7 Best Places to Shop in Arles, Provence

Maire Duchêne, an independent perfumer trained in Grasse, the world capital of perfumes, dreamed of creating fragrances that would capture the essence of Arles and its beautiful surroundings. Her dream has been realized in this jewel of a boutique where her five sensuous perfumes evoke the spirit of Arles in a mix of citrus and pink peppercorn, the Camargue in notes of vetiver and amber, and Les Baux in lemon and white flowers. Her sublime smelling soaps and candles make for heady mementos of Provence.

This shop has picks for women—bold jewelry, exuberant scarves, and colorful sunglasses (Jackie O herself once bought a pair here)—as well as a selection of scented candles, stationery, and glassware in a range of gorgeous jewel tones. There are also some vintage items.

The perfume giant originated in Provence, and its offerings—from irresistible range of perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics to its fabrics, fashions for the entire family, and home decor—all celebrate the region’s sun-kissed fruit, flowers, and colors. The latest fragrance collection focuses on lemon flower, but scents like night-blooming jasmine, fleur d’orange, lilac, and iris are perennial favorites.

The products of this world-renowned fragrance and skin care company are still made in nearby Manosque using regional ingredients. Make sure to sniff Jasmine Immortelle Neroli and Arlésienne, a floral tribute to the women of the South of France.

This boutique specializes in a huge range of pure, plant-based cosmetics from one of Provence's oldest and most venerable producers of fine lavender oil. The range includes face creams, hand and body lotions, toning gels, massage oil, bath milk, hydrosols, and much more.

The soaps, cosmetics, and products for the home sold here are of exceptional artisanal quality. Marius Fabre is one of only six soap makers in France that still produce "le vrai" savon de Marseille the traditional way: cooked in giant vats with at least 72% pure olive oil, no fragrances (or only natural essential oils added later), and air-aged on wooden slats. 

This well-stocked boutique has a good selection of clothing for men and women, as well as table linens and fabrics.