Book a foodie market tour with me!
Curious about in the ins and outs of working in a market in Provence?
Do you want to taste the best Provencal ingredients?
Would you like to eat breakfast at the market with the workers?
Tours are about 2.5 hours in the towns of St Remy de Provence and Eygalières. There’s lots of tasting to be done so come hungry! Tours are private and cost 70€ per person. Send me an email to ask about availabilities. curiousprovence@gmail.com
Paysan/Farmer’s Markets – Marchés Producteurs
organic tomatoes
The quality of the produce is impressive here in Provence. However, all produce is not created equal. The first year I was here, I grew many of my own vegetables. I later wondered why I went through all that trouble. There are some producer’s markets where farmers sell their pickings from that very morning. How can you tell? They still have a heartbeat. Ok, not really but almost. All I can say is that after 4 years here, I can easily tell which veggies are exceedingly versus very fresh. I go to these 3 markets when I want to make sure I’m getting the best quality for the best prices. Also, may I point out that these products are cheaper as well as better quality. Many of the stands at farmer’s markets (including cheese and meat) specialise in one product. A Farmer’s market is more of a buy your veggies and leave affair, but I’ve included possible days out as well. Here are 3 of the best farmer’s markets in Provence.
Farmer’s markets start earlier than Provencal markets. They will be set up 8 am and most likely finish by 11:30 am.
What you’ll find at a Marché du Producer (Farmer’s Market):
Veggies, fruits, cheeses from small producers, juices, meats, live animals, plants/flowers, honey, olive oil, homemade jams, homemade soups (depending on the season)
Sénas – Saturday
This strictly farmer’s market occurs various times a week but is biggest on Saturday. It’s so seasonal that I can see from one week to the next changes in vegetables. For example, rose garlic morphs into purple garlic or the varieties of potatoes change.
Make a day of it:
After the market head towards Aureille where you’ll see stunning views of the Alpilles. Tour one, or a couple of the excellent organic AOC Vineyards of Les Baux and have lunch in either Maussane-les-Alpilles, Paradou or Saint Remy de Provence. You can also tour the village mill in either Mouriès or Maussane; this is where the most, and the best, olive oil is produced in France. See my article about the best restaurants in Les Alpilles.
Coustellet – Sunday
This is a large market that consists of two parts. The village of Coustellet is divided by a main road that allows for traffic to pass to the picturesque Luberon from Avignon. On one side of this road you’ll find a Provencal style market, and on the other you’ll find a fantastic farmer’s market that consists of mostly organic produce. I’ve defined this as a producer’s market because it’s not the first place I would suggest if you’re looking for a pretty provencal hilltop town.
Lots of organic producers at the Coustellet market
Make a day of it:
- Head to nearby Goult after the market where you’ll find a couple lovely restaurants off the main square. You can wander the calm streets filled with gorgeous colours and artist workshops.
- Head to Oppede Le Vieux with a picnic. This hilltop town and castle that dates back to the 12th century is mostly deserted as the residents moved down the mountain to be closer to their fields throughout the centuries. It is great for wandering around the abandoned houses and sipping a glass of rosé in the main, and only, village square.
Velleron – Daily except Sunday
The only night market on the list, Velleron is considered one of the best farmers markets in France. It is frequented mostly by locals on their way home from work. The prices are seriously low and the produce is the best I’ve found anywhere. However, you have to be decisive because it’s sold quickly. The market starts at 6pm and lasts for about an hour and a half.
fresh garlic!
Make a day of it:
This is really a get in and out type market but I would go to Isle sur la Sorgue or Fontaine de Vaucluse for the day beforehand. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is where you’ll find the mysterious source of the Sorgue river and a paper mill that presses artisan paper. Isle sur la Sorgue is the antique capital of Southern France where you’ll find dozens of stores and warehouses with all manner of curiosities.
To experience the most scenic Provencal markets, check out Part 1 of this 2 part series of my favourite markets in Provence.
Can’t make it to the weekly market near you? Find your local farm shop.
Where have you found the best produce in Provence? What are you experiences at the farmer’s markets?
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