Markets in the South of France – French atmosphere and flavours around Salernes

A morning at a French market in Provence is one of those simple pleasures that make a holiday in the South of France unforgettable. The smell of freshly baked bread, lavender and ripe apricots mingle with the murmur of voices and the sound of clinking cups on a terrace. The market is the beating heart of every village – a place where residents meet, where the seasons can be felt, and where visitors get to know the real Provence.

From your holiday home in Provence, luxury holiday villa in the South of France or your own holiday home in France, you can go to one of the many markets in the area around Salernes, the place to experience French customs. Here you can not only buy fresh products, but you will also experience some of the atmosphere and tradition of the Provençal lifestyle.

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The charm of the Provençal market

Markets in France are centuries old and deeply rooted in village life.
It is a meeting place where farmers sell their harvests, artisans display their wares and families do their weekly shopping. As you stroll past the stalls in the Provençal market, you will see tomatoes, melons, baskets full of olives and bunches of lavender. The air fills with the scent of thyme and rosemary, interspersed with that of freshly baked bread and roast chicken. What makes the Provençal market so special is the friendly atmosphere. You’ll hear laughter, tasting and talking. Sellers invite you to sample their cheeses or olive oils. All this makes visiting a market during your holiday in Provence a great day out.

What types of markets are there in the South of France?

Provence and other regions of southern France are renowned for their rich market tradition. Virtually every village, no matter how small, has at least one regular market day when the square fills with residents, farmers, artists and visitors. One market is quiet and rural, the other a vibrant feast full of music and the aromas of food. Together they form the rhythm of Provençal life.

Weekly markets – the rhythm of village life

Weekly markets are the best known and most popular markets in the South of France. Every morning from eight o'clock, the first residents come to the village square to fill their wicker baskets. Between stalls selling vegetables, fruit, olives and cheeses, recipes are shared and the latest village news is exchanged. In villages such as Lorgues, Cotignac and Salernes, the weekly market is the social centre. Tourists mingle with locals and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, it is a regular habit to settle down on a terrace for a coffee or glass of rosé. During your holiday in the South of France, be sure to plan a visit to one of the lovely markets in Provence - Côte d'Azur.

Flea markets and antique markets – treasures with a story

In addition to food markets, there are also numerous flea markets in Provence  – markets selling antiques, curiosities and vintage finds. From porcelain crockery to wooden shutters, paintings and nostalgic posters, everything here breathes history.
In places like Barjols, Aups and Draguignan you can stroll between stalls full of things that each tell their own story. The atmosphere is friendly and dreamy, perfect for a Sunday morning when you wander around without haste. Even if you don't buy anything, you will take the charm of these markets in the area around Salernes home with you.

Farmers' markets – pure and seasonal

If you want to taste the real Provence, visit a farmers' market (marché paysan). Here, local farmers sell their products directly to the visitor: apricots that have just been picked, goat cheese from the farm, lavender, homemade jams and olive oil from the in-house press.
These markets are smaller in scale, but authentic and the products are in their most natural form. In villages such as Villecroze, Flayosc and Aups, farmers stand proudly behind their stalls. These markets are ideal for picking up something tasty to take back to your holiday home in Provence and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a view of the hills.

 

Night markets – summer fun under the stars

In the summer months, when the air stays warm until late in the evening, night markets (marchés nocturnes) areorganized everywhere. Squares are lit, music sounds from cafes, and the smell of grilled dishes fills the air.
In villages such as Cassis, Sainte-Maxime and Fréjus, we highly recommend visiting these markets. You will walk past stalls with art, jewellery and crafts, while the children enjoy ice creams and street performers. It is Provence at its most cheerful – and for you, a summer evening you will not soon forget.

Theme markets – the pride of Provence

Finally, there are the themed markets, which change seasonally. In the winter, truffle markets are organized in Aups or Carpentras, you can smell the scent of the black truffle everywhere. In July, villages like Valensole and Sault turn purple from the lavender markets, and in the fall, wine markets celebrate the new harvest. Each themed market is an illustration of the speciality of the region. The intense experience of these markets by the locals reflects what makes Provence so special: the connection between people, nature and tradition.

 

Markets in the vicinity of Salernes

Salernes is located in the heart of the Var, a region full of olive groves, vineyards and charming villages. Within an hour's drive you will find dozens of markets, each with its own character. You can leave early from your holiday park in Provence to a market or make an afternoon trip out of it. In the morning you can first take a walk or go for a bike ride. If you go to a market in one of the seaside resorts, you can also go along the beautiful beaches on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Whatever you do, when travelling from your luxury holiday home in the South of France, you will experience the same Provençal hospitality everywhere you go.

