One of the best things about living in France is the variety of local markets each city or town has weekly.
The largest market near to me is the Marché Provençal (Antibes covered market) that is held on Cours Massena in the Old Town with over 30 producers and vendors ranging from butchers, florists, cheese experts and market gardeners to tiny stalls selling spices, olives, homemade jams and fragrant soaps.
Marché Provençal, Antibes covered market, Cours Massena
I particularly like one stall for their fruit, one stall for their saucisson range including flavours like wild boar and cêpes and there is one little old lady that sells the biggest, freshest lettuces you could find anywhere. Which stalls? I’m not telling! you’ll have to discover them yourself..
In 2013, US-based CNN classed the market as one of the Top 10 most beautiful markets in the world. In 2014, the market was awarded a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by TripAdvisor – a huge achievement from an American platform that has over 260 million monthly visitors and is widely used by travellers to ascertain quality and service for accommodation, restaurants and attractions based on reviews from other travellers.
Marché Provençal, Antibes covered market, Cours Massena
Take cash in smaller denominations for your purchases, and a shopping tote (vendors do supply plastic bags but it’s much nicer and better for the environment to take your own reusable one).
What: Marché Provençal (Antibes covered market)
Where: Cours Massena, Antibes Old Town (near to the remparts and Picasso Museum)
When: Daily (except Mondays, from 01 September to 31 May)
Time: 6.30am-1pm
Top tip: The covered market is also the venue for a Craft Market. From September to mid-June every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 3pm the market is filled with stall holders selling ceramics, sculptures, paintings and artisan crafts. From mid-June to September, the Craft Market is every day (except Monday).
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