Les Halles Market
18 Place Pie, Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 84000
Across dozens of aromatic stalls, Avignon’s famous Les Halles Market offers a cornucopia of Provençal culinary delicacies including cheeses of all kinds, meats, fruits, vegetables, breads, tapanades, olives, oysters, foie gras, and sea salt perfumed with lavender or rose petals. Look for the wine bar whose facade is covered in a frothy vegetable garden designed by botanist Patrick Blanc.
The Basics
Throughout the week, cooking classes allow you to learn local recipes and tricks of the trade from well-regarded chefs. The mini-courses start by choosing fresh market ingredients before hunkering down in the kitchen to prepare and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Half-day sightseeing tours tack on the most popular attractions in the elegant old city, including Palais des Papes overlooking the city and the famous Pont d’Avignon. If you have more time, spend the morning at wineries in the charming Châteauneuf du Pape, one of France’s first AOCs, before continuing onto Avignon and the market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Les Halles Market is an ideal spot for gourmands and foodies.
- Ask for your cheeses to be vacupacked (for no extra charge) for safe-keeping.
- Make a picnic lunch to enjoy at the elegant garden above the Palais des Papes or along the riverbank.
- Don’t miss the cooking demonstrations on Saturdays or the chance to sign up for a cooking class.
How to Get There
Les Halles Market is at Place Pie in Avignon, easy walking distance from most attractions in the city including Palais des Papes and Musée Calvet. To get to Avignon, catch a bus from the main station on boulevard St-Roch to/from Marseilles, Nice, and Cannes. If driving, the market has its own parking garage.
When to Get There
The market is open Tuesday through Sunday, from early in the morning (about 6am) to early afternoon (about 1:30pm). Come on a Saturday morning around 11am (September through July) when a different renown chef offers cooking demonstrations using fresh ingredients from the market at kiosks marked “petite cuisine” on the market’s southern corners.
Palais des Papes
For a moment in the 14th century, the seat of the Roman Church moved from Rome to Avignon, requiring a brand new home to be built. What the leaders received still stands as the largest Gothic palace in the world. Tour the interior to see grand rooms—richly decorated with tapestries, frescoes and carved ceilings made of wood—and secret passages used by the clergy.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!