Salernes – Sunday market full of life

Every Sunday, calm Salernes transforms into a bustling village. The stalls fill the streets with colours, scents and cheerful chatter. Here you will find fresh vegetables, goat's cheese, olives, tapenade, pottery and lavender soap – products for which Provence is famous.
The residents greet each other with three kisses, tourists stroll around with a cup of coffee in their hands, and street musicians create a summery atmosphere. The Sunday market is a social event: a meeting place where you can feel the local culture. Combine the market with lunch on a terrace or a visit to the Bresque River. From your holiday home in Provence, this is a trip full of charm.

Cotignac – market between the rocks

On Tuesday morning, Cotignac fills with fragrant herbs and colourful fabrics. The market is held under centuries-old plane trees, at the foot of the imposing rock face that makes the village so unique. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively at the same time.
You will find local products such as honey, lavender, wine and handmade jewelry. Afterwards, you can enjoy a coffee or glass of rosé in the village square, where you can experience the Provençal way of life up close. For guests staying in a luxury holiday villa in the South of France, Cotignac is a wonderful destination for a day out. 

Tourtour – market with a view

Tourtour is located on a hill with spectacular views over the valley and the beautiful natural sites of Provence. The market is held on Wednesday and it is small but enchanting. Farmers sell their cheeses, honey, olive oil and herbs here. As you walk through the village, you will hear the gentle hum of bees, smell the scent of olive trees and see the light dancing on the stone walls. After your visit, you can have lunch on a terrace with panoramic views or stroll through the narrow streets. Tourtour is a gem for those who love peace and authenticity.

Aups – truffle market and regional market

Aups is known as the truffle capital of Provence. Every Thursday, the village square fills with stalls full of scents and colors. During the winter, everything is centred around the truffle markets, where chefs and enthusiasts come together to buy the best truffles.
In the summer, the market in Aups bustles with life, offering olive oil, lavender, honey, fruit and wines. The atmosphere is warm and lively. Combine your visit with a stroll through the historic center or enjoy lunch in one of the restaurants with local dishes. For guests staying in a holiday home in Provence, visiting Aups is highly recommended. 

Draguignan – large regional market

Draguignan is a town of character and one of the most important market places in the Var. On Fridays and Saturdays, the market extends over several squares. From clothing to flowers and from herbs to wines – the range is huge.
The smell of freshly baked bread mixes with that of lavender and cheese. Local musicians provide atmosphere, children eat crêpes and everyone seems to be having the time of their life. This market is ideal for those who love a lively, multifaceted experience. From your holiday villa with pool in the South of France you can reach Draguignan within half an hour.

Lorgues – Tuesday market full of atmosphere

The market of Lorgues is one of the most beloved in Provence. The long rows of plane trees provide shade for dozens of stalls. You will find everything the region has to offer: fruit, olives, wines, textiles and artisanal products.
The atmosphere is cheerful, with street musicians and the smell of freshly baked crêpes. Visitors often combine their market visit in Lorgues with a wine tasting at a nearby château. Lorgues is a place where Provence comes alive – warm, lively and full of character.

Flayosc – authentic Monday market

In the charming village of Flayosc,  there is a calm, easy-going atmosphere on Mondays. The small market is popular with locals, who buy their bread, vegetables and cheese here. The smell of freshly baked croissants is in the air.
For those who love peace and authenticity, this is a wonderful place. Everything exudes simplicity and warmth – just as a Provençal village should be. From your holiday park in Provence,  Flayosc is a great trip for a relaxing morning.

Villecroze – Thursday market at the castle

Villecroze is a gem, with a lively village square and a castle as a backdrop. On Thursdays there are small stalls with herbs, olives, flowers and soap. The fountain on the square provides a soothing background noise.
After your visit, you can walk through the park with waterfalls or see the famous caves of Villecroze. This village combines nature, history and charm in a unique way. 

Barjols – Saturday market full of local products

Barjols breathes history and water. The dozens of fountains give the village a special atmosphere, and on Saturdays it fills with the scents of herbs, meats and fruit. Artists and craftsmen sell their work alongside farmers with fresh produce.
The market is not large, but it is authentic. Afterwards, you can enjoy lunch or visit one of the many galleries. From your luxury holiday home in Provence,  Barjols is an outing that combines tradition and art.

Brignoles – regional weekly market

Brignoles, a lively town with medieval charm, hosts one of the region's largest markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The squares fill with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, clothing, flowers and artisanal products.
The atmosphere is vibrant but friendly. After your visit, it is nice to explore the old city center, with its cafes, terraces and historic buildings. From your holiday home in France, Brignoles is ideal for a day full of atmosphere and flavors.

