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 31st July 2010
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 Markets in ProvenceA list of outdoor markets in the area Visiting an open-air market in Provence is one of life's little pleasures. Market day has been a way of life for Provençals as well as most Europeans for generations. The market serves as much as a social function as an opportunity to shop, bringing together the community each week. For the tourist or new resident visiting an open-air market not only allows you to interact with the locals but also provides a glimpse into everyday life in Provence. Provençal markets abound with delicious colours and smells, tantalising even the least sensitive nose. Sun-kissed fruits - melons, peaches and apricots; colorful vegetables - tasty tomatoes, aubergines (eggplant) and courgettes (zucchini); all indispensable to Provençal cuisine. Of course there is also the sun, the conviviality, the local humor and the way of taking one's time…talking, joking, feeling and appreciating the produce on the stalls. These are all delightful aspects of any visit to one's local market. The markets usudally consist of local farmers and other vendors who sell their products and many of these vendors travel from market to market, so you may see the same vendor at one market on Monday, and then at another in a different town on Tuesday. You will most often have a selection of fish and meats from local butchers, fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers, as well as other specialties such as bread, cheese, olives, spices and wine. You will most certainly always find things that are specific to the region or city. Many of the markets in Provence are so much more than just a food market. Some also sell everyday items such as table linens, shoes, clothes, flowers, and books. Other markets offer very specific goods such as antiques or artwork. The market in Lorgues each Tuesday morning is a perfect example. FrenchEntrée reader Bob Taylor describes this market best: "it covers the usual fruit and veg but also has stalls offering freshly cooked chickens, paella, fish, bread, meat, dried herbs and spices, pasta, even Japanese and Vietnamese dishes to take away. But it also has stalls offering plants and herbs, fabrics, clothes, shoes, honey, olive oil, gifts...I've even seen beds and replacement windows for sale there." He also writes that "the most remarkable thing about the market in Lorgues is that it transforms a sleepy town into a vibrant place for half a day, and by early afternoon, almost in an instant, it dozes right back again." And this is true of many of Provence's delightful daily markets. Each town typically has a market one day a week, although some towns do hold markets daily. Markets start very early in the morning usually by 8:00 am and usually finish by 1:00 pm. The market is usually held at the town square in smaller towns. Below is a list of some of the markets by day in Provence. The most popular markets are in bold. DAILY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
We have provided a list of the local markets and fairs across Provence, but this list is not necessarily exhaustive, so if you find another market that is not yet listed or come across anything that needs changing please email the editor. Please keep in mind some of the markets listed are quite small so it’s worth checking with either your local marie or tourist office before making any special trips. Life in Provence Home Page Looking for a property in France? Use FrenchEntrée's Property Finders to help you find your property and to help you through the buying process 
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