The most beautiful markets in western Var

Intimate, friendly, and authentic, village markets are often the most charming. People come here to fill their baskets, but then end up staying to chat with the merchants, sip a grenadine at the nearby bar, or wait patiently for the still-warm bread to come out of the wood-fired oven.

For this first part, we have selected two markets that will transport you directly to Provence, the Beausset market and the Signes market.

Let's start with the Beausset. It is in this town, often referred to as the gateway to the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park, that the show takes place every Friday. Here, on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, the village comes to life. The market brings together producers, artisans, and regulars in a warm atmosphere. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, local products, Provençal specialties... Everything invites you to indulge and enjoy the company. As a bonus, it's also an excellent starting point for exploring the old town and extending your morning on a terrace.

For our second favorite market, let's take a break from the coast and head into the Var countryside. In Signes, the Thursday market has a different feel. In this village in our hinterland, the influence of the hills is palpable. The atmosphere is more rustic, the products often come from the surrounding land, and the pace is a little more peaceful. It's a great opportunity to discover another side of the west, more intimate and authentic, while enjoying a getaway at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif and the Siou-Blanc plateau.

In the west Var, certain fairs are experienced as much with the eyes as with the taste buds. This is particularly true of the markets in our hilltop villages. In La Cadière d'Azur or Le Castellet, you will see that the producers' stalls blend in particularly well with the cobbled streets and pétanque courts of our landscapes.

First, let's take a look at the large market in La Cadière d'Azur. It is held in the heart of the village, on Place Jean Jaurès. Just a stone's throw from the town hall, every Thursday, colorful parasols are put out. Between the long-established restaurants and grocery stores, merchants make their way through the crowds. Provençal olives sit alongside wildflowers and straw hats, and home crafts. In short, whether you're looking for a snack for lunch, a bouquet for your sweetheart, or a nice local gift, this is just the place for you.

For our second favorite hilltop market, we don't have to go very far. We "only" have to cross the road. Heading to Le Castellet and, more specifically, the hamlet of Plan du Castellet. It's on the main square, on the town's official boules court, that a real farmers' market is held every Saturday. While it may not be large, it stands out for the quality of its products. This is guaranteed by the Chamber of Agriculture itself. And that makes all the difference. On the stalls, you will find only wonderful products that are grown in the surrounding area and sold exclusively by the producers themselves. In other words, it's a place where business is done without intermediaries and always with taste!

A change of scenery! Let's leave our pretty villages in the Var hinterland behind and head for the coast. Here, the markets take on a holiday atmosphere! A lilting accent, the sweet smell of the sea, and views of traditional fishing boats replace the plane trees.

And it's near Bandol that we suggest you begin our marine journey. On Tuesday mornings, the town's port comes to life as the residents wake up. At the first light of dawn, the merchants set up shop. Around 9 a.m., the regulars do their shopping. Then, after 10 a.m., the market is in full swing. Quite simply, from the bandstand to the carousel, the pointus boats' beautiful view of the town hall is somewhat obstructed by the region's treasures. Colorful fruits, tasty vegetables, artisanal charcuterie, and fresh bread baked that day transform the port into an open-air agricultural fair , much to the delight of food lovers.

Another coastal town whose market is worth its weight in gold: Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. Although it does not have a sea view, it is located in the heart of the village and its shops. So, on Sundays, you can just as easily have your coffee at your favorite counter, do your shopping in the usual stores, and admire the Statue of Liberty (that's another story...), and then say hello to your favorite farmers. All this in an atmosphere blending village life and beach vacation. That's the advantage of this Saint-Cyr event.

Finally, it is difficult to talk about the markets of western Var without mentioning Sanary-sur-Mer. Voted " Most Beautiful Market in France " in 2018, this Wednesday has simply become a real highlight of our destination. Set up around the fishing port, it charms visitors with the diversity of its stalls, the quality of its products, and above all, its lively atmosphere. On offer are dozens of merchants from across the region and a rich and varied selection of goods. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and Provençal specialties—everything you need to fill your stomach and your heart. An iconic market, to be experienced at least once during your stay!

Yes, we know, Toulon isn't exactly in our South Provence Sainte Baume destination. But how can we talk about the markets of western Var without mentioning the legendary Toulonnais? More than just the stalls, the place where it is held every morning has become memorable. Head to Cours Lafayette where you are sure to find some great bargains. This huge market, stretching for almost a kilometer is an open-air Aladdin's cave that starts in the middle of the boulevard and ends on the Toulon harbor.

It's quite simple, you'll find everything here: tableware, all kinds of clothing, spices from around the world, household items, and of course, colorful fruits and vegetables. But above all, what you absolutely must try is la cade toulonnaise. This specialty is to Toulon what panisse is to Marseille and socca is to Nice. A delicious chickpea-based dish to enjoy while shopping, or to take home to share with your loved ones. From experience, the second option rarely happens.

As you can see, markets are an integral part of local life. We would even go so far as to say that they set the pace for the weeks of the locals, but also for the stays of vacationers. So, to help you get the most out of these epicurean events, here are a few tips: 

• Come early: during peak season, when locals and tourists mix, it can get crowded between the stalls. Avoid the rush (around 10 a.m.) and go in the morning instead. That way, you can enjoy the other attractions our villages have to offer.
• Choose seasonal produce: this advice applies to all markets in France: seasonal produce is always the best. So remember to check the origin of the fruit and vegetables you choose and use your common sense. Growing tomatoes in winter, even under our sun, is simply impossible!
• Talk to the producers: while strolling around, you may come across products or dishes that are unfamiliar to you. In this case, the best thing to do is to talk to the vendors. Always ready with good advice, they will be able to guide you towards the best recipe.
• Combine a visit to the market with a stroll around the village: when planning your week with us, take advantage of market days to visit the towns concerned. This will allow you to kill two birds with one stone!

🍈 And finally, as a reminder, all the days and times of the markets in Provence Sud Sainte Baume are available on a single page...

Provencal markets