Provence, France: Fresh produce, olive oil, and soaps

It's ok to use your entire luggage allowance on your flight. Just make sure that all except one bag are empty on your flight to Provence. They won't be empty on your return.

September 28, 2024

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Provence, France:
Fresh produce, olive oil, and soaps

Today, we will browse among shopping that is unique to Provence. You can buy Prada anywhere and so you won’t see super expensive items in this list. This region is defined by the abundance of plants and herbs and so our shopping will feature many plant-based items. I’m looking at a bottle of olive oil in my kitchen from one of these shops.

Now remember the strategic value of souvenirs: bring back enough of them and your friends might crowdsource your return trip next year. Get them addicted to the fabulous soaps and oils and they will happily give you money to get more. Right?
- Cris

Mason du Savon de Marseille

With the abundant lavender and olive oil growing locally, pick up handmade soaps that will bring back memories when you smell them. This is a top tourist gift and so look around in a few shops to determine fair prices. The Mason du Savon de Marseille provides an excellent selection at reasonable prices. Check the markets at Place du Verdon for soaps at a fraction of the price of these shops. The difference? The shops are more likely to make the soaps by hand but this is not guaranteed.

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Les Halles de Avignon

Les Halles de Avignon is a covered market located in the heart of Avignon that offers a true taste of Provence. It’s a great spot to experience local culture and pick up high-quality regional products. Open every morning except Monday, the market has a lively atmosphere with around 40 vendors.

  • Pick up fresh cheeses (picnic), charcuterie (picnic), local wines (picnic and souvenir), olives (picnic and souvenir), spices (souvenir), and lavender honey (souvenir).

  • Every Saturday from 11am to 12 noon, chefs from Avignon give a demonstration of their talent, preparing a dish created with produce from Les Halles.

  • Parking is above the market and often available.

Real Fun, Real Angry, and Real Life

So pretty: May I borrow your makeup remover?
Game on: You did what?
Planning ahead: They were economics majors

Marché Provençal

The Marché Provençal in Aix-en-Provence is one of the best-known markets in the region. Held several times a week (with different sections for flowers, antiques, and food), it’s a quintessential Provençal market experience with an incredible array of fresh produce, flowers, herbs, and local crafts.

  • Park close nearby so you can drop off non-perishable purchases often. Pick up olive oils, lavender sachets, handmade soaps, Provençal tablecloths, and artisanal pottery.

  • Vendors are usually happy to negotiate if you are buying multiple items. Repeat after me: “How much for one? How much for two? Maybe. How much for three?” Even if a discount isn’t offered, you are likely to receive a ‘free’ gift as a gesture of friendship. That gift can range from samples to other scents to entire bottles of wine. Make friends by consolidating your purchasing power rather than buying 1 at each Vendor. Bring cash.

Of course there is so much more shopping in Provence including art reprints, books, antiques and more. We have focused on the items most likely to be consumed on your trip (cheese) or brought back to your country without a hassle from Customs (soaps).

Tomorrow, we will share a summary from this week in a single location so you can find it easily when planning your trip.

See you tomorrow.

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