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.
One of the first things that come to mind when you think of Provence is a magnificent lavender field
Wine and cheese are a classic, but in Provence, these words have a whole new meaning
Bright-yellow sunflower fields provide a beautiful contrast to the lush purple rows of lavender
Not only the flavour of this fish soup is special, but the method of serving it as well
Provence is famous not only for wine and lavender but also for the beautiful beaches and the bright-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea
The so-called "Grand Canyon of France" is a beautiful river valley with breathtaking views
Explore villages, olive groves, vineyards, and other wonders in the Mont Ventoux region
Take a scenic drive to the highest mountain of Provence
You might think it's only mayonnaise but you'll discover that it's the centre piece of delicious provençal cuisine
An iconic high mountain pass featured in the iconic Tour de France race
The mix of adrenaline pumping in your blood and the terrific scenery is unforgettable
Not the Disney movie, but the mouthwatering stewed vegetable dish from Nice
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
These beautiful bonfire nights are held in every town and village of Provence
A system of cables and ladders that Italian soldiers used for crossing the Dolomites is now a fun playground
Glamorous resorts, small old port towns, magnificent landscapes and, of course, the azure water. The French Riviera is truly a sailor's paradise!
Plunge into clear turquoise water and explore the unique marine life of the Blue Coast
The highest year-round pass in France
The favourite apéritif of Provence
Find shelter under the exotic trees of Monaco
Provence is blessed with hundreds of kilometres of world-class mountain bike trails
Visit the dungeon from the Count of Monte Cristo novel
Discover the south coast of France by tasting local street food
One of the largest caves in France offers an exceptional show
Watch a small sleepy seaside town of Saintes Maries de la Mer turns into a noisy and wild carnival with Gypsy dancing and music
This natural treasure of Provence and cousin to the Scandinavian fjords is an essential highlight of any trip to the region
The world's biggest, most challenging and beautiful cycling event
A sport in which the French are the ultimate champions
Travel from town to town, visiting the festivities dedicated to the beautiful mimosa blossom
One of the world's biggest and most important events, the Cannes Film Festival speaks for itself
Save the date for the annual Nice Jazz Festival to be spoilt with the best of national and international timeless music
The sun, the breeze, the Bay of Saint-Tropez and, of course, the beautiful yachts. All this creates an unforgettable spectacle
Visit Cavaillon's most fragrant and sweet festival and taste some Charentais melons—a local speciality
If 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
A little province in the South of France is the chestnut capital of the world
You can either repeat Edmond Dantès' feat or watch the 2-kilometer swimming race and enjoy yourself on the shore
A traditional celebration of the medieval past and the wine grape harvest in Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the first weekend of August
This equestrian event in Avignon is an elegant and original spectacle
In Provence you can still experience traditional farming and take part in olive harvesting
Sweet festivals in beautiful old villages are a sign of spring
During this festival, you'll be able not only to admire photography but also the architecture of the festival's venues
A joyous and epicurean celebration of the arrival of the new Côtes du Rhône vintage
September is a very special time of the year which every farmer with a vineyard looks forward to
The home of a famous triathlon, Aix-en-Provence, annualy gathers triathletes from all over the world for a big race
Take 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
A perfect opportunity to visit the great museums of Provence for free!
The people in Provence are very protective of their traditions and this annual event is a good example
The bright, colourful, and fragrant Lemon Festival is among the most important events of the Riviera
A precious spice is made out of the beautiful and tender flowers of saffron in Provence
What could be better than lovely Arlesian women dressed in gorgeous costumes walking the streets of beautiful Arles?
Even if you don't like oysters, you'll love them in France!
A traditional feast day in the lovely little town of Fréjus
In l'Isle sur la Sorgue you'll find a very unusual way to buy some fresh vegetables, fruits, or seafood from the local farmers
Discover the other side of Provence in small village ski resorts
This National Holiday is the largest and most important annual celebration in France
Admire thousands of pink flamingos and other migrating birds on the waters of Camargue
Discover the medieval world of Tourrette-Levens
This contemporary circus brings true aesthetic pleasure
Formula 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
Visit Provence during the winter holidays and you won't regret it
A great opportunity for antiquity lovers to find something special
You'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
The sea and the wind of Provence make it one of the world's best spots for kitesurfing
The sweetest Provençal tradition—lei tretze dessèrts
This international music festival is an essential part of Marseille's cultural identity
Save the date for one one-of-a-kind jazz festival with a French charm
A joyful and spectacular event, which those in love with dance shouldn't miss
A tender and aromatic beef stew
A creative tradition to celebrate the patron of the village of Cucuron
Europe's oldest jazz festival at an iconic Mediterranean seaside location
A perfect place to taste some famous hand-picked sea urchins
A week-long snowboarding and music extravaganza
Welcome the new beginning shouting out "Bonne année!" at midnight
The true food of kings, a traditional winter dessert in Provence