Aix-en-Provence is known for its bustling markets, feasting your senses. The first thing you notice as you approach the market is the scent of fresh lavender filling the air, before your eyes land on the vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and more. Each season offers its own selection of fresh produce, an important part of Provençal cooking, where each dish is made with fresh, seasonal produce, patience, and love.
At Cooking Classes in Provence, we have put together a month-by-month guide on what you can expect to find in Aix-en-Provence markets:
January
January is the heart of winter in Aix-en-Provence, this is when the markets are overflowing with hearty produce, such as root vegetables, that can be used in soups and stews. This is also the best time to find a selection of clementines, oranges, and lemons, brimming with vitamin C.
February
February is traditionally truffle season, when you can find black diamonds (black truffles), a prized delicacy. Stalls sell a selection of truffles, along with truffle pates and oils. February is also when you will find spinach and Swiss chard.
March
March is the end of winter and spring is slowly warming up the region. This is when you will find an abundance of asparagus and artichokes in the markets. You will also find the freshest rosemary and thyme in March.
April
April is when strawberries fill the Aix-en-Provence markets. These are small and fragrant strawberries, a highlight of the season. At the same time, the markets will offer a selection of Easter pastries and chocolate eggs.
May
Cherries are the choice of the season in May. You will find them piled high on stalls, along with freshly pressed olive oil, zucchini blossoms, fresh peas, and broad beans.
June
June is early summer in Aix-en-Provence with markets welcoming sweet Cavaillon melons, a Provençal speciality, served with cured ham. This is when the lavender bundles start appearing, permeating a calming scent throughout the market place. You will also find an abundance of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, making this the ideal time of year to make a ratatouille.
July
You will find an endless selection of tomatoes during July, from plum tomatoes to heirloom and cherry tomatoes. This is also the month where blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries start appearing. Local rose wines also make an appearance, offering a crisp freshness during the summer months in Aix-en-Provence.
August
Ripened figs are on the menu in August in Aix-en-Provence with markets brimming with these delightful fruits, often paired with goats cheese. You will also start seeing grapes making an appearance, as the vineyards prepare to start their harvesting. When it comes to fruit and vegetables, August offers a great selection including courgettes, aubergines, peaches, and nectarines.
September
September sees autumn approaching, as the region prepares for wine harvest. This is when the Aix-en-Provence markets offers a choice of mushrooms, pumpkin, and squash.
October
Wandering the Aix-en-Provence markets in October, you will be welcomed by crisp apples, pears, and chestnuts. Roasted chestnuts are a seasonal treat, and you can purchase them in the market in a paper one. During this time, you will see an increase in quince and local honey.
November
Aix-en-Provence markets in November is a blend of robust winter flavours with leeks, cabbages, and beets. You will also find a wide choice of game meats, which reflects Provençal culinary traditions. Candied fruits and nougat start making an appearance, as locals prepare for the festive season.
December
The markets in Aix-en-Provence are magical during December. This time of year you find figs, walnuts, nougat, fruits, and more. Clementines are in abundance, along with festive wines, and artisan chocolates.
Conclusion
Aix-en-Provence are brimming with flavour throughout the year, reflecting the regions traditions and seasons. Each visit will offer something new. It doesn’t matter what time of year you will be visiting Provence, you are assured our vibrant markets will be filled with the freshest, seasonal produce, offering you an authentic experience to eat like a local. If you want to learn how to cook like a local, contact Cooking Classes in Provence today to find out more.
