Markets

Provencal Markets - The Fruits of the Earth

The appreciation of good food and wine takes on an almost religious aura in the South of France: many of the seasonal delicacies are awaited with the greatest of expectations. Each year, chefs from the world-over embark on the ritual pilgrimage to Provence to select or just admire the cream of the crop; with the autumn truffle season marking the grand finalé.

You too can immerse yourself in the riches of Provence by forays to these picturesque markets in neighbouring towns and villages.

Here is surely a scene frozen in time with farmers bringing in their baskets of seasonal produce directly from the farm to display at traditional wooden trestle tables under a canopy of lane trees.

Since all markets end at around midday, purists and chefs will arrive well before dawn to ensure they get the finest, but the ideal routine is an early breakfast before a mid-morning visit.

Later on, an aperitif on a sun-dappled terrace—maybe a light lunch—then back to the villa to present your treasures to the chef.