Best time to visit Provence & French Riviera
Best time of year to visit Provence & French Riviera
Beach, lavender blooming, and lots of outdoor activities? This is summer, and most people consider it to be the best time to visit Provence. If you are a real lavender lover, you can ignore the crowds and come between June and August to get astonished by the endless purple fields. Summer brings appealing beach season and perfect hiking, just keep in mind packed hotels and higher prices. Warm autumn brings the sweetest grapes and the best olives you've ever tasted. The tourist crowds dissipate, yet in September the days remain long and sunny. December through February is the high time to enjoy extreme price cuts, explore the magnificent Calanques, hunt for truffles, ski in the Southern Alps, and taste great Christmas foods. Spring months are pleasant, villages awaken as it gets warmer, and tourist flocks haven't arrived yet, so you can experience a more authentic life in the region.
24 THINGS TO DO IN PROVENCE & FRENCH RIVIERA (JUNE 19 - JUNE 28)
Lavender Fields in Bloom
One of the first things that come to mind when you think of Provence is a magnificent lavender field
Fromage de Chèvre or Goat Cheese
Wine and cheese are a classic, but in Provence, these words have a whole new meaning
Sunflower Fields
Bright-yellow sunflower fields provide a beautiful contrast to the lush purple rows of lavender
Bouillabaisse
Not only the flavour of this fish soup is special, but the method of serving it as well
Beach Season
Provence is famous not only for wine and lavender but also for the beautiful beaches and the bright-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea
Hiking in Gorges du Verdon
The so-called "Grand Canyon of France" is a beautiful river valley with breathtaking views
Cycling around Mont Ventoux
Explore villages, olive groves, vineyards, and other wonders in the Mont Ventoux region
Mont Ventoux
Take a scenic drive to the highest mountain of Provence
Aïoli
You might think it's only mayonnaise but you'll discover that it's the centre piece of delicious provençal cuisine
Col d'Izoard
An iconic high mountain pass featured in the iconic Tour de France race
White Water Rafting
The mix of adrenaline pumping in your blood and the terrific scenery is unforgettable
Ratatouille
Not the Disney movie, but the mouthwatering stewed vegetable dish from Nice
Canoeing and Kayaking
If rafting seems too extreme and simple paddling is too boring, you might want to try some mixed water activities like canoe or kayak-rafting
Fête de la Saint-Jean or St. John Feast
These beautiful bonfire nights are held in every town and village of Provence
Alpine Via Ferrata
A system of cables and ladders that Italian soldiers used for crossing the Dolomites is now a fun playground
Sailing
Glamorous resorts, small old port towns, magnificent landscapes and, of course, the azure water. The French Riviera is truly a sailor's paradise!
Diving
Plunge into clear turquoise water and explore the unique marine life of the Blue Coast
Col du Lautaret
The highest year-round pass in France
Pastis
The favourite apéritif of Provence
Exotic Garden of Monaco
Find shelter under the exotic trees of Monaco
Mountain Biking
Provence is blessed with hundreds of kilometres of world-class mountain bike trails
Chateau d'If
Visit the dungeon from the Count of Monte Cristo novel
Socca
Discover the south coast of France by tasting local street food
The Cave of Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche
One of the largest caves in France offers an exceptional show
51 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
The Gitan Pilgrimage
out of rangeWatch a small sleepy seaside town of Saintes Maries de la Mer turns into a noisy and wild carnival with Gypsy dancing and music
Exploring the Calanques
out of rangeThis natural treasure of Provence and cousin to the Scandinavian fjords is an essential highlight of any trip to the region
Tour De France
out of rangeThe world's biggest, most challenging and beautiful cycling event
Pétanque World Championship (Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque)
out of rangeA sport in which the French are the ultimate champions
Mimosa Route
out of rangeTravel from town to town, visiting the festivities dedicated to the beautiful mimosa blossom
Festival De Cannes
out of rangeOne of the world's biggest and most important events, the Cannes Film Festival speaks for itself
Nice Jazz Festival
out of rangeSave the date for the annual Nice Jazz Festival to be spoilt with the best of national and international timeless music
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
out of rangeThe sun, the breeze, the Bay of Saint-Tropez and, of course, the beautiful yachts. All this creates an unforgettable spectacle
Feria du Melon and Melon Season
out of rangeVisit Cavaillon's most fragrant and sweet festival and taste some Charentais melons—a local speciality
Pain, Amour et Chocolat
out of rangeIf you have a great love affair with chocolate, you have to visit Bread, Love, and Chocolate Fair in Antibes for the Valentine's Day weekend
