France · MARKETS
The good market tours fill weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: which to book early, what each includes and how they differ once you are there.
Small-group bike tour from Paris to Versailles with market picnic, Marie-Antoinette hamlet, Trianons, and timed Palace entry.
“Perfect day at Versailles ! Thibaud was an excellent host. We all loved seeing the gardens by bike. It’s a long day.. we didn’t get back on the train to Paris until 6:30pm”
Versailles by bike from Paris: small-group market picnic, royal gardens, and a licensed guided Palace tour, with round-trip train tickets.
“Maggie was wonderful. She was so knowledgeable and had everything we needed. An amazing tour of the chateau, bike riding through the gardens, and a picnic! Highly recommend this tour!”
Cook a classic 3-course French lunch with wine pairing, plus optional Latin Quarter market shopping for ingredients and cheese.
“This was a great way to connect with other travelers. We loved everything about it and would recommend the class”
Shop the Latin Quarter market, then cook a French 3-course dinner at Le Foodist with wine, small-group help, and recipe copies in English.
“Great time doing the market tour and cooki no class! We really loved howChef Fred seamlessly worked in so much knowledge about French cooking/agriculture and culinary science, all while being entertaining and easy to cook with. Would definitely take another class from him!”
Small-group Victor Hugo Market tasting in Toulouse with an English-speaking guide, included wine and food tastings, and a big end platter.
“I had such a great time on this food tour. It started with Alejandro, our guide, giving us facts about the market, its history, and walking us though the different stalls, informing us about the vendors and the foods that they sold, all while picking up things for our meal. He then prepared a feast for us and what a feast it was! Delicious local cheeses, wine that paired perfectly, local meats, fresh baguettes, foie-gras and more. By the end of the tour we were all full and content. Overall it was a great experience. We learned a lot of interesting facts and had a great introduction to the market,…”
Luberon markets and medieval villages from Aix, with a small-group driver, market-time stops by day, and lavender-season photo stops.
“Bring a shopping bag for market day, not just water. Had seven total on the trip, plus guide. Nice sized group. Guide was wonderful.”
E-bike ride from Paris to Versailles with Notre Dame market picnic, Marie Antoinette sights, and Versailles palace entry, plus train back.
“Probably the best e bike trip I’ve done. Great route, very informative, nice equipment and awesome guide.”
Small-group Luberon villages tour from Aix, with market days in Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Apt and Ansouis plus big photo stops.
“Our guide was terrific. The tour of the different villages were amazing. Wonderful day!”
Shop Italy from Nice on a small-group day tour. Browse Bordighera and San Remo markets, visit Dolceacqua, and ride the coast.
“The tour was really excellent and we had a chance to visit a town that was not on the list as well (Apricale). Thank you for a great Italian experience!”
Shop a Latin Quarter market for French ingredients, cook classic dishes in a small group, then enjoy wine, cheese, and stories.
“This was by far one of the best cooking classes that I have ever attended. Shopping for fresh produce at the local market was exceptional topped off with an amazing cheese tasting. Our guide and chef for the day, Luke was extremely knowledgeable and approachable. Upon our return to the kitchen it was clean, spacious and very well equipped. Luke took us through various techniques and explained everything in a very clear way. Luke had a great sense of humour and the day flew by and was finally topped off by a wonderful meal that we had prepared.”
Full-day minibus tour from Marseille through Luberon markets, with Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, lavender options, and hilltop views.
“Our guide Carolina was very friendly and kind. I didn’t feel rushed at any point and she waited patiently for everyone to return, even if anyone was late. We visited 4 places and felt that we had enough time to explore each place with the time given by the guide. The trip is well worth the money, the views are amazing and locals very friendly - the setting is very fairly-take like. I would recommend trying local produce whilst on the trip - at the markets or local shops as the produce is very high quality and locally made. Would 100% recommend.”
Small-group Luberon villages from Marseille with AC comfort and market days. Visit up to six perched towns, including Gordes and Roussillon.
“Sebastian our Guide was simply AMAZING! Told us about history as we drove and all important landmarks. He took us to so many beautiful places in one day- Thoroughly enjoyed it.. Strongly recommended..”
Paris Saint-Ouen flea market insider tour, 90 minutes with an expert guide to spot quality and negotiate Paris-style bargains.
“The Paris flea market would have been so overwhelming if we tried to manage it on our own for the first time. This tour was the perfect introduction. Just enough time to get acquainted with the overall layout and pointed in the right direction. Definitely worth it.”
Walk the Seine and Paris 12th arrondissement with a small group, then shop at Marché Aligre for French picnic ingredients.
“Sophie was extremely knowledgeable, personable and flexible. What a great experience to see Paris in a personalized tour that takes you off the beaten path and introduces you to culture, history and multiple delicious food establishments.”
Colmar Christmas markets tour with village lights, wine cave tasting, and hotel pickup: Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Ribeauville.
“Los pueblos eran maravillosos. Visitamos Riquewihr, Kayserberg, Eguisheim, la experiencia de cata de vinos en Katzenthal fue muy divertida. El guía nos dio muy buenas informaciones sobre Alsacia. Un viaje inolvidable”
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