Shopping at Aix-en-Provence market
The city of Aix-en-Provence is known for its unique and charming way of life, with its abundance of convivial cafés, shopping streets, squares and fountains. And there is no better place to find the friendliness and vibrancy of than Aix-en-Provence markets the city hosts every week. So, are you planning a visit to Aix-en-Provence, in the heart of La Vallée de la Gastronomie - France®? Read our guide to Aix-en-Provence markets to plan your visit and soak up the generous character of the people of the south.
The fruit and vegetable Aix-en-Provence market
Every day, an organized marketplace on Place Richelme offers the best fruit and vegetables in the Provençal region - that many regard as the best in the world. Mouth-watering goat cheeses from the Luberon or Haute-Provence, olive oil from the Alpilles, lavender and garrigue honey, garlands of garlic, aromatic herbs, vegetables, charcuterie, and sun-drenched tomatoes are offered daily by devoted producers and passionate market Provence traders. Depending on the season, you can buy locally grown courgettes, onions, tomatoes, radishes, beans, apricots, peaches, plums, lemons, melons, strawberries, and figs. An Aix-en-Provence market is also on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings on Place Verdun and the Prêcheurs beach.
Shopping in Aix-en-Provence at the flower market
Every day, apart from the first Sunday of the month, the Aix-en-Provence flower market on Town Hall Square offers a veritable symphony of colours and scents. On the stalls, you will find armfuls of roses, bunches of daffodils, lilies, peonies, amaryllis, orchids and plants of various shapes. Enthusiasts and casual browsers will be tempted to buy at least one bouquet or a potted plant that will delight a loved one, adorn a table or add colour to a balcony, terrace or garden.
The fairground market of Provence
Many artisans offer regional products. Tablecloths, household linen, fabric by the metre, earthenware and pottery, kitchen utensils, decorative objects, and jewellery offer a glimpse of Provençal artisanal expertise and a culture that is still very much alive. Fairground stalls also offer clothes and accessories at the best prices. You can visit this market of Provence at the Cours Mirabeau, rue Thiers and Place Verdun on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings at the time of writing.
The Farmers' Market of Cours Julien
Every Wednesday morning, this farmers' market is an excellent opportunity for shopping in Aix-en-Provence. You can book a guided tour via the GERARH restaurant, which offers an exceptional discovery of locavores and organic cuisine that evolves with the seasons, accompanied by a selection of wines from the region. Over the seasons and harvests, you can taste small dishes skilfully flavoured with herbs from the hills and accompanied by vegetables freshly picked by our market gardener. At the end of this visit, lunch, depending on the season, can be taken on the terrace in the welcome shade of the lime trees or indoors in a warm atmosphere where flea markets, exhibitions and music mingle.
Annual events
The city of Aix-en-Provence also hosts markets and events throughout the year, such as the famous Sea Urchin Festival. Thousands of visitors from all over France flock to the port, with family, friends or alone, all gathering to sample sea urchins and other types of seafood. Markets for recent and old books, exhibitions and sales of works of art also appeal to Aixois and holidaymakers. At the end of the year, the Christmas market is the ideal place to find gifts and festive shopping in Aix-en-Provence in a festive atmosphere. In addition, many farmers' markets are organized in the villages of the Pays d'Aix: you will find many local products and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.