Tag Archives: markets

How to Shop at a Provençal Market

Since it’s officially spring and the time when Provençal markets are at their finest, I thought it would be a great idea to share a few ideas for getting the most out of your market experience.   The following are a few tips I’ve collected over the years, and I hope you’ll share your own market “must-do’s” in the comment section.

The Provençal market is a feast for the senses and a chance to savor a lot of the best of the region. Whether you’d like to pick up some picnic treats, sample artisan jams & tapenades, or grab a few homemade sausages, there’s no place better than your local marché. You can even get outfitted with a straw hat (some funky, some chic), leather sandals, and some cool shades to perfect your Southern style. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind before you hit those gorgeous stalls.

Continue reading

Market of the Month: Carpentras (+ truffles at Chez Serge)

During our “mini-break” to beautiful Isle-sur-la-Sorgue we found ourselves quite overwhelmed with the number of villages to visit and all the things to see (and taste) in the Vaucluse. A stop-over in Avignon was a definite must, but after a pop-in at the Papal Palace, how best to organize our time – a mad dash to visit the Roman ruins in Vaison-la-Romaine, take in the cool waters of Foutaine de Vaucluse, or simply while away the morning at a local market?

Continue reading

Market of the Month: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Surprisingly, most of the markets in Provence tend to be just as active in the autumn & winter months as they are during spring & summer. Admittedly, it’s hard to feel as enthusiastic without the glorious South-of-France sun illuminating your day, but there’s still plenty to get excited about on market morning.

Continue reading

Market of the Month: Avignon, Les Halles

Well, as you may have noticed, I’m generally pretty excited & enthusiastic about the places we visit around Provence.

Admittedly, we visited one or two “mediocre” markets during our trip to the Vaucluse (by exceedingly gorgeous Provençal-market standards of course)… but the Les Halles market in Avignon was not one of them. Simply put, this market is awesome.

Continue reading