Whether you're visiting the South of France on holiday or you're a regular visitor, then experiencing the local markets is a real treat. Buzzing with life, full of colour, aromas and sounds; the markets of South France is where you will find some of the best local produce in the South of France. I am sure that you will not want to go to a market everyday, but we have presented our selection of the best markets in South France in a daily list to help you narrow down your choice. The markets we have chosen keep to a high standard in both the Summer and Winter. As with any market, you're best to get their early to grab your parking space and get the best deals.

Saturday markets, South France

Pezenas market

There can be only one market to go to in South France on a Saturday - and that is Pezenas. Taking over the whole town and offering a wonderful array of artisanale food, clothing, flowers, and general nic-nacs, this really is the place to be. It does get extremely popular in the Summer, but it is well worth it for the atmosphere. In the heart of the former capital of Languedoc, the market best sums up what Pezenas is all about. For more information see Pezenas Market, South France.

Ceret market, South France

I have heard good reports about the Ceret market. Make sure you go in cherry season (late April-May). You can also pop into the Modern Art Museum to see the impressive array of art of famous artists who have stayed in Ceret over the years - including Picasso, Miro and the Cubists.

Carcassonne market, South France

Carcassonne town always gets a real hard press from all the guide books, but I don't mind it. It is like the plain-Jane to the beautiful elder Sister. But when it comes to it, you'd rather spend more time wandering around the town and soaking up French-life than touring the plastic ambiance of the Citadel (anyway that's my opinion). The market here is best on a Saturday. Read our article on Carcassonne for more information.

Arles market, South France

Further afield, but hardly a chore, the market in Arles on a Saturday morning is worth the trip. You also have the benefit of being around Van Gogh's Arles for the afternoon.

Sunday markets, South France

Narbonne market

When everything else in South France is shut on a Sunday, visiting Narbonne market provides you with a burst of life. Spread around the canal-side, the market mainly sells clothing, leather goods, shoes, etc. But there is a wonderful indoor food market that should not be missed. The food here is excellent, especially the cheese and pate.

Bessan market

If we are not going to Narbonne, one of our favourite markets is in Bessan and is open Sunday mornings. There is a good range of food, clothing and hardware. It is spread out through the centre of the town and there is sometimes an exhibition taking place in the Foyer Rural. Bessan is located close to Cap d'Agde in Herault

Collioure market

I love going to Collioure no matter what day it is. There is something magical about the light in this harbour town close to the Spanish border - hence why it has attracted so many artists over the years. The market in Collioure on a Sunday is very popular. Collioure also features in our list of the 10 best sites in South France.

Marseillan market

There is a large car-boot market in Marseillan every Sunday. Whilst you will find a lot of tat here, you will also pick up some bargains as well. Marseillan market is located on the outskirts of Marseillan Plage in between Sete and Cap d'Agde.

Monday markets, South France

Valras Plage market

Although not a good day generally for markets in South France, the market at Valras Plage is worth a trip out. The fish stalls are excellent. You will also find plenty of fruit, veg, cheese, cloths, furniture etc. For more information read our article on Valras Market, South France. Valras plage is also one of our favourite beaches in the South of France (see Best Beaches in South of France).

Tuesday markets, South France

Roquebrun market

Although hard to get to (from anywhere) Roquebrun is a real delight. Perched on the edge of the River Orb, this is a very picturesque setting within the Languedoc Regional Park. There is a market here on a Tuesday (and also a Friday). The other reason to come here is that the local wine is mostly excellent. Produced under the Saint-Chinian appellation, the Roquebrun wines are well respected (see Best South France Wines).

Olonzac market, South France

Over in Minervois, Olonzac is the best local town for markets. The market here is best on a Tuesday when you get a mixture of food, clothes and nic-nacs.

Wednesday markets, South France

Clermont l'Herault market, South France

If you love food, then the Wednesday market in Clermont l'Herault is not to be missed. Here you will find the best olive oil, honey and goat's cheese in South France. See Clermont L'Herault market for more information.

Lezignan-Corbieres market, South France

There is a large market in Lezignan-Corbieres (not to be confused with Lezignan-le-Cebe, near Pezenas) every Wednesday. Lezignan is on the road to Carcassonne from Narbonne. I have never really known what to make of Lezignan. There are some nice old streets and buildings but it is largely a working town. It might be best to combine a visit here with a trip to Carcassonne.

Bize Minervois market, South France

Up in the Orb Valley, Bize Minervois is a strange old place. Beautiful in parts, ugly in others, it still retains its local ambiance. The drive up to it is great. When you've finished shopping you can also dip your toes into the cool River Orb (follow the sign posts to the Canoe base - about 3km from the town).

Thursday markets, South France

Saint-Chinian market, South France

Although the town of Saint-Chinian doesn't really live up to the lovely drive up to it and its fame as a wine producer, the market on Thursday is worth a trip. The market is mainly food, but also has clothes, fabric, books, plants, as well as lots of local producers. Make sure you leave with a car full of Saint-Chinian wine, some of the best to be found in South France (for more information see Saint Chinian market, South France for more information). ).

Friday markets, South France

Beziers market, South France

The flower market in the allees Paul Riquet, Beziers; on a Friday morning is a real must. It is practically the only time I go into Beziers except for the Feria in August (see Best South France Festivals) and on business. The indoor food market close to the Cathedral is also pretty good, although not as good as the indoor markets in Narbonne and Nimes.

Everyday markets, South France

For food and local produce in South France you can not beat the indoor food halls of Nimes, Narbonne and Beziers. Situated in lovely old market halls, these markets really make you feel that you're in France when you're shopping with the locals.