Markets in the South of France – experience Provence during your holiday in Nans les Pins

The markets in the South of France are the heart of the French lifestyle. Early in the morning, the village squares fill with voices, the clinking of scales, the smell of fresh fruit, lavender and herbs. The Provençal market is more than just a place to do your shopping: it is a meeting place, a ritual that is important to the locals.

For those staying in a holiday home in Provence, a luxury villa on the Côte d'Azur or a holiday park with comfort and tranquillity, visiting a market is an unmissable experience. From Nans les Pins, you can visit dozens of atmospheric markets – from charming village squares to lively coastal markets on the Mediterranean Sea. 

Our holiday parks in Provence     Our holiday homes in Provence

Markt Nans les Pins 9 Cassis Provence vakantie Frankrijk lavendel olijf kaas avond.jpg

French Market: social heart of Provence

In France, the market is a place where everything comes together. Locals exchange news, farmers sell their harvests, and tourists mingle with the rhythm of the village. The scents of thyme, lavender and freshly baked bread mingle with the warmth of the morning sun. You will see colourful stalls selling goat cheese, olives, tapenade, wines from Bandol and flowers in all shades of yellow and purple. The market is the stage of French village life: lively, friendly and full of stories.
Visitors who spend a morning here will get to know Provence better than any tourist guide could ever teach them. So be sure to visit it during your holiday in France.

Types of markets in the South of France

Provence has many types of markets, each with its own character and atmosphere. Whether you are looking for antiques, local products or local crafts, there is something for everyone. In the summer months, many tourist markets and evening markets are organized throughout the South of France.
After countless hours of water sports on the Mediterranean Sea or cycling through lavender fields, visiting a night market is a great way to end a day in Provence.

 Weekly markets

Almost every village has a fixed market day. In Nans les Pins, where FranceComfort Jardin du Golf holiday park is located, markets are held every Wednesday. On Wednesdays, the village square turns into a colourful collection of scents and colours. Here you will find local specialties: olives, honey, cheeses, lavender products and fresh vegetables.

 Tourist markets and night markets

During the summer months, tourist markets and marchés nocturnes (night markets) are organized everywhere. These are lively, often with music, local food and artisanal products. The scent of lavender and grilled fish mixes with the mild summer evening – Provence at its best.

Flea markets

Lovers of antiques and curiosities will get their money's worth at the numerous flea markets and "puces". From weathered mirrors to nostalgic tableware – you will find real French finds with character.

Vide-greniers

Vide-greniers are garage sales where the French clear out their attics. Residents sell their own belongings, which gives it a personal and friendly character. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

You can find more summer activities on our inspiration page holidays in the South of France, with tips for markets, beaches and events.

 

Markt Nans les Pins 4 Provence vakantie Frankrijk lavendel olijf kaas avond.jpg

Local products you should not miss

The Provençal market is a feast for the senses. The scent of thyme, rosemary and lavender fills the air. You will find jars of tapenade, olives, wines from Bandol and Côtes de Provence, goat cheese and honey from lavender fields.

Those with a sweet tooth will indulge themselves in nougat from Montélimar, and lovers of savoury will love saucisson with Provençal herbs. Don't forget the juicy melons from Cavaillon – the symbol of summer in the south of France.

Markets within 1 hour's drive of Nans les Pins

If you stay in a holiday home near the Mediterranean Sea or in a holiday park in Provence, you have a wealth of markets within reach. From Nans les Pins,  you can easily visit a different village or town every day. For example, combine your market day with a stay at FranceComfort Vallée de la Sainte Baume, centrally located between the most beautiful markets in the region.

Aix-en-Provence (approx. 45 minutes)

One of the most famous markets in France is in Aix-en-Provence. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the centre fills up with flowers, fabrics, antiques and regional delicacies. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed.

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume (15 minutes)

Wednesday morning, the village square is filled with stalls full of vegetables, cheeses, herbs and fabrics. A cozy, authentic market just a fifteen minute drive from Nans les Pins.

