At the foot of the Alpilles, the market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is one of those unmissable meeting places that perfectly embody the Provençal lifestyle. Join us as we explore this colourful market, which attracts visitors and locals alike every week to stroll among the fragrant stalls, sample local products and enjoy the convivial atmosphere that is so characteristic of Provençal markets. With its traditions, flavours and encounters, Saint-Rémy offers much more than just a market: it offers an authentic experience in the heart of a typical Provençal village steeped in history and charm.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: a gem in the heart of the Alpilles
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, located in the heart of the Les Alpilles Regional Nature Park, is one of the most characteristic villages in Provence. This charming municipality with approximately 10,000 inhabitants is located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, about twenty kilometres from Avignon and only an hour’s drive from Aix-en-Provence. Every year, the village attracts numerous visitors who come to enjoy the good life in Provence.
The historic centre of Saint-Rémy embodies the essence of the village: beautiful cobbled streets with light stone houses, flower-filled squares, refreshing fountains and cosy terraces where people like to linger for a cup of coffee or a glass of local rosé. The remains of the medieval city walls are a reminder of the town’s defensive past, while the elegant mansions bear witness to its prosperity during the Renaissance.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is also a city of art and culture. The painter Vincent Van Gogh stayed there for a year, from 1889 to 1890, a period during which he produced some of his most famous paintings, inspired by the radiant landscapes of the Alpilles and the surrounding olive groves. Even today, you can follow in his footsteps via a walking route that takes you past the places he painted. Nearby, the archaeological site of Glanum, founded by the Celts and later expanded by the Romans, immerses visitors in more than two millennia of history.
With its heritage, nature and lifestyle, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence embodies the essence of Provence. It is a place where old charm and contemporary vibrancy come together and where every alleyway invites discovery, especially at the weekly market on Wednesdays, when the village comes alive to the rhythm of southern accents and the scents of the terroir.
The market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: a living tradition
The market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a real local institution and one of the best-known markets in the region. Every week on Wednesday, it attracts residents of the Alpilles and visitors, who all come to enjoy an authentic and convivial moment in the heart of the village. This market perfectly illustrates the best that Provence has to offer: the richness of flavours, the diversity of crafts and the warmth of human contact.
Above all, the market is a feast for the taste buds. Each stall tells a story, that of the passionate producers who cultivate, process and share the riches of their terroir. Here you will find Provençal specialities in all their forms, colourful, fragrant and tasty.
The regional products of Provence are in the spotlight here, reflecting the generosity of a sun-drenched land. The colourful stalls offer sun-kissed fruit and vegetables – melons, tomatoes, apricots, figs and olives – as well as goat’s cheese, lavender honey, fragrant tapenades, aromatic herbs and olive oil from local mills. It is a festival of colours and scents, where every producer is happy to share their knowledge and tips.
But the market is not limited to gastronomy. It also offers a beautiful overview of local Provençal crafts: Provençal fabrics, pottery, Marseille soap, olive wood objects and creations from small artists’ studios. All this creates a cosy and typically southern atmosphere, where it is pleasant to stroll around, chat and be tempted. The market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is more than just a place to do your shopping, it is a true sensory experience, an immersion in local life and authentic Provençal culture.
A typical Provençal atmosphere
A visit to the market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a plunge into a lively and cheerful atmosphere, characterised by laughter, melodious accents and the scent of aromatic herbs. From the early hours of the morning, the streets of the historic centre come to life: traders set up their colourful stalls, locals exchange the week’s news and visitors are swept up in the bustling atmosphere that is so characteristic of Provençal markets.
The charm of this place lies both in the wealth of products on offer and in the convivial atmosphere. Between the olive sellers, the stalls selling goat’s cheese and the scents of fresh lavender, everything invites you to relax and enjoy the sensory pleasures. People take the time to taste, talk and linger in the shade of the plane trees, basket in hand. It is a real stroll through Provence, where every corner of the market tells a story: that of a terroir, of craftsmanship and of a passion for local traditions.
And when the market quietens down at the end of the morning, you can prolong the moment by sitting on the terrace of a café, with a glass of rosé or fruit juice in hand, watching the comings and goings of visitors and locals. This blend of authenticity, light and joie de vivre makes Saint-Rémy-de-Provence an unmissable stopover for anyone who wants to feel the soul of Provence.
When and where does the market take place?
Huge market on Wednesday mornings
The Saint-Rémy-de-Provence market is held every Wednesday morning throughout the year in the streets of the historic centre. At the crack of dawn, traders take their places in the squares and alleys to set up their stalls, and the village awakens to the rhythm of this weekly event, which has become a real ritual. The market stretches around Place Jules-Pellissier and Place de la République and continues into the adjacent alleys of the town centre, creating a large pedestrian area that is wonderful to stroll around.
During the high season, the Wednesday market attracts hundreds of exhibitors: local producers, artisans, florists, designers and spice merchants mingle in a lively and colourful atmosphere.
