Small summer markets in the evenings in the villages

In the summer, around Aubenas, the villages come alive, and some offer weekly night markets: we promise you incredible moments.

Why are these markets essential?

Really good local products

You won't find a shorter supply chain. Here, you'll be welcomed by the farmers of your village or the next one over. They often have products you won't find in shops: small-scale production or things they normally keep for their families. From the vegetable grower to the pig farmer selling sausages, don't necessarily expect stalls full of marketing pros. For them, it's the product that counts, and nothing else!

Everything you need to know about local products

Incredible encounters

You arrive with four people in the car, and you eat with sixteen around a table! Whether you're in front of the barbecue, in the queue for fries, or sitting next to you on the bench, you're likely to meet a lot of people. Jean-Louis, who has lived here his whole life, will probably tell you about the village school when he was little; Maryvonne will share her recipe for caillettes (a type of sausage), and her best jokes; Pina, a Belgian tourist, will tell you about her canyoning trip in English… In short, you'll leave with lots of new friends and plenty of good cheer.

Children's paradise

You barely had time to grill two sausages before your little ones had already made about fifty new friends. Between the tables, they were running everywhere, dancing, laughing, eating fries with their fingers… And the parents were also enjoying this moment of respite: in villages, children's safety is everyone's responsibility. So don't be surprised if your child comes home looking sheepish after getting a bit of a scolding from one of the older folks. The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" is taken very seriously around here! In any case, your children won't soon forget these evenings.

Unique moments

And then there's always a concert or some other form of entertainment on the program: a local band, a storyteller, the village brass band, or the French cancan club that shows up between bites of ratatouille. Don't expect a seated audience: people clap, sing along to the lyrics they half know, and there are always one or two dancers who take the lead and get everyone else moving. These aren't shows you watch from afar; they're moments you share.

Our practical advice

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING → Small villages often mean narrow roads and small parking lots. We advise you not to arrive too late to ensure you find a parking space. We also advise you, of course, to take it easy on the local beer: the narrow, winding roads require a certain amount of driver concentration!

EQUIPMENT TO BRING → You can spot the ones who've got it all figured out right away: they arrive with their cutlery, their plates, sometimes even with their camping table and chairs! Also bring water and cups, a small bin to take with you when you leave if you can… In short, everything that will allow you to spend more time enjoying the moment than looking for solutions.