Brignoles (30 minutes)

In Brignoles there is a market every Saturday with olives, lavender, tapenade and goat cheese. Ideal for stocking up on local flavours to enjoy with your lunch on the terrace of your FranceComfort holiday home.

Cassis (45 minutes)

On Friday morning, the picturesque port town of Cassis transforms into a lively market with fresh fish, clothing and olives. Combine your visit with a walk along the calanques.

Sanary-sur-Mer (50 minutes)

The market of Sanary-sur-Mer  has been voted one of the most beautiful markets in France by many. On Wednesdays, the promenade fills with fragrant flowers, fruits, olives and Provencal fabrics, overlooking the harbour.

Cotignac (1 hour)

Every Tuesday a market is held in Cotignac on the beautiful square under the old plane trees. Here you can buy goat cheese, honey and handmade ceramics in one of the most atmospheric villages in Provence. Afterwards you can have a drink in the shade on one of the terraces.

Toulon (1 hour)

The daily market at Cours Lafayette in Toulon, with all its colours and sounds, is well worth a visit. Local market traders loudly praise their wares, trying to outshout each other. Here you will experience an authentic piece of southern France on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Le Castellet (30 minutes)

On Thursdays, a small, artisanal market takes place in the medieval village of Castellet. Handicrafts, jewellery and Provençal delicacies fill the streets.

Would you like to know more about Provençal gastronomy? Then read our article on 10 regional products from Provence South of France, which focuses on local products and market specialities.

Also read our page about buying a holiday home in France.

 

  

Overview of markets in Provence near Nans les Pins

Do you want to plan your market days? Below you will find a handy day-by-day breakdown of the week, so you can explore a different part of Provence every day.

Our parks in Provence     Our homes in Provence

Sunday – the relaxed village day

Sunday is ideal for a quiet morning. The villages slowly come to life; There is music, and on the terraces it smells of fresh coffee.
Markets: Nans-les-Pins, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Forcalqueiret, Aubagne, Le Beausset, La Londe-les-Maures, Sanary-sur-Mer, Hyères, Lorgues, Carcès. 

Monday – the week starts full of color

The Monday markets are lively, full of fish, flowers, and clothing.
Markets: Aubagne, Cassis, Aups, Le Luc, Cotignac, Bandol, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Toulon (Le Mourillon), Entrecasteaux, Barjols.

Tuesday – day of local products

Tuesday is the day for fresh produce, wines, and cheeses. You can taste plenty before deciding what to buy.
Markets: Saint-Zacharie, Garéoult, Tourves, Aubagne, Cassis, La Ciotat, Cotignac, Brignoles, Hyères (center), La Cadière-d'Azur.

Wednesday – in the middle of the week, in the middle of the atmosphere

Popular day for markets in Provence, full of fragrant products.
Markets: Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Brignoles, Gémenos, Cassis, Le Castellet, Sanary-sur-Mer, La Roquebrussanne, Carqueiranne, La Valette-du-Var, Bandol.

Thursday – craftsmanship and charm

Thursday is the perfect day for smaller village markets full of authentic atmosphere.
Markets: Signes, Forcalqueiret, Aubagne, Carnoux-en-Provence, La Penne-sur-Huveaune, Roquefort-la-Bédoule, Cassis, Cotignac, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer.

Friday – lively coastal markets

The week is heading towards the weekend and you can feel that in the lively atmosphere in the villages on the Mediterranean Sea.
Markets: Roquevaire, Cassis, Toulon (Cours Lafayette), Brignoles, Garéoult, La Londe-les-Maures, Le Beausset, Hyères (Port), Besse-sur-Issole, Carnoux-en-Provence. 

Saturday – the big market day

Saturday is the market day of Provence. The week ends with hustle and bustle, conviviality and long afternoons on the terrace.
Markets: Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Brignoles, La Roquebrussanne, Garéoult, Aubagne, Carnoux-en-Provence, Toulon, La Ciotat, Aups and Le Castellet.

