I was so happy to learn from my friends in Lourmarin that the Friday market is allowed to return tomorrow; with social distancing measures of course. After so many weeks of not being permitted, I’m thrilled for all the local vendors, and the shoppers too, who appreciate and love the Lourmarin market as much as me.

Because of the virus I can’t be there, but I can imagine the white vans filling the car park outside my house and the stalls springing up in Lourmarin’s Place Henri Barthélémy, spilling out along the streets. To all of you that can be there, grab your baskets and enjoy ambling through the stalls. And as you make your purchases, from all that wonderful Provencal abundance, think of me, thinking of you, wishing I was could be there to join you.

Visiting the Lourmarin market

Delicious local seasonal produce, all types of sensory pleasures on which to indulge.

Locally picked strawberries

Strawberries in the Lourmarin market

Cheeses

Cheese in the Lourmarin market

 Saucissons

Saucisson at the Lourmarin market

Olives

Olives & tapenade for sale in the Lourmarin market, Lourmarin, Luberon, Provence, France

Crystalized fruit

Crystalized fruit for sale in the Lourmarin market

CordialsProvencal cordials in the Lourmarin market

Nougat

French nougat for sale Lourmarin market

Fresh flowers

Flowers in the Lourmarin market

and other indulgences, of which you can never have too many!

Savon de Marseille

Savon de Marseille at the Lourmarin market, Lourmarin, Luberon, Provence, France

 Provencal linens

Provence table clothes in the Lourmarin market

and brightly colored pottery

Provencal pottery in the Lourmarin Market, Lourmarin, Luberon, Provence, France

Maybe in a new basket, there’s always so many to choose from

Baskets in the Lourmarin market, Lourmarin,

to fill with things that encapsulate the essence of Provence,

Lavender for sale at The Lourmarin market, Lourmarin, Provence, France

and perhaps even a little wooden tool that you never knew you needed..

Wooden tools in the Lourmarin market

 Maybe not all of these will be there, but they’ll be others just as enticing…..

And when your shopping’s over, a café or a glass of rosé?

Perhaps the musicians will have returned to serenade you below my favorite terrace at La Maison Café

And then you can enjoy lunch at Café Gaby, not looking quite like it did here, but still just as special.

Dining on market day at Cafe Gaby Lourmarin, Lourmarin, Vaucluse, Provence, France

Hopefully the other markets are opening too, including Lourmarin’s organic market on Tuesday evenings.

Nearby Markets of Provence

Monday: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris

Tuesday: Cucuron, Pertuis, Gordes, Lacoste, Coustellet, La Tour d’Aigues, St Saturnin les Apt, Lourmarin 5.00- 8.00 organic produce

Wednesday: Mérindol, Cheval-Blanc, Salt, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, St Remy-de-Provence, Le Thor, Nimes, Cassis

Thursday: Goult, Ménerbes, Rousillon, Pertuis, Lauris, L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Aix-en-Provence, La Motte d’Aigues,

Friday: Lourmarin, Lagnes,, Les Taillades, Bonnieux, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Cucuron evenings (July & August)

Next time I share a market story from Provence, I’ll be there, celebrating that the world is a safer place. Until then take care.

And if you can get there, remember my house, in the village is available to rent.

Maison des Cerises, a village house to rent in Lourmarin

You can see a video with information here, do contact me and I’d be happy to tell you more.