Markets in Provence feature fresh produce, much of it organically grown.

Nice and Cannes have very good shopping areas and there's a huge mall right next to the airport called Cap 3000 which is also good for clothes, and is just a 5 minute stroll from some notable restaurants along the pedestrian seafront promenade of St Laurent du Var - a great spot for lunch.

Down on the coast is where you'll find big ticket items from branded stores and a choice of air-conditioned shopping malls. The designer boutiques and exclusive galleries, catering for the chic riviera set are just fabulous, but may we suggest you slide into mountain ways whilst here and consider shopping our village markets for fresh produce, local drinks or just some gifts for yourself and loved ones?

Provence is not just rich in sun, fertile soil, flora and fauna, but it's rich in talent. The area attracts artists and creative people looking for a better life, which results in a wealth of small producers of food, drink, art and natural remedies. These people are here for the love and for the pace of life, so you'll rarely find an online shop, or even a physical shop, open all hours. Rather, you'll find them at local markets, once or twice a week, for the morning only before they seek a nice long lunch. You should join them.

Almost every village has some sort of market once a week, so we couldn't list them all. And local producers will not venture far, so wherever you are the offering will be almost unique to that small area. The following is a list of the nearest markets to Le Foulon.

GREOLIERES - SATURDAY MORNING

In our own village there's a year round weekly market offering local produce for the eating.

Organically grown vegetables from the commune, an organic bakery, organic Greolieres goats cheese and in the high season organic trout from our neighbour. Did we mention it's all organic? I'm not sure when a pesticide was last used here - the locals let nature take its course.

CHATEAUNEUF-DE-GRASSE, PRE-DU-LAC - MONDAY MORNING

20 minutes drive, parking on near side of market. The main car park at Pre-du-Lac, Chateaneuf de Grasse, is taken over by a large number of stalls.

Fruit and vegetables, local cheese made with both cows, goats and sheeps milk, charcuterie, a bakery and a rotisserie offering chickens and other freshly roasted meats for an easy lunch back home. Sometimes you also find people selling clothes and the ubiquitous folding French knives, by laguiole or similar. Not a place for tourist gifts.

TOURETTES SUR LOUP - WEDNESDAY MORNINGTourettes-sur-loup violet festival

23 minutes drive, park the far side of the village. Good for arts and crafts.

Quite a large market and a bit more touristy, but not in a bad way. A lot more arts and crafts here from local artisans, as well as the usual local produce. Also great for honey.

VENCE - FRIDAY MORNING

32 minutes drive. Large popular market with  little of everything.

Set within the walled confines of the ancient citadel, Vence market attracts all the local artists and crafts people of the area. Also great for locally grown produce.

VALBONNE - FRIDAY MORNING

32 minutes drive. Another large popular market with  little of everything.

The fact there are two large, popluar markets within a short drive of each other shows the variety and number of local artisans producing their wears, and the fact that they don't need to travel far to find ready buyers.