It goes without saying, that in a region full of beautiful towns, it’s hard to pick a favorite from all the seaside “stars” that glitter along the Cote d’ Azur.  Well, I guess it “should” be hard, but instead I’ve fallen quite in amour with the sleepy seaside village of Sanary-sur-Mer.  Now all I need is a winning French lottery ticket and a modest house with an ocean view.

One of the most picturesque towns in the Var, Sanary-sur-Mer enjoys a privileged location along the Mediterranean and is just 5 short kilometers from the well-known coastal town of Bandol.  Preferred by locals & tourists alike, the large, bustling market draws a considerable crowd each week. As cars wind in from neighboring villages & the nearby autoroute, arriving early is definitely recommended.

Where:

The “place” (square) of the Tower to the bottom of the aisles Etiennes Orves.

When: 

Every morning until mid-day. Wednesday the market about triples in size, same hours apply.

What: 

Typical Provencal market of fruits, vegetables, fish, and specialty foodstuffs from a crew of loyal sellers.

On Wednesday, you’ll find additional stalls, covering everything from cotton dresses to Corsican sausages. You may even be fortunate enough to stumble upon a local winery offering tastings – the domaine Le Galantin has often been known to make an appearance.

Special Interest: 

The market provides a perfect excuse to blend a morning of shopping with a trip to any of Sanary’s portside cafés. Cafes like Le Sport are a great place to have take a break over a glass of rosé, or just watch other bargain hunters on the prowl.  There are many opportunities for wandering through Sanary’s backstreets to discover French “shabby-chic” treasures in the town’s numerous boutiques.  Several good restaurants are tucked behind alleyways, one favorite to try is Le Chirunga.

Bon shopping!