Provence has a way of slowing you down.
Somewhere between the village markets, the lavender fields, and the long lunches beneath the plane trees, I find myself falling in love with the simple rituals that make this region so special.
Whenever I travel, I love bringing home pieces that tell the story of a place—objects that become part of everyday life long after the trip is over.
Rather than filling a suitcase with souvenirs, I look for things I’ll actually use: beautiful ceramics, handmade linens, pantry staples, and little treasures that remind me of Provence every time I reach for them.
If you’re planning a trip, these are the things I’d make room for.
Of all the things I look for when traveling, ceramics are always at the top of my list. I love pieces that are both beautiful and useful — objects that become part of your everyday rituals and carry the memory of a place.
If there is one place I would make time for while shopping in Provence, it would be Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Tucked beneath limestone cliffs, this beautiful village has been known for its faïence tradition for centuries, with its ceramic history dating back to the 17th century.
What makes Moustiers ceramics so special is the craftsmanship behind each piece. Traditionally painted by hand, these pieces are not just decorative — they are meant to be used, bringing a little bit of Provençal beauty into everyday rituals around the table.
Wandering the village, you’ll find small ateliers creating everything from classic blue-and-white designs to more contemporary interpretations of Provençal ceramics.
Atelier Bondil A wonderful place to discover traditional Moustiers faïence. The Bondil family has been carrying on this craft for decades, creating handmade pieces inspired by the region’s ceramic heritage.
Atelier du Barri A beautiful atelier that blends tradition with a more contemporary eye while honouring the village’s long ceramic history.
Atelier Soleil Another lovely stop for discovering handmade Provençal ceramics.
For those who love more decorative, collectible ceramics, keep an eye out for Maison Pichon Uzès. Founded in 1802, this historic French pottery house has been creating beautiful tableware and decorative ceramics for more than two centuries, carrying on a tradition of handmade craftsmanship in Uzès.
Their pieces are known for their beautiful hand-painted details, rich colors, and signature woven basket designs — one of the styles I especially love. What I love about Pichon Uzès is that you can discover their ceramics in two ways: you can visit the manufacture and explore their current collections, which are still being produced today, or keep an eye out for vintage and antique pieces at brocantes and antique markets throughout Provence.
I was lucky enough to find an antique Pichon piece on my most recent trip.
Another thing I always keep an eye out for are French confit pots and bowls. Originally used for preserving food, these rustic vessels have become some of my favourite pieces to collect. I love the way they look filled with flowers, holding utensils in the kitchen, or simply displayed on my table and counter as a catch all.
For vintage lovers, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a dream. Known for its antique shops and brocante markets, this is where I would go searching for pieces with history — old ceramics, French confit pots, vintage linens, silverware, and treasures that already have a story. Not only in the shops but also on a Sunday when the streets are lined with vintage treasures.
While Moustiers is known for its traditional faïence, some of my favourite ceramic finds come from wandering Provençal markets and small village shops. These are the pieces that feel less like souvenirs and more like something you would naturally bring into your everyday life.
At the Gordes market, I found a beautiful clay bowl that came home with me — exactly the kind of piece I love collecting. Simple, earthy, and made to be used every day.
Keep an eye out for rustic terracotta pieces, hand-thrown bowls, and those charming speckled ceramics you’ll often see throughout Provence — pieces with soft glazes, imperfect finishes, and colors that feel inspired by the landscape itself. Think bowls for fruit, serving dishes for long lunches, little plates for aperitivo, and pieces that make an everyday table feel a little more special.
What to look for at markets:
One of my favourite things about Provence is wandering the local markets — not just for the food, but for the little treasures you discover along the way. Each village has its own personality, and the best finds often come from simply taking your time and seeing what catches your eye.
(Market days can vary by season, so I recommend checking locally before planning your visit.)
| Market | Day | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | Wednesday | One of the most beautiful and lively markets in Provence. Look for linens, baskets, ceramics, textiles, flowers, produce, and local specialties. A must for a classic Provençal market morning. |
| Lacoste | Wednesday | A smaller, charming village market with local goods, artisan finds, and a slower Provençal atmosphere. Perfect for a quiet morning in the Luberon. |
| Gordes | Tuesday | A beautiful village market set against one of Provence’s most iconic hilltop villages. Look for Provençal goods, ceramics, linens, baskets, and regional specialties. |
| Roussillon | Thursday | A picturesque market surrounded by the famous ochre landscape. Look for artisan pieces, textiles, ceramics, lavender products, and regional goods. |
| Ménerbes | Thursday | A lovely village market with local foods, handmade goods, and a more intimate Provençal feel. A beautiful stop for a slower, less crowded market experience. |
| Lourmarin | Friday | One of the most charming markets in Provence. A favourite for food, flowers, artisan goods, antiques, and soaking up the village atmosphere. |
| Bonnieux | Friday | A charming Luberon market with local products, ceramics, textiles, and beautiful views over the valley. |
| Arles | Wednesday & Saturday | One of Provence’s most atmospheric markets. The Saturday market is the larger experience — perfect for local produce, cheeses, olives, spices, flowers, textiles, and Provençal specialties. |
| Apt | Saturday | One of the largest markets in the Luberon. Ideal for discovering everything from produce and cheeses to textiles, antiques, and regional specialties. |
| L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | Sunday | A must for antique lovers. Famous for brocante and vintage finds — especially ceramics, confit pots, linens, furniture, and treasures with history. |
| Villeneuve-lès-Avignon | Thursday & Saturday | A quieter market experience near Avignon. Thursday is best for Provençal produce, flowers, cheeses, and local specialties. Saturday is ideal for vintage lovers, brocante finds, ceramics, and old French treasures. |
My tip: If you’re shopping for ceramics, linens, or vintage pieces, go early and bring a foldable tote.
