Its existence dates back to 1483, when a papal bull from Pope Sixtus IV authorized Vaison to open a market. In 1532, Pope Clement VII issued a bull
confirming the previous one and specify the day: Tuesday. During the French
Revolution, the market was abolished, but was then re-established on March 7,
1791, at the wish of 30 communities. In 1817, it moved from the upper town to the lower town, which was gradually being built up in the valley. In 1932, a police
order from the Mayor set geographic boundaries for the market, to prevent
overflow into streets that needed to be kept open to allow vehicles to circulate.
An outing for lovers of Provencal specialties and the curious who want to
stroll through the stalls where the market displays its delicacies: sausage with
olives, tapenades, anchoïades, truffles, flat loafs, olive oils, Herbes de Provence,
and more all invite you to sit down for a meal. Provencal fabrics, objects made
of olive wood, sun-drenched fruits and vegetables, and lavender round out this
festival of colors and flavors. Another section of the market is reserved
for artisans and artists, while a last street is dedicated to antiquities.
In other words, the Vaison market is one of the largest, most all-encompassing
general markets in the region, thanks in part to the diversity of the products
sold there, but also for its characteristic charm: not only does it take place in a
highly enjoyable, typically Provencal setting, but it also follows the seasons,
evolving with the truffles, olives and other delicious fruit produced locally
and delivering intoxicating colors and smells.
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