Markets of Provence: Food, Antiques, Crafts, and More

by Marjorie R. Williams

Overview

Provence, France, is justly famous for its dazzling light, vibrant colors, rich history, and flavorful foods and wines. And its markets have been the beating heart of Provençal life since the Middle Ages. In Markets of Provence, Marjorie R. Williams whisks you away to 30 of the best. This pocketable guide, complete with detailed maps and organized by days of the week, gives you all the information you need for your visit to this Mediterranean region.

Included are: indispensable advice on timing, navigation, negotiation and payment; tips on etiquette while surveying vendors' produce; and even some French language lessons to help you brush up on your essential français. Complete with restaurant recommendations and other useful tips, this book will help you get the most out of the experience. Supplemented with beautiful full-color photographs and color-coded maps, Markets of Provence is a must-have for every traveler.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250051271
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/03/2016
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	1,162,128
Product dimensions:	4.70(w) x 5.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

MARJORIE R. WILLIAMS is the coauthor of Markets of Paris. Her work has been featured in Afar, NPR's Travel with Rick Steves, The Huffington Post, France Today, and House Beautiful. She also blogs on travel, food, and markets around the world. Marjorie travels extensively and believes that exploring markets is one of the most rewarding ways of immersing oneself in the local culture. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Editorial Reviews

Thorough, accurate and mouth-watering. Essential reading for all market-hoppers.” —Peter Mayle, author ofA Year in Provence and A Good Year

"Marjorie Williams reveals the best of Provence's beautiful markets in this charming guide. Her tips on brocantes, local goat cheeses, vegetable vendors, and more had me dreaming of a sun-drenched vacation, straw basket slung over one arm." –Ann Mah, author of Mastering the Art of French Eating

“The idea of organizing the book around days of the week is brilliant. I would strongly recommend this travel companion to anyone who's planning to visit Provence. —Nicolas Martin, founder of Flea Market Insiders

“What a delicious idea—that of discovering Provence via its authentic markets! To read Marjorie's informative guide is to be whisked away in a wicker panier, one bursting with leafy parsley, nougat, and olives, as a friend leads you thoughtfully to her favorite market stands. —Kristin Espinasse, creator of the French Word-A-Day blog and author of Words in a French Life

“Wonderfully engaging and evocative. This book with its stunning images not only transports me back to Provence but makes me want to immediately pack my bags and do it all again, armed with this little gem.” —Sandy L. Price, author of The Flea Markets of France and Vintage and Antique Fairs of England

"From the gracious and knowledgeable Marjorie Williams comes yet another gem for the Francophile traveler: a guide to Provençal markets that’s comprehensive, carefully researched, and a pleasure to read.” —Clotilde Dusoulier, author of ChocolateAndZucchini.com and The French Market Cookbook

“There is no better way to experience France than by wandering aimlessly through a farmers' market in Aix or Avignon—the colors and fragrances, the wild strawberries and fresh cheeses. Marjorie Williams's Markets of Provence is indispensable, an authoritative and seductive guide to the best of the region.” —Luke Barr, author of Provence 1970

From the Publisher

04/01/2016
This delightful little chèvre of a travel book from Williams (Markets of Paris) is a diminutive gem akin to narrow Provençal streets. The guide only discusses markets within the loosely defined boundaries of Provence; however, no fewer than 73 are described including traditional markets, farmers' markets, covered markets, and flea and antique markets. They are categorized first according to day of the week, with some days having further labels of "best" and "others." The author consistently indicates which destinations are more geared toward tourists vs. those that exist to meet the needs of local people, a point that will be of great interest to many visitors. Pretty photos and short, charming articles about local chefs, producers, and specialties are sprinkled throughout, and additional information in the final chapters details specialty markets, restaurants, and useful shopping and negotiating phrases. VERDICT Descriptions of food in this book are mouthwatering, and these combined with poetic accounts, such as "Colorful stalls wrap around the base of the medieval château like a beaded necklace around a weathered neck" make this a solid choice for both world and armchair travelers.—Erin O. Romanyshyn, Frances Morrison Central Lib., Saskatoon, Sask.

Library Journal