21 Best Places to Shop in Nîmes and Arles, Provence

Where else should you buy blue jeans but in the birthplace of denim? Guillaume Sagot's hand-cut options for men and women are not only of supremely elegant cut and fit, but they're also sustainably produced, a rarity for denim. Made using 17th-century weaving techniques, the fabric is soft yet durable, so this chic boutique-atelier draws fashionistas from near and far.

Here you can stock up on fine soap, shampoo, body lotion, and other beauty products—all made using top-quality organic essential oils distilled in Provence.

This family enterprise (since 1957) earned the coveted status of Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) as the last shoemaker offering authentic boots for the famous Camargue cowboys, les gardians. Aside from some chic cowboy-esque models, there are stylish and durable full-length fashion boots and booties, suede and leather chukka boots, supersoft espadrilles, and strappy sandals—all made from supple, vegetable-tanned calfskin provided by the same tanner that supplies Hermès.

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.

With more than 100 stalls, Nîmes's central covered market is an excellent spot to stock up on all the area's gastronomic specialties: crisp PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) picholine olives and olive oil, anchoïade (a heady mix of anchovies crushed with garlic and olive oil), Pélardons goat cheeses from nearby Cévennes, and Costières de Nîmes wines.  For deeply satisfying regional cuisine—think brandade or taureau (bull's meat) with Camargue rice—and the convivial company of locals, head to Halles Auberge, which is open daily for lunch.

This confiseur (confectioner) dates from 1866 and is in its fifth generation of family ownership on the same St-Rémy premises. It makes the famous Provençal calisson, an almond-shape marzipan confection, as well as a gorgeous array of candied fruits—from cherries and strawberries to kiwis and even whole pumpkins—using a recipe credited to Nostradamus (a native son of St-Rémy). There are also fruit syrups, jams, chocolates, and regional honey. A tour of the factory and a stop in the beautiful boutique are pleasurable ways to spend and hour or two.

This fourth-generation winemaker's organic reds, whites, and rosés are served in gastronomic restaurants countrywide, so what better place to taste and buy these award-winning wines than at the source? How is it that they're allowed to reproduce a Van Gogh painting on their labels? Well, because the family mas is featured in the work!

Here you can purchase top-quality, AOC (controlled origin) olive oils and learn how they're made, from picking and pressing to blending and bottling. Free tours and tastings (in English) demonstrate why these regional oils—most made from green olives and some made from fermented black olives—end up on tables in some of the best restaurants in France.

For five generations, this family-run outfit has produced some of the country's finest olive oils. You can buy several varieties at the centrally located boutique—which also has a tantalizing array of tapenades, sauces, condiments, and jams—or visit the mill a mile out of town to see firsthand how the oil is made.

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.

Colorful, whimsical, elegant—the sculptural handblown glass creations sold here range from exquisite perfume flacons and decorative paperweights to everything you need to impress at the dining table.

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.

Although he's known for his creamy ganaches, Joël Durand also offers a range of gourmet chocolates, nut creams, and toffees, as well as marmalades made in Provence from tree-ripened fruit.

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.

This deeply Provençal boutique, known for its beautiful cotton textiles and smart tailoring, has been dressing elegant men and women, kids, and cowboys, since 1938. The colorful prints are original 18th- and 19th-century designs from the manufacturer's archives. You'll also find a range of quality accessories, home goods, and fabrics sold by the meter.

The longtime local favorite boulangerie–patisserie is the best place to buy yet another of Nîmes's many specialties: the jaw-breaking croquant, a confection made with roasted almonds and caramelized sugar.

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.

All those famous, gorgeous Provençal fabrics can be found at Souleiado, made into scarves and tailored shirts, dresses, and skirts. There's also a selection of bags, shoes, and other accessories.

This permanent covered market is at the heart of the city and puts on a mouthwatering show of olives, fresh fish, cheeses, and produce.