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A Morning Exploring Les Halles Market, Avignon

Avignon's covered market offers a perfect taste of Provence

featured in Activity reviews Author Holly Millar, Provence Reporter Updated

Strawberries are a summer delicacy loved by many. In my time, I've eaten a fare share of strawberries – from wild ones, to freshly picked, to frozen to ...not so fresh squishy ones. Today, I had the best strawberry I have ever eaten, hands down. Obviously I ate the entire carton immediately.

Les Halles is the famous covered market in the centre of Avignon, and this is where I found these magically sweet treats. In fact, there has been a market here in Place Pie since 1859. The current building is newly renovated with a beautiful green wall (completely covered in vegetation) at the main entrance. No questions about it, taking a trip to Les Halles in the morning is a ‘must do’ when visiting Avignon. Here you will find an amazing array of fresh local products, including, but certainly not limited to strawberries.

The covered market houses 40 vendors selling fantastic merchandise. You can find everything from fresh fruit, fish, meat (cured and fresh), to cheese, bread, fresh pizza, spices, macaroons, wine... The list is endless. Sampling some of the delicacies on offer will give you a true taste of Provence.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 06:00 to 13:30 on weekdays, and 06:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays, there are plenty of opportunities to pop in and check out Les Halles. The best time to go is early Saturday morning – when all the stands are open and the locals are out doing their shopping. Visiting during the week is still great, but you won't see the same array of products or experience the market at its liveliest.

As you enter through the main doors, you will be greeted by the delicious smell of fresh bread. And of course, fresh strawberries. Don't be overwhelmed! Les Halles, in my opinion, is the perfect size for a market – not too big and not too small. First, walk down the main aisle then circle around the outside, that way you won't miss anything. Once you get a good look at everything, you can start to purchase your favourite French delicacies from the region.

After staring at mouthwatering food all morning, you are probably starting to get hungry. To make the most of your market experience, pick up a few choice items for a lunchtime picnic or dinner later. What can be better than a feast of super fresh food? Not much. Especially if you get some strawberries. Or cherries, those were amazing too.

If you have any questions about the products, be sure to ask a vendor for help. This is a great time for you to practice your French, but if you are nervous, most vendors speak a little English too. Finding out about what products are in season is important - if you don't ask, you might miss out on the best strawberries you've ever had! Cherries, asparagus and artichokes are also in season right now so those will no doubt be delicious too.

Along one side of Les Halles, you can find several restaurants if you want to sit down to enjoy your meal. At lunchtime, you may have to fight your way through crowds of French men drinking rosé or beer while shouting amicably at each other.

The other side is lined with counters covered in ice and fresh fish. All kinds of colourful and slimy sea creatures are out on display for you to feast your eyes on – from bright red shrimp, shimmering mackerel, magnificent squid and some slightly frightening fishes. Avignon may be landlocked, but these fishies are coming fresh from the Mediterranean each morning.

Feel like brushing up on your cooking skills? On Saturdays at 11:00 the market hosts free cooking demonstrations featuring chefs from around Avignon, definitely worth checking out. The next demonstration will be the 6th of June with Franck Pujol from the restaurant "le Château de Mazan".

Located at Place Pie, Les Halles is really easy to find. Throughout downtown Avignon there are many signs pointing you in the right direction. It is highly recommended that you walk to the market as the small streets of old Avignon are always filled with pedestrians and are very tricky to navigate, especially on a Saturday. For those travelling from out of town, there is a parking garage available under the market.

Location

Map of the surrounding area