Marche aux fleurs du Prado

The Marche aux fleurs du Prado is a Friday flower market held on the even side of the Avenue du Prado in Marseille's 8th arrondissement, between Castellane and Perier, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of France. It sells local and imported cut flowers, orchids, roses, lilies and other plants, and it runs on Friday mornings from about 7:30AM to 1PM. The goods are decorative rather than souvenir items, and the market is aimed at Marseille residents buying bouquets for the home, so the authentic-to-tourist ratio is very high; there are almost no trinkets. The vendors range from professional florists to growers who bring seasonal stems from the surrounding region, and the choice follows the seasons, with mimosa and anemones in winter, and roses, peonies and lavender-coloured bouquets in spring and summer. Prices are modest compared with city-centre florists, and sellers often make up bouquets to order. Bargaining is not part of the culture, but vendors may add extra stems or discount large bunches near the end of the market. Cash is the usual method of payment, though some established florists accept cards. Tax-refund rules do not apply to flowers, and visitors travelling abroad should check import restrictions on plants before taking living material home. The atmosphere is calm and colourful compared with the neighbouring general market, with a steady flow of local shoppers rather than heavy crowds. There is no food on site, but cafes and bakeries along the Avenue du Prado serve coffee and pastries. The market is close to the Marche du Prado, and the two can be combined on a Friday morning; the flower rows are the main attraction, with the orchid and potted plant stalls as the other points of interest. Visitors staying in a rental apartment can buy a bouquet as an inexpensive way to decorate their stay.