Best markets

The Apt market, recognised as one of the most beautiful in France, is a must-see. It spreads throughout every street in the old town, every Saturday since the 12th century. This weekly ritual is a special moment for all the Luberon people: villagers from the mountains, producers and artisans from the valley and the whole Provence – and visitors from all over the world.

Today, even in winter, the colours and aromas are irresistible. Goat cheeses come from nearby hilltop villages, olives are sold all year round and the mushrooms are true treasures from the earth; the delicious smell of girolles, chanterelles and ceps incites you to cook succulent dishes. In season, truffles are so precious that they are traded discreetly, according to a very serious ritual.

There are thousands of practical objects and artisan creations in textile, wood and ceramics. We love the photographs of Gilles Marmonier, who worked at Chateau de Mille for 40 years before focusing on his art and has a stand next to the cathedral.

After meandering through the stalls you will enjoy a warming and restorative lunch in one of the town’s restaurants.

In the summer, the market becomes a feast. The Aptésiens are there first, then the villagers arrive, joined by holiday makers before lunch. It is a joy for all senses to walk amongst the smells of strawberries, melons, peaches, herbs and of course lavender in every form. The market expresses the whole Provençal “art de vivre” at this weekly rendez-vous.

Other lovely markets in the area include: Gordes on Tuesday morning, Lourmarin on Friday morning and Coustellet on Sunday morning.

The winter truffle market in Cavaillon is also a wonderful experience.

Antique markets

They are one of the most fun outings in Provence, whether you are searching for old objects or furniture, or simply like browsing.

L’Isle sur la Sorgue, between Gordes and Avignon, is famous for its many antique shops and its huge market on Sundays. http://www.oti-delasorgue.fr/art-et-antiquite

The Saturday brocante of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon is a great market, at the bottom of a beautiful village. https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attraction_Review-g196611-d6777487-Reviews-Marche_a_la_Brocante-Villeneuve_les_Avignon_Gard_Occitanie.html

https://www.avignon-et-provence.com/tourisme-provence/villeneuve-lez-avignon

You can find many more markets at: https://vide-greniers.org/84-Vaucluse?page=3