A trip to Gard, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, provides abundant opportunities to bring home pantry staples such as jam, honey and herbs, which are sold at open-air markets like the one in the Place aux Herbes in Uzès on Saturday mornings, or in Les Halles de Nîmes, the city’s wonderful covered food market. Other items to look for in the open-air markets include dried lavender sachets, table linens, olive-wood cutting boards, olive tapenade, baskets and faience. Gard was a major pottery-producing region even before it was settled by the Romans, and it still has many ateliers where ceramics are handmade today. The region’s other well-known handicrafts are baskets and furniture woven from willow, reeds and other grasses. Their quality is vastly better than the similar Asian imports found in American stores.

Since opening hours change and some ateliers are open by appointment only, it’s strongly advised to call ahead before visiting our recommended artisans.

Ceramiques Pichon

Founded in 1802, this family-owned ceramics atelier produces traditional handmade southern French ceramics, including marbleware — different colored clays are mixed together to create a distinctive swirling pattern — and delicate latticed bread baskets and bowls. It also sells plates, pitchers, vases and many other objects. This is an excellent place to shop for gifts.