LOURMARIN HAS A NEW FARMERS’ MARKET ON TUESDAY EVENINGS
by Susan Manfull
If you love markets, now there is one more reason to love Tuesdays in the Luberon. I have already written about Tuesday markets in Aix-en-Provence, Cucuron, and Gordes and haven’t even had the chance to cover two other favorite markets that take place on Tuesdays in Tour d’Aigues and Vaison-la-Romaine. And now, I just found out about another Tuesday market—at least this new addition won’t put pressure on the vacationer to decide which one to visit!
The latest addition to the Tuesday line up is an evening market: On May 1, Lourmarin inaugurated an evening farmers’ market. My mouth waters when I picture the beautiful fruits and vegetables that are available from local farmers. But this market is much more than that which comes directly from the farm!!
Agricultural Cooperative Photo: Jean-Walter Geiser
Begin your stroll through this vibrant market with a glass of wine from the local wine cooperative. Then head over to see what one of the area’s leading chefs is cooking. Michelin-starred chefs Reine Sammut, Éric Sapet, and Édouard Loubet are among the local chefs who have signed up to demonstrate their famous gastronomic skills. Then pick up the ingredients from the local vendors to make the dish yourself!
Chef Éric Sapet
About thirty vendors have signed up. Because this is un marché de produit de bouche exclusivement – a market of products exclusively for the mouth—all products are limited to those that are culinary-related as well as local and many are biologique (that is, organic). You will find fruit, vegetables, fruit juices, wine, olive oil, honey, jams, cheese, and meats.
Tuesday Market Photo: Jean-Walter Geiser
The Tuesday market is located in the newly renovated former agricultural cooperative across the street from the center of the village. Outside, in the courtyard of the old cooperative, you will find the vendors. Inside, you will find photographs of the building in its heyday when the Luberon was the center of agricultural production. Local village officials chose this site to reinforce the idea that agriculture remains a vital part of the region.
Old Agricultural Cooperative Photo: Jean-Walter Geiser
Old Photographs Inside Photo: Jean-Walter Geiser
The market will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening through October 30th. I can’t wait to go! Lourmarin’s popular Friday market will, of course, continue as it has for generations.
I think this will be a great addition to the Lourmarin week! I have often thought that a twice-a-week market would be a good thing, especially when I forget something at the weekend market! I also like that this new market features local celebrity chefs! Now I have yet another reason to return to beautiful Lourmarin! ~David
I think it sounds like so much fun! As you know, I had intended to write about The Stein Collection at the Met in NYC (a fabulous show, dominated by artists who loved the South of France), but this Tuesday evening market grabbed my attention so thoroughly that I had to feature it!
So, readers, stay tuned for next week–here and with Cocoa and Lavender–for thoughts about the Stein collection,the family and friends who collected all those wonderful paintings, and their favorite desserts!
Best,
Susan
We are in Bonnieux now! Will let you know how it is!
Ciao! Tommy and Anne
Susan,
All of your Farmers market articals have been interesting and entertaining, but who knew that Farmers Markets have become one of the hottest trends this year !!
I just read where so many people are talking about eating food grown locally that they've inspired a growing movement and have created a new word:"LOCAVORE",which means someone who prefers food that hasn't moved a long distance to market.
So tell all those nice people in Lourmarin that they were ahead of their times and were the first to start a new trend in the U.S.A. !!
Truly, I didn't need another reason to hope to return to Lourmarin. Especially having been able to spend time there during my three favorite seasons – fall, winter and spring. Summer has always appealed to me with the lavender blooming profusely in the fields of Provence. And now a Tuesday night market! What is better than shopping outdoors in a beautiful village with wine in hand and divinely prepared victuals to sample while meandering the tables of locally grown sun ripened fruits, vegetables beyond compare,fresh meats, and all the tasty olives, oils, vinegars? – mmmmmm
It's time again to explore the Luberon.