10 Top Markets In Provence

Provence is home to a wide variety of markets that sell everything from local produce, fish, flowers, and antiques. Here are 10 of the top markets in Provence for locals and tourists alike to frequent whether they are searching for groceries, gifts, or other goods to purchase.

Marché Aux Fleurs (flowers, food, and antiques)

Market

The flower market on the Cours Saleya has been there since the late 1800s. Originally meant for local wholesalers who would sell their flowers that were then sent all over Europe by train, this market is just for locals and tourists nowadays. Shoppers can find everything here—organic fruit and veg as well as flowers and local foods. It’s a place to have lunch or a cup of coffee watching the world go by and tasting all the delicious treats. Go on Mondays for the antiques market.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 8am-5pm; Sunday from 8am-1pm

Marché Capucins (spices and African foods)

Market

Marseille has a rich-African heritage, and this market is the place to buy everything that not normally found elsewhere as well as local produce like olives. It can be a bit intimidating, but well worth the visit.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday from 8am-7pm

Marché au Poisson (Fish Market)

Market, French

Those looking for fresh fish or just to peruse the local catch and watch the fishermen sell the ingredients for a good bouillabaisse, the local fish soup, this is the place to go. It’s been here since the early 1900s. It’s best to get there early when it opens at 8 am.

Opening hours: Daily from 8am-1pm

Sunday Market (antiques)

Market

Visitor numbers prove that this market is one of the most popular in the whole of France. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is on the river and a great place to wander through the different antique stalls (“brocante”). Stop for lunch after buying some great and unusual gifts to take home.

Opening hours: Sunday from 6am-6pm

Mega Vide Greniers (antiques, household, and clothes)

The French love “vide greniers“, which means to “empty your loft”. It’s a good opportunity to wander through other people’s lives and have a look at what they’re selling. It’s by the hippodrome in Marseille and held every Sunday.

Daily Food Market

People come from far and wide to taste everything at the food markets in Aix en Provence, but the one in Place Richelme is the most reliable and loved by locals. Everything from fresh bread to local flowers and seasonal vegetables can be found here. For non-food items too, go on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday to experience the larger market at the big-fountain roundabout in La Rotonde.

Opening hours: Daily from 8am-1pm

Marché aux Fruits et Legumes, Place Richelme, Aix-en-Provence, France, +33 04 42 91 90 00

Marché Centre Commercial les Puces (antiques)

Market

Those looking for bric-a-brac in Marseille, head to the flea market. The covered market sells antiques and shoppers can also find food and local produce in the open-air market next door.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30am-7:30pm

Puces de Nice (antiques)

Puces de Nice is a collection of old antique shops down by the Old Port in Nice. It’s a lovely place to wander round and do a little window shopping for jewellery and household items.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-6pm (7pm in June, July, and September)

Marché Forville (food/antiques)

Market, French

The Marché Forville is a must-see for any visitor to Cannes. On most days, locals sell home-made fruit and vegetables as well as delicious things to eat for lunch. It’s a great picnic stop before heading up to the old town, Le Suquet. On Mondays, they hold the flea market.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30am-1pm; Mondays for antiques

Marché Avenue du Prado (everything)

Market

The Avenue du Prado is one of the most well-known boulevards in Marseille and every day, there’s a local market along one entire side. It’s the place to find everything at inexpensive prices—food, clothes, and household items alike. Stop in one of the cafés or restaurants for lunch before heading to the beach nearby.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:30am to 1:30pm

About the author

Alex Ledsom

English writer in France. Swapped a hectic life in the city of London for an easy-going southern French vibe. I still work just as hard but on my own terms and on my own time. I enjoy travelling, writing, working, hanging out with friends and family... and of course meeting the amazing people and seeing the wonderful things this country has to offer. www.alexledsom.com