Farmers’ market on Saturday morning
For those looking for a more intimate atmosphere, Saturday morning offers a quieter alternative on Avenue de la Résistance, dedicated to local producers. This small farmers’ market showcases the region’s specialities: cheese, charcuterie, seasonal fruit and vegetables, honey and artisanal jams. It is the ideal opportunity to meet the producers in person and take home fresh, authentic products.
Personal tips from Anca and Philippe
To get the most out of the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence market, especially in summer, we recommend arriving early in the morning. The best time to stroll around and browse all the stalls is between 8 and 10 a.m., before it gets too busy. This also gives you a chance to chat with the producers and artisans, who are always happy to share tips and anecdotes about their products.
There are several parking options, but you will need to arrive early for the closest parking spaces:
- Parking de la Libération: this free car park is about a 5-minute walk from the historic centre, has 438 spaces and is ideal for easy access to the market.
- Parking Coste: this 40-space car park, located near the municipal arena, is now free for everyone. It is about an 11-minute walk from the centre.
- Parking du Stade de la Petite Crau: for an even more convenient solution, you can use the Navette du marché, a free shuttle service that connects this car park to the city centre. The shuttle service runs on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with departures every 15 minutes, and drops you off at the municipal library stop, a stone’s throw from the market.
Information about these car parks and all other free or paid parking options can be found on the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence town hall website: https://www.mairie-saintremydeprovence.com/vivre-a-saint-remy/circulation-stationnement/stationnement/
Another tip: extend your visit with a stroll through the narrow streets of the historic centre, where artisan shops and shaded cafés offer a pleasant break between purchases.
And if you’re there on Saturday morning, don’t miss the lively farmers’ market on Avenue de la Résistance, ideal for discovering local specialities and taking home fresh, authentic products. Follow these tips and your visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence will be a tasty and unforgettable experience.
What to see and do in Saint-Rémy before or after the market?
In addition to its lively market, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a range of sights and activities to suit all tastes. Tourism in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is not limited to the colourful market stalls: during a stroll through the historic centre, you will discover picturesque alleys, shady squares and facades with pastel-coloured shutters that are typical of Provence.
One of the must-see attractions is the archaeological site of Glanum, which impresses with its Roman and Celtic remains, notably the Antiques, majestic monuments that mark the entrance to the ancient city. The Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery, where Vincent Van Gogh stayed for a year, offers a unique insight into the artist’s work and life, complemented by a walking trail with information panels displaying his paintings. Art and history lovers can also visit the Musée Estrine or the Musée des Alpilles, both dedicated to local art and heritage.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Alpilles is a must. Numerous hiking and cycling trails allow you to explore the region’s olive groves, lavender fields and typical hilly landscapes. Nearby, Lake Peirou offers a pleasant place to relax, while more cultural excursions are possible to the Hôtel de Sade or the birthplace of Frédéric Mistral.
Don’t forget to discover the atmosphere of the small craft shops and cafés in the village, perfect for a tasty break after a stroll through the markets and alleys. This combination of heritage, art, nature and gastronomy makes Saint-Rémy-de-Provence an unmissable stopover to fully enjoy Provence.
Finally, a visit to Les Baux-de-Provence, a few kilometres from Saint-Rémy, is highly recommended. This hilltop village, famous for its medieval citadel and picturesque streets, offers a magnificent view of the Alpilles and is a perfect excursion to round off a day of market shopping and exploration in Saint-Rémy.
An ideal daytrip from Moulin de Souchières
For those staying at Moulin de Souchières, a visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the perfect addition to a holiday in Provence. After a morning spent strolling through the market, sampling local products and admiring the historic centre of Saint-Rémy, there is nothing better than returning to the comfort and tranquillity of your holiday home. Le Moulin de Souchières is ideal for families or groups of friends: you can enjoy a large swimming pool, relax in the spacious garden, organise barbecues and use the play area for the little ones. In the family rooms, everyone will find their own place to rest and recharge their batteries after a busy day.
Le Moulin’s location also makes it easy to explore the region. In addition to Saint-Rémy, you can extend your discoveries by visiting other iconic Provençal markets, such as the market in Gordes or the market in Bédoin, or by exploring the cultural heritage of Avignon and its historical monuments. After these excursions, returning to Le Moulin de Souchières to refresh yourself in the swimming pool or relax in the shade of the trees offers a pleasant contrast between the liveliness of the villages and the tranquillity of your holiday home.
Your holiday in Provence will be a perfect blend of local discoveries, gourmet moments and relaxation by the pool, in an authentic and welcoming setting. The Moulin de Souchières is an ideal base from which to enjoy Provence to the full and create unforgettable holiday memories.
Information over Saint-Rémy de Provence and its market
Website tourist office : https://www.alpillesenprovence.com/decouvrir-les-alpilles/nos-villages/saint-remy-de-provence/
Information market wednesday morning : https://www.alpillesenprovence.com/fiches/grand-marche-provencal-hebdomadaire/
Information on the Saturday farmers’ market : https://www.alpillesenprovence.com/fiches/marche-des-producteurs/
Parking information : Site de la mairie
Map :