Sanary-sur-mer is already spectacular enough, add in the weekly market and it’s a sensory overload. All the fruit and vegetables of a Provence market, plus the freshest seafood just off the boats.

Antibes market

In the old town, with its lively atmosphere and charismatic vendors, Antibes covered market can’t be missed. It is open every morning in summer, and closed Monday the rest of the year, selling everything you might associate with Provence. Then in the afternoon the craft market takes over the same space.

Food stalls at Antibes covered market in Provenc — The covered market of Antibes is open every morning in summer

Vaison-la-Romaine market

An institution since the 15th century, the Great Market of Vaison-la-Romaine takes over the medieval town every Tuesday morning, with up to 450 stalls in the summer, covering every item you can think of. This is a festival of life, where all the town’s residents meet up and exchange the week’s news and views. Live music and plentiful cafés make Vaison-la-Romaine more than just a market.

Markets stalls in narrow street of Vaison la Romaine — The Great Market of Vaison-la-Romaine is a weekly institution dating back 6 centuries

Coustellet farmers' market

Coustellet Farmers’ Market is on Sunday mornings from April to December, and everyone in the Luberon wants to shop there so go early to miss the crowds. The produce is amazing, all grown in the local area. In summer there is also a Wednesday evening edition, with fewer stalls and far fewer visitors.

Salad stand at Coustellet famers' market — Coustellet famers' market on Sunday mornings is famed for the quality of its produce

Apt market

Apt market is the biggest in the Luberon, with 300 stalls in the summer, and it spreads over the most appealing parts of Apt town centre. All life is here, and vendors sell fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, pottery, textiles, crafts, and local specialties like olive oil, honey, and lavender products.

Market in the centre of Apt in Provence — Apt market is the Luberon's biggest with 300 stalls

Lourmarin market

Lourmarin's weekly market takes place every Friday morning, running through the centre of the village. It is one of the most picturesque of Provence markets and retains some of Lourmarin’s effortless elegance. Nor will you be overloaded with stalls to visit, as it is on a relatively modest scale.

Arles market

Arles market is one of the biggest in Provence and takes place on Saturday morning, stretching over 2.5km (1.5 miles). You can find everything here, not just the best fresh produce, but the locals come for clothes and shoes, even kitchen goods. Arles market is also great for people-watching.

Stalls along the street in Arles — The Saturday market in the centre of Arles is one of the biggest in Provence

Marseille fish market

Marseille fish market, right on the old port, is a unique experience for seafood lovers. The fishing boats empty their catch at the stall with the boat’s name on it. The only other way to get fish this fresh is to catch it yourself. And then you would miss out on seeing the locals perusing the stalls and haggling over prices.

St-Rémy market

St-Rémy market is a Wednesday ritual for many, with a great range of stalls set out in a very beautiful town centre, and the added pleasure of the many cafés and eateries adjacent to the activity. This combination of produce and setting makes St-Rémy many people’s favourite Provence market.

St Remy market taking over the centre of town — Market day in St-Rémy-de-Provence

St-Tropez market

It is easy to forget in St-Tropez that real life goes on beyond the superyachts and luxury boutiques. If you want a taste of the St-Tropez of old there is no better place than the market on Place des Lices, where the boules players give up the square to 120 stalls on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The market is also one of the few places in St-Tropez that you will pay reasonable prices.