Markets in the Provence

The Provence-Alpes-French Riviera region in southern France has it all: the French Riviera's sunny beaches and stylish resorts; Provence's endless lavender fields and stone towns, stunning marinas; quiet streams with turquoise waters; excellent treks; and excellent food.

Do you want to learn more about Provençal culture? Visiting markets is an excellent place to begin. We'll look at the biggest and best, as well as nearby campsites.

Head to Arles on a Wednesday or Saturday morning if you're looking for a big one. From 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., the market comes alive. First and foremost, this market is known for its diversity. It wraps itself around the beautiful city. Arles sausage, local crustaceans, olives and oils, and local wines can all be found here. Local bread and honey, as well as rice and vegetables from the area, will appeal to organic foodies. Lavender, herbs, and the famous Provençal soaps and essential oils are all available at this Provence market.

For easy access, book your stay at Camping L'arlésienne. This 3-star campsite offers rented mobile homes and pitches, as well as an on-site restaurant and an aquatic area for fun and relaxation.

Apt hosts Luberon's largest Saturday market. The Apt market, which has been going on for over 500 years, is one of Provence's oldest and liveliest. The old town centre is crammed with over 300 market stalls. It's a local favourite because it has fewer tourist-oriented products. Apt is known as the "Candied Fruit Capital of the World." This is the place to go if you want to buy something made in Apt. During the summer, visitors from nearby towns can take advantage of free shuttles.

Near Apt, you'll find Camping Le Luberon. For the holidays, your family will be welcomed to this peaceful 4-star campsite with a heated indoor swimming pool.

The village of Bédoin is located at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Provence's tallest mountain. The main thoroughfare into town is bustling with activity. The cafes and shops are packed with hikers and cyclists. The market, on the other hand, is located inside the old town, along the narrow cobblestone streets. After you've finished shopping at the market, drive (or cycle) to the top of Mont Ventoux for the most spectacular views of the Alps in the area. In Provence, climbing to the summit of Mont Ventoux is a must-do activity.

A nearby campsite where you can rent a mobile home or pitch a tent is Camping Le Pastory.

Gordes, a hilltop village, is regarded as one of France's most beautiful villages. The market is located in the heart of the old town, at the foot of the castle. You'll find vendors selling textiles, such as traditional woven baskets, espadrilles, and linens, as well as lavender products and ceramics, in addition to the usual market stalls of fresh produce and cheese. Gordes has a reputation for having one of the best markets in Luberon. Take a stroll through this historic town and take in the views of the French countryside. You'll almost certainly want to pull over as you approach or leave the village because it's even more magical from the outside.

Outside of Gordes, you'll find Camping Des Sources. The Green Key-awarded campsite offers a variety of rental options as well as pitches.

The Saint-Rémy-de-Provence market is one of the best and most well-known in the region. On Wednesday mornings, this sleepy village comes to life, selling everything from seasonal produce to local olives, bread, and Provençal ceramic cookware and tableware. It truly has everything. You can't help but be swept up in the whirlwind of activity that this market provides. Explore the old town made famous by Vincent Van Gogh, where he painted some of his most famous works, including The Starry Night, which depicts St. Remy.

Camping Pegomas allows you to stay close to the market, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Motorhome, caravan, and tent pitches are available, as well as room rentals.

This laid-back town in the Luberon has a wonderful market, which is held three times a week and is rightfully known as France's melon capital. There is a "regular" market on Monday and Friday mornings, and on Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm, there is a "local producers only" market. If you visit in July, the town celebrates its famous fruit with the annual Féria du melon festival, which takes place the weekend before Bastille Day. If you’re interested in visiting more food festivals, read our list of the Top 10 food festivals in Europe. After your market visit, you should go explore some of the town's interesting historic sites.

At Camping La Vallée Heureuse, you can rent a mobile home or a camping pitch.

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for its 300 antique shops and hosts five different Provence markets. The "floating market" is the most unusual of them all. Every first Sunday in August, this Provence tradition takes place on the Sorgue river. Customers are served by merchants dressed in Provençal garb who travel by rowboat.

Visitors from all over France go to the town's antique market every Sunday, which spills into the town's various antique stores and art galleries. Visitors who visit around Easter or August will also be treated to its biannual antique fairs when they will be in antique heaven. On Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, L'Isle sur la Sorgue also features a notable food market.

Camping La Sorguette - Airotel has both typical mobile home and camping pitches as well as some unique accommodations such as Mongolian yurts, treehouses, and other glamping choices.

Lourmarin is one of France's most beautiful villages. This village, nestled among vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees, is blissfully quiet and quaint, with some of the region's best shops and restaurants. Although it is not the largest market in the region, it does feature the highest quality vendors.

Make a reservation at Camping Le Luberon.

Aix-en-Provence is teeming with winding alleyways that lead to fountains and peaceful squares. Every day of the week, different market stalls for food, flowers, antiques, art, and textiles are set up in each square. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, on the other hand, provide the full market experience. As a result, Aix en Provence markets attract a larger crowd than most, but that's all part of the fun. In the morning, go to the market, and in the afternoon, continue exploring the city's top attractions. Aix-en-Provence has a lot to offer in terms of sights and activities.

At Camping Marina Plage, you can stay near the beach. Families with children will enjoy the campsite because they will be able to meet a variety of animals from around the world.

Except on Mondays, Avignon hosts a market every day. It's a little different in that it's a covered market next to a multi-story parking garage built specifically for Les Halles. There are over 40 stalls selling local produce at the Avignon market, making it a must-see for foodies. At 11 a.m. on Saturdays, a local chef performs a cooking demonstration using market ingredients. It's truffle market season from November to March, and Avignon is one of the best places to go. Avignon is also known for its art, and there are numerous art stalls dotted throughout the old town.

Camping La Roquette, a 3-star campsite near Avignon, is a great place to stay.