Ramatuelle Market – My visit to the weekly market in Provence

During our week-long stay in a small authentic villa in Ramatuelle we decided to visit the local market - it had been recommended to us several times in advance. In mid-May, the weather was ideal: sunny, but still pleasantly mild. Just right for a relaxing market morning. The Marché de Ramatuelle is smaller than many of the large markets in Provence, but is very well maintained, regional and authentic. We simply wanted to stroll around a bit and try a few specialties – and were pleasantly surprised. In this article we share our experiences, provide information about opening hours, parking and the products that make the market in Ramatuelle so special.

🧺 Opening hours: Thursdays & Sundays, approx. 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

📍Location: Place de l'Ormeau – centrally located in the historic town center

⏰ Best time to visit: Between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. – relaxed & not too crowded

☀️ Tip: It's worth visiting early – especially during peak season

The weekly market in Ramatuelle takes place twice a week – always Thursdays and Sundays in the morning, on the central square Place de l'Ormeau in the historic town center. The market isn't large, but it's charming – and well signposted once you arrive in town.

We arrived around 9 a.m., which turned out to be the perfect time: the stalls were set up, it was still pleasantly quiet, and we could browse in peace. The Market hours are approximately between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Some vendors start a little earlier, while many finish around midday. Especially during peak season, it gets significantly busier from around 10:30 a.m. So, if you want to shop in peace, it's best to arrive as early as possible—not only for a better selection, but also for the pleasant temperatures.

If you're wondering exactly when the market in Ramatuelle starts, it's best to plan your visit between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.—then you'll experience the full range without the crowds.

As soon as you enter the square, you can tell that the market in Ramatuelle is no ordinary weekly market. The stalls are lined up around the narrow streets in the historic town center, and despite the visitors, everything seems calm and orderly.

What we particularly liked was the selection: from fresh vegetables and goat cheese to fragrant soaps and handmade fabrics to small craft stalls. Most of the products come directly from the region – and you immediately notice that this isn't about quantity, but about quality.

Compared to other markets in Provence, the Ramatuelle Marché is smaller, but also much more relaxed. Many vendors take time for a chat, offer small samples, and appreciate genuine interest. For us, it was a perfect place to shop, but also simply to soak up the Provençal flair.

The issue of Parking at the market in Ramatuelle was our biggest concern beforehand - especially because we knew that the place is relatively small and that it can get full quickly, especially in high season.

We arrived around 9 a.m. and were lucky: Directly above the town center there is a public parking lot from which you can reach the market in a few minutes on foot. The access road was well signposted, but by 10 a.m. it was already noticeably busier.

If you arrive a little later, you should plan to walk for a few minutes or use one of the parking spaces at the entrance to town. In any case, it's worth leaving early to ensure a stress-free arrival – and to enjoy the market in Ramatuelle from the very beginning.

After visiting the market, it's worth spending some time in town. Ramatuelle may be small, but incredibly charming – with narrow streets, pastel-colored facades, and small boutiques that invite you to browse.

After shopping, we treated ourselves to a coffee on the terrace of a small bistro – overlooking the surrounding hilly landscape. If you like, you can then take a stroll through the vineyards or drive directly to the nearby coast.

For us, the market in Ramatuelle was the perfect start to a relaxing day – and the best part is: everything is close together. Those staying in a holiday home in or around Ramatuelle have it particularly convenient and can spend their mornings very flexibly.

Of course, we couldn't resist – the market offers so many beautiful and delicious things that we returned with well-filled bags. Our favorites:

• Fresh goat cheese with herbs – straight from the small stall at the southern end of the market
• ​​Homemade olive paste – perfect for a late lunch on the terrace
• Scented lavender soap – classic, but simply delightful
• A handwoven market bag – practical and a lovely souvenir
• A small jar of rosé jelly – bought out of curiosity, loved at breakfast

We could have bought so much more – but this left enough room for a second visit.

The market in Ramatuelle represents exactly what you would hope for from a stay in Provence: regional quality, a relaxed atmosphere and a touch of the French way of life. If you don't just want to stroll through the alleys but want to truly experience the surroundings, this is the place for you.

Especially if you're staying nearby – for example, in a holiday home in Ramatuelle, Gassin, or Saint-Tropez – a market morning can be perfectly integrated into your day. No stress, no time pressure – just go, enjoy, and then toast with a well-filled market basket on your own terrace.