Would you like to discover even more village charm? Be sure to read our article on the most beautiful villages in Provence, full of tips for authentic places where the market is the heart of the community.

Markt Nans les Pins 8 Provence vakantie Frankrijk lavendel olijf kaas avond.jpg

Seasonal markets – the rhythm of Provence

Provence lives with the seasons. Every season has its own products.

  • Winter: truffle markets in Aups and Carpentras.
  • Spring: asparagus, strawberries and flowers.
  • Summer: lavender markets in Valensole.
  • Autumn: wine, olives and chestnuts.

Each period has its own atmosphere and character – returning visitors discover a new atmosphere every time.

 

Coastal markets and village markets

The coastal markets of Cassis, Hyères and Sanary-sur-Mer are lively and sophisticated, with fish, art and fashion. Inland, around Nans les Pins, you can experience the tranquillity of village life: farmers with their harvests, craftsmen with soap and pottery and the people who take the time for a chat and a glass of rosé.

Whether you visit a large coastal market or a small village market, you will feel the authentic Provençal soul everywhere.

Night markets and the summer atmosphere

In the summer time, the village squares come alive in the evening. The marchés nocturnes offer crafts, art and music. Children walk along the boulevard eating their ice creams, guitar music sounds and the air fills with the smell of lavender and grilled fish. Cassis, Sanary-sur-Mer and Le Castellet are known for their atmospheric night markets.

Photogenic markets full of colour

The Provençal markets are a sight to behold. The colours of the stalls, the sunlight shimmering between the plane trees and the lively hustle and bustle make it a paradise for photographers. Each photo is a snapshot of the French art de vivre.

Practical tips for your market day

  • Go early. Between 8 and 9 o'clock it is still quiet and cool.
  • Bring cash. debit card payments are not accepted everywhere
  • Park outside the center. The markets take up a lot of space.
  • Taste and talk. The sellers are happy to share their stories and recipes.
  • Bring a basket or linen bag. Durable and convenient.

The market as a mirror of French culture

The market symbolizes French life: meeting, quality and enjoying the moment. Those who visit the market will experience the art de vivre of Provence in its purest form. A visit during a French holiday or on Quatorze juillet, the national holiday, is especially enjoyable. There are many events and larger markets then.

Provence in all its glory

Whether you're walking among the lavender fields or sipping a glass of rosé in a village square, the markets show what makes this region so special: colour, warmth and character.

After a day full of experience, it is wonderful to come home to your luxury holiday home in Provence or your villa on the Côte d'Azur. Also take a look at our range of holiday homes in Provence and plan your next market day in style.

FAQ's about markets in the South of France

1. Which markets are the most fun to visit during a holiday in Provence?
The markets of Aix-en-Provence, Sanary-sur-Mer and Cotignac are highly recommended for their atmosphere and quality.
Tip: During your next holiday, visit the markets in the Dordogne and Poitou-Charentes.

2. When are the night markets in the South of France?
In July and August, you will find marchés nocturnes in many villages, especially in Cassis, Sanary-sur-Mer and Le Castellet.

3. What are typical products in a Provençal market?
Lavender, olives, tapenade, honey, goat cheese, wine and pottery are the classics of the region.

4. Are the markets suitable for families with children?
Yes, most markets have squares with terraces and ice creams, where children have a great time. Read also: Holiday in France with children.

5. How do I combine a market day with my stay in Provence?
Start your day at the market and relax in the afternoon by the pool of your holiday home or on one of the beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring you have a varied day that you can end with a barbecue on the terrace of your French villa.

🔗 Read also: The 10 most beautiful beaches in Provence

Discover the FranceComfort parks and holiday rentals in Provence

End your market day in style and tranquillity – in a luxury holiday home or villa from FranceComfort in Provence, where the scent of lavender meets the comfort of the South of France. Book your holiday at one of the FranceComfort holiday parks today and experience the charm of the Provençal markets for yourself.