Carnaval de Nice
out of rangeThe most important winter event in the French Riviera and one of the largest Carnivals in the world
Chestnut Season and Fête de la Châtaigne
out of rangeA little province in the South of France is the chestnut capital of the world
Le Défi de Monte-Cristo or the Monte Cristo Challenge
out of rangeYou can either repeat Edmond Dantès' feat or watch the 2-kilometer swimming race and enjoy yourself on the shore
Fête De La Véraison
canceledA traditional celebration of the medieval past and the wine grape harvest in Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the first weekend of August
Cheval Passion
out of rangeThis equestrian event in Avignon is an elegant and original spectacle
Olive Picking
out of rangeIn Provence you can still experience traditional farming and take part in olive harvesting
Strawberry Harvest and Fête de la Fraise
out of rangeSweet festivals in beautiful old villages are a sign of spring
The Rencontres d'Arles
out of rangeDuring this festival, you'll be able not only to admire photography but also the architecture of the festival's venues
Millévin
out of rangeA joyous and epicurean celebration of the arrival of the new Côtes du Rhône vintage
Wine Grape Harvest
out of rangeSeptember is a very special time of the year which every farmer with a vineyard looks forward to
Ironman 70.3
out of rangeThe home of a famous triathlon, Aix-en-Provence, annualy gathers triathletes from all over the world for a big race
Centifolia Rose and Jasmine Harvest
out of rangeTake a tour into the gardens of Grasse to find out just what it takes to make some of the important ingredients for your favourite fragrances in the capital of the perfume industry
The Long Night of Museums
out of rangeA perfect opportunity to visit the great museums of Provence for free!
Traditional Fishing with Nego-Chin Boats
out of rangeThe people in Provence are very protective of their traditions and this annual event is a good example
Fête du Citron (Menton Lemon Festival)
out of rangeThe bright, colourful, and fragrant Lemon Festival is among the most important events of the Riviera
Saffron Farms
out of rangeA precious spice is made out of the beautiful and tender flowers of saffron in Provence
Fête du Costume in Arles
unconfirmedWhat could be better than lovely Arlesian women dressed in gorgeous costumes walking the streets of beautiful Arles?
Oyster Season
out of rangeEven if you don't like oysters, you'll love them in France!
Les Bravades de Fréjus
out of rangeA traditional feast day in the lovely little town of Fréjus
Floating Market
out of rangeIn l'Isle sur la Sorgue you'll find a very unusual way to buy some fresh vegetables, fruits, or seafood from the local farmers
Skiing in the Southern Alps
out of rangeDiscover the other side of Provence in small village ski resorts
Le 14 Juillet or Bastille Day
out of rangeThis National Holiday is the largest and most important annual celebration in France
Birdwatching in Camargue Natural Park
out of rangeAdmire thousands of pink flamingos and other migrating birds on the waters of Camargue
Tourrette-Levens Medieval Festival
on holdDiscover the medieval world of Tourrette-Levens
L'entre-Deux Biennales Circus Festival
out of rangeThis contemporary circus brings true aesthetic pleasure
Monaco Grand Prix
out of rangeFormula One race time is nothing but speed, glamour, passion, noise, and a hint of danger because the cars are never too far away from the barriers
Christmas
out of rangeVisit Provence during the winter holidays and you won't regret it
Foire Internationale Art et Antiquités
out of rangeA great opportunity for antiquity lovers to find something special
Black Truffle
out of rangeYou'll be able to not just taste some black truffles, but also hunt them, visit the truffle fair, or try out other interesting activities offered by local farmers
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
out of rangeThe sea and the wind of Provence make it one of the world's best spots for kitesurfing
The Thirteen Christmas Desserts
out of rangeThe sweetest Provençal tradition—lei tretze dessèrts
Fiesta des Suds
out of rangeThis international music festival is an essential part of Marseille's cultural identity
Charlie Jazz Festival
out of rangeSave the date for one one-of-a-kind jazz festival with a French charm
Les Hivernales
out of rangeA joyful and spectacular event, which those in love with dance shouldn't miss
Daube
out of rangeA tender and aromatic beef stew
Saint Tulle's May Day in Cucuron
unconfirmedA creative tradition to celebrate the patron of the village of Cucuron
Jazz à Juan
out of rangeEurope's oldest jazz festival at an iconic Mediterranean seaside location
Les Oursinades
out of rangeA perfect place to taste some famous hand-picked sea urchins
Snowattack
out of rangeA week-long snowboarding and music extravaganza
New Year's Eve in France
out of rangeWelcome the new beginning shouting out "Bonne année!" at midnight
Brioche des Rois
out of rangeThe true food of kings, a traditional winter dessert in Provence
