5 Best Outdoor Markets In The French Riviera (and A Few Tips)

Outdoor markets in the south of France are far more than just vendors selling food. For locals, it’s also a daily social thing.

Some outdoor markets on the French Riviera are small, others very large, some invaded by tourists, and others only locals.

Whichever outdoor markets you decide to visit there will always be something for everyone.

Each market has its specific day… and most set up their stalls very early in the morning between 4 and 6 am.

By 1 pm they will be gone and all you’ll see are leftover cartons spread here and there until it’s all cleaned up.

So plan accordingly and let yourself be tempted by the colors and smells as you wander through the outdoor markets on the french riviera!

Going to an outdoor market in the south of France is a morning ritual, whether in small towns or larger cities so enjoy and do like the locals!

Below are a few suggestions for when you visit.

NICE

COURS SALEYA

Daily except for Mondays (as it’s replaced by the Antique Market). It starts early morning and until about 1 pm.

nice saleya yellow church — Cours Saleya outdoor market top view

This outdoor market attracts very large crowds during the summer months.

Stalls at the beginning and in the center of the lane are very well laid out with pretty and appealing displays with higher prices. Towards the end of the market, you get more of a local feel and better prices.

But walk around and see what suits you best.

It’s located parallel to the Promenade des Anglais (beach) and lined with restaurants, cafes, and pubs on either side of the long lane.

The market borders the old town – “Vieux Nice, where you can get lost in the labyrinth after the market and try some socca a very tasty “Nice specialty”.

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MARCHE DE LA LIBERATION

Closed Mondays.

Otherwise daily from 6 am to 1 pm (take the tram from Place Massena)

.The outdoor market at Liberation is also very crowded during the summer, but it has a much more local crowd as it is a bit further from tourist spots.

It’s very lively and spreads out onto two main streets, starting on Av. Malaussena and continuing onto the avenue on the left. Just follow the abundance of fruits, flowers, and vegetables!

The center of the market is at Place General de Gaulle, here you can select your preferred fresh seafood from several stalls. Ask the vendor to clean the fish for you unless of course, you’d rather do it yourself.

Don’t miss out on the bakeries and cafes around the square for a nice break.

Getting to this market is very simple. From Place Massena, (or anywhere on Av. Jean Medecin) just take the tram (1.50e) and get off at Liberation stop.

You’ll be smack in the middle of the market action.

ANTIBES

LE MARCHE PROVENCAL

Every day in summer from June to September, otherwise daily except Mondays.

This is a very long-covered market for both professionals and small organic producers. It has shops and bakeries on either side.

Very popular and often crowded as it has plenty of choices for everyone including local produce, a variety of cheese, and organic fruits and vegetables.

After the market, take a walk around the old town it really is full of charm! Small shops, cafes, restaurants, take a break on a sunny terrace and just relax.

CANNES

MARCHE FORVILLE

Every morning except Mondays.

garlic-veggies-market — Veggies at outdoor market

Cannes is known mostly for its famous Film Festival and upscale shops. But for the locals who live here going to the market every morning is a must.

A short walk from the center of town. In this large and wide-covered market, isles are filled with fruits vegetables, butcher stalls, and Italian specialties.

You can shop for just about anything at outdoor markets, especially this one, from fresh flowers and bread to fish and local organic produce while enjoying the lively atmosphere!

However, like most outdoor markets, the offer depends on the season. it may be more There is 1 hour of free parking nearby, but you’ll be walking right?
Good for the heart! 🙂

Gambetta and La Bocca Markets are a bit further away from the center but the Forville market is a better experience for visitors.

After you’re done shopping, hang out in nearby cafes and relax.

SAINT TROPEZ

PLACE DES LICES

Early morning to about 1 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

bouquets-lavande — Place des Lices Lavandes

This very large outdoor market is easy to find if you get lost ask someone as St Tropez is so small that from the center you are only a few minutes away.

It’s a busy market and traffic is really a pain, so be extra patient if coming for the day as parking is almost non-existent.

From fresh foods to local dishes to clothing and hats galore, lots of locals and tourists as it offers an array of products to choose from.

If you’ve read up on St Tropez, you already know that you won’t be alone.

During the winter holidays around Christmas time, the Place des Lice market is replaced by an ice skating rink where families and friends gather to have some good fun! (and eat some good churros)

L’ILE SUR LA SORGUE

LE MARCHE DE L’ISLE SUR LA SORGUE

Sunday mornings from 8 to 2 pm.

L’ile sur la Sorgue| Best Outdoor Markets

This is one huge market. It takes place in the center of town and winds down along the docks of the river Sorgue. Very colorful and a great place to stock up on freshness!

There is incredible local produce, olives, fresh bread, meats, and of course, an array of fabulous cheese. Plus clothing and everything else you can think of. It is a big market.

You could also buy a few souvenirs here like lavender, olive oil, spices, or pretty soap.

On Thursday mornings between 9-12, there is a smaller outdoor market that takes place around the church.

Although not as large as the Sunday market, it does have fresh produce – in addition to fewer tourists 🙂

The market at L’ile Sur la Sorgue is very popular and with good reason.

The canal gives the town a “Venetian” feel and the market is worth it as you can buy just about anything.

TIPS when going to outdoor markets:

Bring a large canvas bag or another type of bag while at the outdoor markets to put all your fresh produce in. Of course, the vendor will give you a small bag, but if you do some real shopping you’ll end up with more small bags than your fingers can hold.
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In most outdoor markets, you’ll find tins or plastic baskets to use when selecting fruits and vegetables. When you’re done, give the vendor your basket, he will then separate each fruit or vegetable, he will weigh them, and give you the total price.
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Always bring small change even at the best outdoor markets, it’s just easier when buying a small amount of a lot of things. Sometimes vendors will not have change for larger bills.
It’s NOT ok to press the fruits and vegetables in any outdoor markets to check if they are ripe or not.

Buy the right fruits and vegetables in the right season

fruits-veggies-basket-best-outdoor-markets

Here are just a few ideas for buying fruits and vegetables whether at indoor or outdoor markets on the french riviera according to the season.

In case you see strawberries in the middle of October, well… don’t buy them!

April – MAY

Kiwi, Strawberries, Mangos, Avocado, Blueberries – Artichokes, green purple, and white Asparagus, Spinach, Carrots

Try out local strawberries, also known as “Fraises des Bois”, these are smaller, sweeter than regular strawberries, and delicious!

MAY-JUNE

Cherries, Melons, Apricots, Peaches – Eggplant, Zucchini, Cucumber,

JULY – AUGUST

Raspberries, Figs, Prunes, Nectarines, Watermelon, Apricots, Mangos/Tomatoes in all shapes and sizes, Basil, Radish

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER

Grapes, Kaki, Squash, Beets

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER:

Mushrooms, mushrooms, and more mushrooms. Cepes, Girolles, Chanterelles

DECEMBER

Truffles for Christmas? Sure it’s the perfect time to celebrate in style! The small ones are always better. But that will depend on how much you want to splurge!