The plant-based landscape in Luberon and Provence is continuously evolving with more and more options becoming available. I live in a small medieval village in the hills around Apt, the principal city for vilages in the Luberon hills. With a bit over 10.000 inhabitants Apt is much bigger then Viens where I live: our village counts around 600 souls. the place where I do my shopping. And yes, there is an increasing number of grocery shops where you can get vegan produce. Here are a few of my tips and no there is no sponsoring involved. This is simply me sharing my tips that are firmly rooted in my life as a whole food plant-based chef in Luberon, Provence. 

Every Saturday there is the big open air market in Apt. There are various local suppliers of wonderful vegetables. Look for the small stands and the sign “bio”. These are not fancy stands, the produce however is fantastic. In the middle, on Place du Septier you will find David who is the dynamic host to a massive bio vegetable and fruit stand. Good produce for good prices. Small local producers also sell their wonderful produce on the Tuesday morning market. Much smaller than the Saturday market, but very lovely. I like to go early. Which for Luberon understandings is around 08.30-09.00. Earlier doesn’t help as the merchants are still settig up shop before that time. I usually bike to the market with my dog in the front of my cargobike, if you go by car parking is a serious challenge. As is navigating the crowds in summer. So my tip: go early!

Shops with a steady selection of vegan products in Apt:

• Biocoop is a chain of smaller scale, very local produce oriented super markets. Every shop has its own selection of local suppliers and as part of their ethical code they favor selling “en vrac” so bring your own containers! I shop at the Biocoop in Apt 30 Avenue du Viaduc, with a lovely staff, discounted vegetables that may not be perfect but taste great and I particularly love a nut yoghurt they sell that is produced on the other side of France by a small scale producer. 
• In Apt: Épicerie Verte in the center, 83 Boulevard Maréchal Foch which features a good selection of vegan products and a great selection of gluten free products. They sell fantastic gluten free bread and have Rythm108 cookies on stock. 
• Also in Apt: Luberon bio, 266 Avenue de Roumanille has a good, diverse selection of vegan products, including the locally produced Japanese style tofu from Atelier du Tofu
• At LeClerc – the big supermarket – they also have some processed vegan options such as Violife, Vuna and sometimes Huera products. 
• Good vegan cheese French produced are Jay & Joy, they do not always have Le Bleuette, but if you can get it: it truly is good! 

Let me know if this is helpful for you or if you have an address that I missed! Soyez le bienveue & bon appétit!