The best finds often disappear quickly — and you’ll want room in your suitcase for the treasures you didn’t plan on bringing home.
Some of my favourite things to bring home from Provence aren’t souvenirs at all — they’re the ingredients and flavours that allow you to recreate the feeling of a place long after you’ve returned home. A beautiful bottle of olive oil, a jar of tapenade for an afternoon apéro, or a sprinkle of fleur de sel over a summer tomato salad can instantly transport you back to a sun-drenched market morning.
A good bottle of olive oil is a must. I especially love finding smaller bottles that are easy to pack and perfect for gifting.
At Brémond Fils 1830, I always make room for their beautiful Provençal pantry staples. I’ve visited both their Roussillon and Gordes locations and always find something special.
No Provençal pantry is complete without a few things for apéro. After trying many different makers throughout Provence, one of my go to market finds is Le Goût de Soleil, which can often be found at the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes markets.
Their artisan spreads are perfect with a fresh baguette, crackers, or served alongside a glass of rosé.
I never leave without:
A few simple ingredients can instantly bring the flavours of Provence into your own kitchen. These are small things, but they are the ingredients I reach for daily once I’m home.
I always bring home:
Local pâtés, terrines, foie gras and saucisson make wonderful additions to a simple evening spread — especially paired with good bread, mustard, cornichons, and a glass of wine.
Don’t leave Provence without looking for the local sweet specialties.
They make beautiful gifts, but I always recommend keeping a little for yourself too.
A true Provençal classic, traditional Marseille soap has been made for centuries using simple ingredients and traditional methods. You can find Marseille soap at many Luberon and Provençal markets, even outside of Marseille itself. I love bringing it home because it is both beautiful and practical — something you can actually use every day.
Look for:
I especially love finding lavender products made locally rather than the more tourist-oriented versions. The best ones feel subtle and natural — a little reminder of a summer morning wandering through the fields.
Look for:
Beautiful, durable, and naturally unique, each piece has its own grain and character. These make wonderful gifts because they are lightweight, easy to pack, and something that can be used every day.
Look for:
Beyond ceramics and pantry treasures, Provence is also a place where textiles play such an important role in everyday life. There is something so beautiful about the way linen is used throughout the region — softly rumpled tablecloths for long lunches, embroidered details in old Provençal homes, natural fabrics in sun-washed tones, and simple pieces that make everyday rituals feel a little more special.
Look for:
A Provençal market basket is one of those timeless pieces that feels both practical and beautiful. Woven baskets have been part of everyday life in the South of France for generations, and they are the perfect companion for market mornings. And while you’re shopping for the perfect market basket, don’t overlook the hats. A beautiful straw hat feels like the ultimate Provence souvenir — practical, timeless, and something you’ll wear for years to come. Many of the woven hats you’ll find throughout Provence are handmade in Madagascar, using traditional weaving techniques and natural fibers crafted in Madagascar.
Look for:
Beyond the markets, some of my favorite discoveries in Provence were the small boutiques filled with beautiful everyday objects — places where you can find a mix of ceramics, linens, soaps, candles, baskets, and thoughtful gifts. These are the shops where I would wander slowly, taking my time to notice the details — the textures, colours, and pieces that make a home feel collected over time.
A few little things I’ve learned from exploring Provence markets will make your experience even better — from what to pack to how to shop like a local.
A lightweight tote is essential for market mornings. Between ceramics, pantry treasures, flowers, linens, and all the little things you’ll discover along the way, you’ll want something easy to carry.
The best finds are often the ones you don’t plan on buying. Leave a little extra space — Provence has a way of tempting you.
If you’re bringing home ceramics, glass jars, olive oil, or other delicate treasures, come prepared. I like to pack bubble wrap or save newspaper and extra paper wrapping from shops along the way, then wrap pieces individually before placing them in my suitcase.
While many shops now accept cards, some smaller market vendors and artisans may still prefer cash. Having euros on hand makes spontaneous market discoveries much easier.
For ceramics, antiques, baskets, and artisan pieces, arriving earlier gives you the best chance of finding something special. Many markets begin to wind down around 12–1pm, so don’t leave your shopping until the afternoon.
Market schedules can change seasonally, so always confirm before planning your route. Some of the smaller village markets are only held once a week — and they are often the ones worth planning around.
Shopping in Provence is about connection as much as it is about buying beautiful things. Always begin with a warm “Bonjour” when entering a shop or approaching a market stall. Simple words like: Bonjour, S’il vous plaît, Merci, Bonne journée go a long way.
At many traditional markets, especially when buying produce, it’s also customary not to immediately touch fruits, vegetables, or products before greeting the vendor. Allow them to guide you — it is part of the rhythm and tradition of French market culture.
The best part of shopping in Provence is not just what you bring home — it’s the experience of wandering, discovering, and taking the time to appreciate the beauty of everyday life.Maybe that’s why Provence always feels so special. It wasn’t just the lavender fields or the sun-warmed stone villages… it was the feeling of a place that understands how to savour life.
Nadia Colella creates bespoke cakes, pastry art, and hand-painted commissions. Each piece is a small work of art, thoughtfully crafted to bring beauty and meaning into your life — whether for a special event, a bespoke piece, or a brand collaboration. Please share a little about your vision or project below. All custom investments start at $2,000.
