User:Florence Jansen/Provenemaket

Provence markets

The Provence market has become one of the regional emblems of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. It is a remarkable event of the town or village life which looks like a commemoration of the local identity, a collective ceremony where everyone is both the actor and spectator, a meeting place where anyone is equal and no one is excluded. Two principles govern that kind of market: the goods price is secondary and everything must remind about entertainment.

Tourism and tradition

Very often, the traditional markets – some date from the middle ages – occupied places and little streets and their main goal was to simplify food supplies in towns and villages and to keep informed as well. The rise of the mass tourism during the 20th century allowed us to discover and like this festival of colours and smells that local fruits and vegetables give as well as spices and Provencal herbs.

Summer season

The summer, the traditional holiday period, permits to discover and to buy tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, black and green olives, onions, apricots, peaches, figs, grapes, etc. Without forgetting the local productions as the Cavaillon melon, the candied fruits from Apt, the calissons from Aix, the nougat from Sault, the strawberries from Carpentras or fish from the coasts. The Provencal market also offers local specialities as the essential oils of lavender from Haute-Provence, cut and dry flowers or all other kind of soap products. Finally, it is also the chance to discover truffles, lavender honing, cordials, jams, olives, designation of origin oils and fine wines from the Rhone Valley and Provence.