The South of France is a beautiful place to visit. Between its scenic landscapes, romantic riviera, and incredible history, it’s a dream come true for travelers. The most wonderful thing about Provence is the vast selection of products it offers. Picture juicy fruits and vegetables, tasty pastries, succulent oils, wines, cheeses, and traditional lavender creations. The list goes on and on, so keep reading to discover some of our favorites and get ready to come home with a suitcase full of goodies!
What Do You Need to Know About Provence Products?
Where to Find Fresh Local Products?
One of our favorite places to find delicious Provence products is the Uzès Market. Not only is it one of the most beautiful markets in France, but it’s also a prime spot to find delicious products and mingle with the locals. Picture yourself with a basket in hand and a baguette under your arm, strolling through the market and smelling the fresh foods. It’s a wonderful shopping adventure where you can choose from a wide range of Provence products and find unique gifts to bring home with you.
What Are the Most Iconic Provence Products?
- Savon de Marseille
One of the most iconic products (and the easiest to bring back home!) is the savon de Marseille. Provence’s handcrafted soaps are famous for their quality and gentle cleansing. They have been a staple since the 9th century! The original recipe (that is still in use today) came about in 1688. We recommend buying lavender soaps –after all, it’s Provence’s authentic scent!
- Rosé Wine
You can’t visit France and not indulge in some serious wine tasting. Provence offers great options for red and white wines, but its specialty is rosé. There’s nothing better than sipping this delicious beverage after a long, hot day. Look for the Duché d’Uzès wines on the market and taste some of their best rosés! You’ll love the fruity freshness. Get a bottle to bring home and pair it with a delicious olive tapenade toast and grilled sardines!
- Olive Oil
Are you ready to taste the best olive oil you’ve ever tried in your life? With its shining sun and warm weather, Provence is a prime spot for harvesting olive oil. This product is more than a staple; it’s a whole culture! You can find a wide range of olive oils in Provence, all boasting lovely local names: Grossane, picholine, salonenque, aglandau, cayon, broutigan, cayanne, and more! Pair it with a delicious fougasse or baguette and you have yourself the perfect apéritif!
- Goat Cheese
Another thing you want to indulge in as much as you can while in France is cheese! Did you know Provence is home to some of the best goat cheeses in the world? Alpine goats are abundant in the region and produce some of the freshest, most delicious milk. Provence’s goat cheese is usually fresh, spreads easily, and pairs perfectly with dried fruits, nuts, or herbes de Provence. If you’re in Uzès, head over to Fromagerie Albert to sample some of them!
- Calissons d’Aix
If you have a sweet tooth and wish to taste a unique treat, then the calissons d’Aix are made for you! These delicious little sweets are indigenous to Provence. They are made of a smooth, pale yellow melon-candied paste and topped with a layer of hard almond icing. They’re exquisite –an absolute must-try! They are also great souvenirs, since you can tuck them in your checked bag.
- Truffles
Last but not least, try one of our all-time favorites: The truffe de Provence! These rare, underground mushrooms are a renowned product all around the world, and Provence is full of them. You can find three species there: The black truffle (also known as the black diamond), brumal truffle, and white truffle.
It’s such an iconic product that the town of Uzès even has a truffle festival (when they’re in season in January and February)! During that “Semaine de la truffe” (Truffle Week), all the local restaurants feature truffle specialties and dishes. You can even attend demonstrations on la Place aux Herbes, where pigs show off their truffle-finding skills.
Our “Chez Vous” Villa Is Perfect for Your Provence Getaway
Chez Vous means “at your place” in French, and that’s precisely why it’s the ideal base camp for you and your loved ones. Make your trip to the South of France the best it can be with this beautiful 2-bedroom home. You’ll love its elegant and cozy decor—not to mention its proximity to the market on la Place aux Herbes! You can sip on an espresso in the morning out in the garden, go for a swim after lunch in your private swimming pool, and sleep under the gorgeous wooden beam ceiling every night. The master bedroom features a comfortable queen-sized bed, fine linens, and antique furnishings. The double-glazed windows and exterior shutters even keep the room cool during the afternoon sun.
