Market in Salernes, market days and local products in Provence

Why are markets so important in Provence?

For centuries, markets have been the beating heart of Provençal villages. In the Middle Ages, these villages were granted market rights. Farmers came together to sell their harvest, while artisans sold their handmade products.
Salernes, a village famous for its ceramics, flourished. The terracotta tiles made here found their way to the region and beyond. This rich tradition is still visible in markets to this day. The market functions as a meeting place where neighbours catch up and producers see their regular customers. Conversations are about the weather, the olive harvest or a village festival that is coming up. The pace is different from what you may be used to; There is no rush. Everyone takes the time to enjoy the moment.

What should you buy at the Salernes market?

Salernes is known for ceramics. At the market, you will find handmade dishes, bowls and pots from local workshops. In addition, you will find regional products from Provence such as:

• Goat cheese from the Haut-Var
• Olives and tapenades
• Lavender honey
• Seasonal vegetables
• Local rosé

How much do the products cost on the market?

To give you an idea of the costs, we provide some indicative prices:

• Goat cheese: €2.50 – €4.50
• Olives: €3 – €5 per container
• Tapenade: €4 – €7
• Honey: €6 – €9
• Baguette: €1,20 – €1,50
• Ceramics: from €12

Most famous markets in the region

Different types of markets in Salernes and the surrounding area

Provence has different types of markets, each with its own unique character and atmosphere.

1. The weekly market

This is the traditional village market where locals do their weekly shopping. The range includes vegetables, fruit, cheese, bread, olives, cold cuts and sometimes fish. This market is not only practical, but also a social place. You can pick up your ingredients for the day here, but you’ll also see the villagers gathering.
For more information on French gastronomy,  you can also go to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2. The seasonal market

In summer, the weekly market expands in size. Extra stalls are added where you can find all sorts of things such as clothing, jewellery, Provencal fabrics, baskets and leather bags. The range becomes broader and more international, but the focus remains on local produce.

3. The evening market (marché nocturne)

In July and August, the atmosphere changes completely. As soon as the clock strikes six, the evening market begins. The temperature is much more pleasant then. Families stroll around, children enjoy their ice creams, and in the background musicians play their tunes. Here, the focus is less on shopping and more on enjoyment and the artisanal aspect.

4. Local produce market

Sometimes special markets are organised that focus on regional products. Think, for example, of wine, honey, truffles or olive oil. Producers are on hand to talk about the origins of their products and the methods they use to make them. For insight into French regional products and designations of origin, the website of the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO) is a reliable source.

5. Flea market

In Salernes and the surrounding villages you will find regular flea markets. Here you can buy all sorts of antique items, such as crockery, linen, books and furniture. These markets attract a different type of audience and create a unique atmosphere.

For more detailed information and an overview of the markets in Provence, please visit the page Markets in Provence and Côte d'Azur

A morning at the market

You start your visit at the greengrocer’s stall. There, the tomatoes are beautifully displayed in wooden crates. Next, you go to the cheesemonger; he cuts off a piece of cheese and offers it to you. You taste the fresh piece and enjoy the flavour.

A local visitor says:
"We come every Wednesday for the goat cheese. The one from the farmer from Aups is always well matured."

A foreign guest says:
"It's part of our week. First pay a visit to the market, then enjoy lunch at the villa."

If you’d like to read more about French market culture and culinary traditions, the Lonely Planet France International Guide offers further inspiration.

Parking at the market

A convenient option is the Parking de la Bresque, which is located just outside the center. From this parking lot it is only a five-minute walk to the market square. If you stay at Résidence de Salernes, you can reach the center in about ten minutes. This makes it very easy to go to the market in the morning without a car. For more practical information, please visit the following page: Salernes - Provence Market Information.

Best time to visit

The market is fully set up by early in the morning. The freshest produce is still available. When the high season arrives, you’ll clearly see that visitor numbers increase after 11.00 am. During the high season, the centre can fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early from one of the FranceComfort Holiday Parks . Only then will you be able to experience the first hours of the Provençal market.

How many stalls are there on the market?

The size varies per season:

• Winter (November–March): 25–35 stalls
• Spring (April–May): 30–40 stalls
• Summer (June–August): 40–50 stalls
• Autumn (September–October): 30–40 stalls

This ensures that the market remains easy to navigate. You can browse the entire selection in just an hour, but you’re also welcome to stay a little longer and explore everything at your leisure.

What are the market days in the Var?

Almost every village in the Var has at least one market day each week. Salernes has its market on Wednesdays, Aups on Saturdays, Lorgues on Tuesdays, and Castellane twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This gives you the chance to explore different markets during your stay without having to travel far. The market in Salernes on Wednesdays is one of the best-known weekly markets in the Var.

