Provence
Which season to choose for a trip to Provence
Published on 18 June 2026 · 2 min read
Lavender, mistral, summer markets, winter light: a month-by-month guide to choosing your dates.
Spring (March to May)
Almond then cherry blossom, terraces reopening, sites still quiet. Temperatures of 15 to 25 °C with occasional mistral. The best season for walking in the Alpilles.
Summer (June to August)
Lavender peaks in early July and festivals follow one another — Aix, Avignon, Arles. Days are hot: sightsee early, retreat to the shade after lunch, come out again after 6pm. Book your nights several months ahead.
Autumn (September to November)
Our favourite season. Grape harvest, the first olives, golden light and villages that belong to their residents again. The sea in the calanques stays swimmable into October.
Winter (December to February)
Christmas markets, the thirteen desserts, santons and low raking light without the crowds. Unlike the hilltop villages, Salon-de-Provence stays alive all year.
