The Markets of Provence
I wanted to share more of my thoughts on shopping the weekly markets in Provence. As you may already know, the market booths are often full of fruit, vegetables, cured meats, cheeses, olives, oil, and honey--basically everything you need for the perfect charcuterie board. If you're lucky though, there will also be booths that sell fabrics, pottery, clothes, and other types of art. I've also found the larger the town, the higher likelihood local artists and vintage dealers will set up shop. Be mindful that these are almost always in the morning and packed up by 1 PM; you can always grab your morning coffee & croissant once you're there. Like I mentioned in my Instagram post earlier this week, when people see photos of Provence, they are likely looking at quaint towns or sweeping landscapes in either les Alpilles or the Luberon.
Les Alpilles, named for the range of low mountains, is ironically predominately flat and is home to the beautiful lavender fields. The Luberon is very hilly and is dotted with the quintessential hill-top towns of Provence. I mention this because which side you decide to stay on should be informed by the markets you want to go to. You will find yourself driving a lot if you want to visit Rousillion and Apt but decide to stay on the Alpilles “side” of Provence!
This trip we stayed in Saint Remy, centrally located in les Alpilles. While it is stunning and is home to a lot of beautiful chateaus and wineries, I am looking forward to staying on the Luberon side the next time we're in Provence! Below is a list of my favorite markets, including an A for Alpilles and L for Luberon.
Sunday: Isle sur la Sorgue [just outside the Luberon; technically in the Vaucluse area]
Monday: Cavaillon [L] [larger town; be mindful it may not be as charming]
Tuesday: Gordes [L]; Vaison la Romaine
Wednesday: Saint Remy [A]
Thursday: Menerbes [L]; Rousillion [L]; Maussane-les-Alpilles [A]; Isle sur la Sorgue [Lish--don't expect as many vintage/antique dealers on Thursday!]
Friday: Bonnieux [L]; Lourmarin [L]; Eygalières [A]
Saturday: Apt [L]; Arles [West of A]; Saint Remy [A]
For a comprehensive list, click here or here. If what you are in search of is rows of vintage and antique dealers with booths filled with bric-a-broc, you want a brocante or a Marche-aux-puces, which literally means flea market. If you find yourself planning a trip to France, I would highly suggest planning out your stay by looking at these websites: here, here or here!