The Vallon-Pont-d'Arc market and the markets around the gorges

Sun-ripened fruit, goat's cheese, crafts and a friendly buzz: markets are part of the Ardèche way of life. Here is everything about the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc market, its summer night market, and the finest markets to discover around the gorges.

The Vallon-Pont-d'Arc market: Thursday morningsMust-see

Every Thursday morning, the centre of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc comes alive with one of the largest markets in the area. Producers and traders fill the squares and streets of the village, in a setting typical of southern Ardèche. You stroll, you taste, and you stock up for the week or for a picnic by the river.

On the stalls, you will find:

• Seasonal fruit and vegetables from local growers.
• Goat's cheeses, including the famous Ardèche picodon.
• Mountain charcuterie, caillette and chestnut specialities.
• Honey, jams, nougat and regional products.
• Clothes, hats, pottery and local crafts.

The Vallon-Pont-d'Arc night market: summer Tuesday evenings

In July and August, the village takes on a festive air on Tuesday evenings. From 6 pm to 11 pm, the night market gathers artisans, makers and producers in the streets of the centre. It is the perfect time to grab a bite, find a handmade souvenir and enjoy the mild evening after a day on the water. A lovely way to round off a day of canoeing.

All the markets around Vallon at a glance

Ruoms: the Friday market and the Wednesday night market

About ten minutes from Vallon, Ruoms holds a colourful market on Friday mornings, on Place Général de Gaulle. In summer, the Wednesday night markets take over on Avenue de la Gare, with artisans and street food. A pretty medieval village to explore at the same time.

Barjac: the market at the gateway to the Ardèche

Just across the border, in the Gard, Barjac charms visitors with its Friday-morning market in a beautiful old centre. In July and August, the Monday night market brings the lanes to life late into the evening. A favourite with holidaymakers in the area, known for its antique fairs and its character-village setting.

Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche: the Sunday market by the river

At the exit of the gorges, Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche sets up its market on Sunday mornings, on the Quai des Pescadous, by the river. Food stalls, clothes, gifts and leather goods sit side by side from 21 June to 13 September. A pleasant spot to finish a full descent of the gorges.

Other markets around the gorges

Want to explore further? Several neighbouring villages hold their own market, from the closest to our base to the most beautiful hilltop villages.

Salavas: the Sunday producers' market

Right across from Vallon, a stone's throw from our starting base, Salavas holds a market of local producers, artisans and makers on Sunday mornings, from 17 May to 13 September. In high summer it is joined by a night market on Wednesday evenings, from 5.30 pm to 9 pm, from 1 July to 26 August, with food on site. Local and handmade products only: perfect before or after your descent.

Sampzon: the summer Tuesday market

From the first Tuesday of July to the last Tuesday of August, Sampzon holds a summer morning market on the town-hall square, in front of the village bistro. A colourful gathering focused on local producers and crafts, just a few minutes from Vallon.

Saint-Alban-Auriolles: the Monday market

On Monday mornings, from 8 am to noon and all year round, Saint-Alban-Auriolles holds its market in the heart of a village with well-preserved heritage, near the childhood home of writer Alphonse Daudet. A good way to start the week.

Joyeuse: a market under the arcades

On Wednesday mornings, Joyeuse hosts one of the finest markets in the area, under the arcades of this hilltop medieval village. Producers, flavours and an authentic atmosphere: pair it with a stroll through the old lanes.

Les Vans: the big Saturday market

On Saturday mornings, Les Vans holds a well-known market on the shaded squares of the town centre. One of the liveliest in southern Ardèche, ideal for browsing and shopping before exploring this pretty little town at the gateway to the Cévennes.

Our tips for making the most of the markets

• Come early: the best produce goes fast, and so do the parking spaces.
• Bring cash and a bag or basket.
• For fresh produce, pack a cool bag if you are heading off on a descent afterwards.
• Combine the market in the morning with a canoe trip in the afternoon, or the other way round.
• Taste the local specialities straight from the producers.

Fancy pairing a market with the river? At Aventure Canoës, discover our canoe trips and book your day on the water.

Frequently asked questions