Are you looking to organize your visit to the Verdon Gorge and want to know which days you can stroll through the Verdon markets and taste the local gastronomy? Do you want to know which cultural events and traditional festivals take place every year in the region?
You are in the right place!
First of all, we have gathered on this page the market days of the most beautiful villages of the Verdon. Below you will find a selection of the best events that take place in the region. These are usually held in emblematic places of the Verdon and will make you discover exceptional sites while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the traditional Provencal festivals.
Which days to enjoy the Verdon markets?
Monday
- Morning : Forcalquier, Quinson (summer)
- Afternoon : Puimoisson (local producers)
Tuesday
- Morning : Quinson (summer), Aix-en-Provence, Banon, Cotignac, Esparron-de-Verdon (summer), Gréoux-les-Bains (small), Oraison, Volx, Ste-Croix du Verdon, Aiguines (summer), Moustiers-Ste-Marie (summer), Sisteron
Thursday
- Morning : Aix-en-Provence, Céreste, Gréoux-les-Bains, Les Salles-sur-Verdon
- Afternoon : Forcalquier (farmers’ market), Château-Arnoux (bio market), Pierrevert
Friday
- Morning : Les Mées, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Pertuis, Peyruis, Saint-Martin-de-Brômes (summer), Esparron-de-Verdon (small)
- Afternoon : La Brillanne (bio market)
Sunday
- Morning : Mane, Pierrevert, Régusse, Reillanne, St-Auban, Vinon-sur-Verdon, Villeneuve, Salernes, Bauduen
The Verdon markets, a night adventure
After a good day of activities in the Verdon gorges, don’t miss the charm of the Verdon markets at night! They take place only in summer, and you will find them in the following villages and days:
- Monday : Les Salles-sur-Verdon and Aix-en-Provence
- Tuesday : Bauduen, Sainte-Croix-de-Verdon and Aix-en-Provence
- Wednesday : Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Cotignac, Régusse, Manosque, Quinson and Aix-en-Provence
- Thursday : Riez, Forcalquier, Bauduen, Aups and Aix-en-Provence
- Friday : Gréoux-les-Bains, Forcalquier and Aix-en-Provence
The lavender festival of Valensole
This festival is one of the most famous and oldest of all the Verdon. Lavender, the queen of the ball, is omnipresent on the Valensole plateau, which is decked with its most exquisite colors in June. The lavender festival of Valensole is one of the most famous in the world. It takes place on a Sunday in mid-July for almost 30 years.
On the program, guided tours of the fields and distilleries, exhibitions, folklore shows and concerts… you won’t have a minute to be bored! The children will enjoy donkey rides, and the most curious will be able to watch the traditional distillation of lavender in the open air; thanks to a magnificent 19th century still.
An open-air film festival on the banks of the Verdon: Les Écrans du Lac
This open-air film festival is organized in July and August which offers you to discover films projected under the stars in the most beautiful villages of the Verdon. You will enjoy this experience near the lakes, in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon for example, Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Quinson, or Bauduen.
Documentaries, fictions, meetings with the directors, and debate evenings will delight film lovers during their vacations in the Verdon. You will find more information on the website of the organizers Cinéma de Pays.
The Transhumance Festival in Castellane
Held over 2 or 3 days depending on the year, the Castellane Transhumance Festival is a beautiful tribute to pastoral traditions and rural culture. It usually takes place over a weekend in early June.
Educational workshops, concerts, talks, and exhibitions invite you to explore the world of sheep farming. You and your children can watch live sheep shearing and wool spinning demonstrations. For those who want to combine physical activity with cultural discovery, a guided hike retracing the footsteps of the shepherds is also organized.
On Sunday, there’s usually a large farmers’ market where you can taste delicious Provençal products and discover local crafts and wool-based creations. Don’t miss this unique event or the wonderful treats offered by one of the largest markets in the Verdon region.
The Medieval Festival of Colmars-les-Alpes
This is the must-attend event for history lovers and time-travel enthusiasts. By joining the Medieval Festival of Colmars-les-Alpes, you’ll be immersed in a world out of time, where knights, troubadours, and costumed performers roam the charming medieval village. It’s a fantastic family outing with free performances, street theatre, concerts, and even a grand medieval banquet at the Fort de Savoie.
The festival takes place over a weekend in mid-August and has been running for over 25 years. It kicks off on Friday evening with a night market, where you can discover regional crafts while enjoying the mouthwatering aromas of local products. The festivities continue on Saturday and Sunday with numerous activities and performances.
And if you really want to join in the fun, you can rent costumes on-site! Head to the shop “l’Atelier de Naïs” to choose the character you’ll play during this colourful weekend in medieval Verdon.
The Saffron Festival in Sillans-la-Cascade
This festival takes place in the refreshing village of Sillans-la-Cascade towards the end of July. Since 2010, the event has brought together a gourmet market, artisan stalls, and exhibitions. The theme is, of course, saffron and all its variations. Expect surprising cheeses, infused oils, and delightful sweets.
Some exhibitions even allow you to visit the castle where they are hosted. While you’re at the festival, you can also tour a saffron farm and learn about the history and cultivation of saffron in the Verdon area.
If You’re Ready to Venture Further…
Be sure to check out the Regards d’Altitudes Festival, dedicated to mountain and adventure films. It’s held every spring in the alpine village of Sauze. A must for anyone who loves cinema as much as the mountains, it’s about a 2-hour drive from Valensole. Here, you’ll discover inspiring films that’ll make you want to explore the Verdon and all the thrilling activities it has to offer—including paragliding!
And if you’d rather stay closer to the heart of the Verdon, simply stop by Gréoux-les-Bains and enjoy a movie at Ecociné Verdon !
If you’re up for heading down to Manosque, you’ll find a rich lineup of cultural events. Manosque is a vibrant city all year round. Among the many festivals, the famous Rencontres Giono take place in early August. The Festival Correspondances, dedicated to writing, has been held every September since 1999.
And don’t miss the Musiks Festival at the end of July, which has been delighting audiences with top artists and new musical talents for nearly 40 years.
About Event Dates
The dates mentioned in this article are subject to change by the organizers. We recommend checking in advance by contacting us via the chat on our website or by phone at +33 4 12 28 00 85. You can also visit us at our Moustiers-Sainte-Marie agency, open every day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by—we’ll be happy to give you our best tips to make your stay smooth and enjoyable!