What is the largest market in the Var?

The Tuesday market in Lorgues is often considered one of the largest and most popular markets in the Var. In high season, there can sometimes be more than 100 stalls, each filled with a diverse range of products. Compared to Lorgues, the market in Salernes is a lot smaller and easier to navigate. This more compact design contributes to a pleasant atmosphere, making the market feel more accessible and quieter.

Visiting the market with children

A visit to the market during your holiday in France is a fun experience, even with children. The market is lively, colourful and full of delicious smells and flavours. Children see the piles of fruit, taste a slice of melon or choose a piece of cheese to eat.
In many villages, the markets are located in a central square, surrounded by cozy terraces. This makes it easy to relax with children after the market visit and enjoy a glass of lemonade or a refreshing ice cream. 

Markets and holiday homes in other FranceComfort regions

Anyone who notices how vibrant the market culture is in Salernes will see that same rhythm reflected in other regions of France where FranceComfort has parks. Even outside Provence, FranceComfort offers regions full of character where markets play a central role in daily life. Each region has its own produce, atmosphere and landscape. You can combine local cuisine with a comfortable stay in a holiday home in the region.

Dordogne and Lot

The markets in the Dordogne and Lot revolve around regional dishes and traditional produce. Walnuts, foie gras and duck breast are staples here. The markets are often larger in scale and attract visitors from surrounding villages. It is customary for locals to do their weekly shopping here and meet up with one another.
During a relaxing holiday in the Dordogne,  you will experience these markets between medieval villages and along rivers such as the Dordogne and the Lot. If you prefer a spacious and comfortable stay, a holiday home in the Dordogne is perfect for you as it is a pleasant base for walks, canoe trips, and culinary excursions to the market.

Poitou-Charentes

The markets along the Atlantic coast offer a different selection. Oysters, mussels and fresh fish play an important role here, especially in the coastal towns. Inland, the emphasis shifts to vegetables, fruit and regional specialties from the agricultural hinterland.
During a stay in this region you combine sea, islands and historic towns. With a holiday in Poitou-Charentes, you will discover vast landscapes where you can easily cycle or go for a hike in the region. From a comfortable holiday home in Poitou-Charentes,  you can visit both coastal markets and inland village markets.

Languedoc

The  influences of the Mediterranean is clearly evident at the markets in the Languedoc. You will find sun-ripened vegetables, fresh fish, herbs and local wines from the vineyards nestled between the sea and the hills.
If you choose a holiday in the Languedoc, you will be staying in a region where beach, nature and culture come together. From a comfortable holiday home in Languedoc-Roussillon, you can explore the coast, vineyards, charming villages and nature reserves with mountains and valleys at your own pace. A morning at the market fits just as naturally into your weekly schedule here as an afternoon by the sea or a walk through the hills.

Salernes Events Calendar

• July – August: weekly evening markets (marchés nocturnes) with artisan products, jewelry, local delicacies and live music in the square.
• July: extra summer fair with additional stalls in the center.
• Early August: village festival (fête votive) with music, terrace evenings and extensive market area.
• Mid-August: craft market around ceramics and local crafts.
• September: flea and antiques Sundays in Salernes and surrounding villages such as Aups and Cotignac.
• October: autumn market with an emphasis on walnuts, grapes, honey and seasonal products.
• Spring (April/May): regional produce market with honey, cheeses and olive oil from the Var.

Please note: exact dates may vary from year to year. If you want to know which markets and cultural events take place in the Var region, the regional site of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourisme offers  additional background information.

Frequently asked questions

1. What time does the market in Salernes start?
The market in Salernes starts around 8.00 am on Wednesday mornings and runs until around 12.30 pm. Most stalls are fully set up by around 8.30 am.

2. How many stalls are there on average?
In winter 25–35, in summer up to 50. This makes the market easy to navigate yet varied.

3. Where can I park?
Parking de la Bresque is a convenient option close to the center. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to the square.

4. What is the best buy?
The local goat cheese offers excellent value for money. Olives are also relatively inexpensive.

5. Is the market suitable for children?
Yes, the square is easy to navigate and there are terraces where you can sit. In summer, there is often a lively atmosphere.

6. Where can I find information about markets in other parts of Provence?
Read the information about Provencal markets around Nans-les-Pins, where the parks  Vallée Ste. Baume and Jardin du Golf are located. To the east lies the Domaine de Castellane park. Holidaymakers head from that park to the markets in the Verdon.

This article has been compiled by FranceComfort travel advisors, who have worked closely with the tourist offices in the region. We have also incorporated the experiences and useful tips of our guests, so that you receive not only general information but also practical advice gathered during previous stays.