So far in our short time living here, we think these are the best markets in and around Avignon that we have come across. We have selected these markets from our own visits and experiences of them. There are also many other markets on offer that we are yet to visit.

Les Halles Avignon

This undercover market in the centre of Avignon is open all year round. Home to over 40 different market stalls. You are sure to find something here to tickle your taste buds, whatever your fancy. When I first comer across this place it was by complete surprise and delight. It has a little of everything inside, and outside is just as striking. The exterior walls of the building are covered in a lush green live foliage. The market itself is on the ground floor, beneath a multi-storey car park. This makes for super easy access by car. Les Halles Avignon opens at 6am every day of the week except Sunday and Monday. The market closes after lunch around 2pm each day.

This market gets super busy in the summer and on weekends, so my advice is always to get here early for the best stuff. Les Halles Avignon is all about gastronomy and the best food and drinks from the area. Don’t expect to find any knock-off phone cases or designer clothing here. On Saturdays, there is always a guest appearance from a local chef or restauranteur. They come to give cooking shows and free tasters.

 

I particularly like some of the counters and bars you can sit to enjoy the food and drink and soak up the atmosphere. There is also a very popular shellfish restaurant in the market. They offer some amazing share platters that are definitely worth a visit. The whole market is always buzzing, whatever the weather. Inside a cool dry inside environment, but still keeping all the charm of a traditional French market. Definitely one of our top picks for things to see in Avignon.

Villeneuve-les-Avignon Thursday Market

You will find this market set outside the Office de tourism in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. About 1.5km outside Avignon itself. You can reach it by bus from Avignon for €1.40. The buses run regularly here every 20 minutes or so and stop right next to this wonderful market. This weekly market is my go-to place on a regular basis.

Typical, traditional, outside open French market. With all the smells, sights sounds and tastes you would expect. It is open all year round, but a far sight bigger through the summer months than it is through the winter. I can vouch for the quality on sale here first hand, everything is top notch. Cheese, bread, saucisson, seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, always available. Also a wide range of cooked foods and meals on offer from local to Spanish and Moroccan cuisine.

Other stalls vary at different times of the year. They change between nougat, olives, mushrooms & truffles, chestnuts & almonds. In between, you will find regulars like butchers and fishmongers, housewares and clothing. There are even a few local services available like knife sharpening and key cutting. A really enjoyable place to take a stroll around a couple of times if you can make it here.

Villeneuve-les-Avignon  Saturday Antiques Market

Brocante as the French call it, other peoples old s*%t! as we affectionately like to say 😂. You can’t beat a good old rummage through some antiques, books or old vinyl to complete your weekend. One of the more popular Flea markets in the area and always busy for a small village.

There is also a fresh shellfish stand which attracts a lot of visitors every weekend. On the odd occasion, I have also seen live music played by local musicians whilst I browse. This market is every Saturday morning at the same location as the Thursday Villeneuve-les-Avignon market. It’ right outside the Office de Tourisme, on the main carpark. Open all morning until early afternoon.

Be prepared to haggle, especially in the summer months. Quite a few of the sellers are here to cater to the tourists and mark up their prices. But don’t let that put you off, it’s all part of the fun, and you will come across a lot of interesting pieces here. A good mixture of furniture, art, silverware. Household items, antiques and books are also always available.

Sorgues Sunday Market

Sorgues is a small town about 10km north of Avignon. We discovered this market completely by accident to our delight. One Sunday we were attempting to cycle from Avignon to Chateauneuf-du-Pape. When we reached Sorgues, the whole centre of town was closed to house this large weekly market.

We returned the following Sunday to take a better look around. We soon found that it extended off many of the side streets in the centre. Each side street was like its own department, one for food, one for clothes, one for housewares and so on. Fantastic find and more of a local feel to the whole experience.

Sorgues market is a lot more spread out than other markets we have found so far. It is a little more off the beaten track than the other markets we recommend. We also felt it was bigger as a whole with more variety on offer. So make sure you give yourself plenty of spare time for browsing.

 

So these are our recommendations for the best markets to visit in and around Avignon. If you love to explore French markets and try tasting new foods and dishes, these will be a great place for you to visit. We still have many more to visit in the future. If you have any recommendations yourself that you think we missed, leave us a comment down below. Perhaps next time we can take a look elsewhere for you and experience new markets in the area.

Useful Links

http://www.avignon-leshalles.com

Villeneuve-les-Avignon markets

List of markets in Provence

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