Markets in and around Vaucluse

 

Carpentras market

The convivial atmosphere of a local market and a warm Provençal day make an intoxicating blend. Colourful stalls, with often charismatic vendors, present produce and goods of every kind.
Stalls of fruit and vegetables, mostly from the region, a prolific source throughout the year.
Cheese stalls stocked from all parts of France... St Félicien, St. Marcelin, Roquefort, Camembert, Bleu d’Auvergne, but especially the local chèvres and brebis. (To paraphrase Charles de Gaulle, how can one rule a country that produces so many varieties of cheese?)
Fish stalls with fresh produce from the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
Meat stalls with cured hams and seemingly hundreds of salamis (try the sanglier), and local favourites such as boudin.
Olive stalls with countless variations and preparations. Stalls that simply sell spices. Stalls displaying linen in brightly colourful Provençal designs. Bric-à-brac, clothes, CDs, food to take away, potting plants and flowers, and probably many other things that one might not even imagine.
And if that is all too much, one can just relax sans soucis at a café, sip a coffee, beer or pastis, enjoy the ambiance, just watch life go by.

The list below is certainly incomplete. We have shown important or particularly interesting markets in coloured capitals, eg PERNES-LES-FONTAINES, and have added some personal comments. The lack of a comment simply means that we have not been there yet!

 

Monday

Monday

St Didier Our local village market in front of the Mairie
BEDOIN Large, colourful market occupying the central area of Bedoin. Rather touristy in the summer with prices to match, but well worth a visit.
also:
Bollène, Cadenet, Cavaillon,Goult (pm), Lauris, Mazan, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon
 

Tuesday

Tuesday

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, Baumes-de-Venise, Caromb, Gordes, Lapalud, La Tour d’Aigues, Vedène, VAISON-LA-ROMAINE  

Wednesday

Wednesday

Carpentras From 27th November (St Siffrein’s Day) until March, the Marché aux Truffes is held in the Place Aristide Briand from 8-10am. Carpentras is one of the main national centres for the sale of truffles.
also:
MALAUCENE, Monteux, Saint Rémy de Provence, SAULT, Le Thor, Valrèas, Velleron, Villes-sur-Auzon, Violès
 

Thursday

Thursday

Aubignan, Avignon (Place des Carmes), Cairanne, Le Pontet, Les Baux de Provence, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Malemort du Comtat, Mirabeau, ORANGE, NYONS, Vacqueyras  

Friday

Friday

CARPENTRAS The mega-market of the region sited in the Allées des Platanes on the Avenue Jean Jaures but also extending throughout the old town. This extravagant market is popular both with locals and tourists alike, a must for serious market seekers, but get there early (no later than 9 am) to avoid the crowds and find a parking spot.
also:
Bonnieux, Cavaillon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon, Lagne, Lourmarin, Morières, Pertuis, Visan
 

Saturday

Saturday

PERNES-LES-FONTAINES A lovely market held between the mediaeval ramparts and the old moat of this historic town. Very popular with locals from the villages around. Keener prices than in most markets.
also:
Apt, Arles, Avignon, Cheval Blanc, Grillon (enclave de Valréas), Jonquières, Le Thor, Mornes, Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes
 

Sunday

Sunday

L'ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE The market for antiques and brocante, lasting for most of the day. This colourful town, an island formed by the river Sorgue, makes a visit worthwhile. You might even find a bargain!
also:
Avignon, Camaret, Jonquières, Mormoiron, Sarrians
 
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