Shopping in a foreign country can be one of the most unique experiences you have abroad. Whether it is the cultural differences or unusual merchandise, visiting local shops and bazaars is often a highlight of many international adventures. This is especially true on France tours, where the cities have some of the best shopping destinations in Europe.
If you're interested in enjoying an authentic experience in France, the Provence region is the place to go. Located in the southeastern portion of the country, Provence is well known for being home to a wide variety of markets. You can visit everything from shops that sell local produce and flea markets to florists and antique stores. The region is so vast, there are spots that will surely appeal to everyone.
There are many villages throughout Provence that you should visit, but one of the best known is Aix-en-Provence. With a population of about 143,000, this quaint city is populated with street after street of local merchants selling their goods. Plus, while you're making your way to all the different storefronts, you can check out many historical landmarks including The Cathedral of the Holy Savior and the famous Cours Mirabeau.
Even outside of Provence, you can still experience French markets with a trip to Paris. The City of Light is especially renowned for its food markets, where you can get fruits, vegetables, cheeses and everything in between.
While there are countless opportunities to enjoy the local shopping culture of Provence, it's important to keep a few things in mind while you do so. Most importantly, experts recommend heading out on Saturday mornings because they are often considered the peak market times.