Holidays in other regions of FranceComfort

Explore other regions and book a holiday home in the Dordogne or a stay in Poitou-Charentes. These regions also boast numerous markets where you can experience the typical atmosphere. Read more about the markets in the Dordogne and the markets in Poitou-Charentes here.

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Markets within 1.5 hours' drive of Salernes 

Sunday

Salernes, Aups, Le Luc-en-Provence, Nans-les-Pins, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Forcalqueiret, Forcalquier, Aubagne, Carcès, Fayence, Tourrettes, Seillans, Draguignan, Les Arcs-sur-Argens, La Garde-Freinet, Cotignac, Rians, Gréoux-les-Bains, La Verdière, Tavernes

Monday

Aups, Flayosc, Aubagne, Cassis, Les Arcs-sur-Argens, La Garde-Freinet, Toulon, Le Val, Puget-sur-Argens, Vidauban, Saint-Zacharie, Tourves, Barjols, Besse-sur-Issole, Brue-Auriac, Vinon-sur-Verdon, Régusse, Bras, Correns

Tuesday

Cotignac, Lorgues, Tourtour, Saint-Zacharie, Garéoult, Tourves, Aubagne, Cassis, La Ciotat, Vidauban, Le Beausset, Solliès-Pont, Cuers, Brue-Auriac, Tavernes, Sainte-Anastasie-sur-Issole, Fox-Amphoux, Barjols, Entrecasteaux, Carcès

Wednesday

Salernes, Tourtour, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Brignoles, Gémenos, Cassis, Sainte-Maxime, Rians, Entrecasteaux, Trans-en-Provence, Aups, La Motte, Lorgues, Cotignac, Montmeyan, Le Thoronet, Pierrefeu-du-Var, Forcalquier, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Thursdau

Aups, Villecroze, Signes, Forcalqueiret, Aubagne, Carnoux-en-Provence, La Penne-sur-Huveaune, Roquefort-la-Bédoule, Cassis, Besse-sur-Issole, Le Val, Garéoult, Saint-Zacharie, Tavernes, La Cadière-d’Azur, Le Castellet, Barjols, Tourves, Régusse, Rians

Friday

Draguignan, Roquevaire, Cassis, Carqueiranne, Aups, Barjols, La Verdière, Sillans-la-Cascade, Tavernes, Cotignac, Flayosc, Saint-Zacharie, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Lorgues, Vinon-sur-Verdon, Le Luc-en-Provence, Forcalqueiret, Pierrefeu-du-Var, Le Beausset, Montauroux

Saturday

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Brignoles, La Roquebrussanne, Garéoult, Aubagne, Carnoux-en-Provence, Fréjus, Saint-Tropez, Le Lavandou, Manosque, Hyères, Draguignan, Cotignac, Forcalqueiret, Tourtour, Flassans-sur-Issole, Lorgues, Fayence, La Garde-Freinet, Carqueiranne

Your holiday in Provence

When staying in one of FranceComfort’s holiday parks, you are always close to the best markets in the South of France. The markets are not all the same size. In a somewhat larger town, the market will also be larger. Book your stay in Résidence de Salernes or Domaine de Castellane and check out the markets you want to visit. Whether you are staying in a holiday home near the Mediterranean Sea, a holiday park in Provence or a luxury holiday villa in the South of France, you will find markets full of atmosphere, aroma and flavour, allowing you to experience French life to the max.

Frequently asked questions about markets in the South of France

1. When are the markets in Provence at their best?
In July and August, when there are extra evening markets full of music, food and conviviality.

2. What can I buy in Provençal markets?
Olives, cheeses, lavender, honey, wine, pottery and fresh local products.

3. What are the best markets to buy local products in Provence?
For local products, the markets of Salernes, Villecroze, Lorgues and Barjols are highly recommended.

4. Are the markets held all year round?
Most of them are. In the summer there are night markets, in the winter truffle markets.

5. Which markets in the South of France are the most authentic?
The most authentic markets are in villages such as Aups, Cotignac, Tourtour and Flayosc.

Practical tips for your
market visit

  • Arrive early: the markets start around 08:00 and usually close at 13:00.
  • Bring cash; Not all sellers accept card payments.
  • Use a sturdy basket or bag for your purchases.
  • Park on the outskirts of the village – most city or village centres are car-free.
  • Make sure you know the laws and regulations to avoid traffic fines.
  • Relax on a terrace afterwards: the coffee tastes better here than anywhere else.

Book your holiday and soak up the atmosphere of the South of France

Let yourself be carried away by the scent of lavender, the sound of markets and the sun on your skin – and experience the charm of Provence for yourself. Book your holiday home with FranceComfort today and experience what a holiday in the South of France is really all about. choose a period that includes a French public holiday or Quatorze Juillet, as there will be plenty of event tents available.

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