In this article, find all the necessary information to spend an unforgettable New Year in Provence. Let our agency Plaisirs & Maisons de Provence guide you and book your stay on our website, in just a few clicks. Best destinations, events, traditions, restaurants, activities to do…
The Spirit of New Year in Provence
In Provence, New Year is experienced with simplicity and character. Far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, the villages retain a peaceful atmosphere, marked by conviviality and local traditions. Between the charm of illuminated towns, gourmet traditions (don’t miss the famous 13 desserts!) and festive events, you will find the atmosphere that suits you.
Provençal New Year’s Eve has something intimately authentic about it. People gather around a generous table, savor local products, and perpetuate the traditions of a region where time seems to slow down.
Where to spend New Year in Provence this year?
Come discover the Luberon during the end-of-year holidays and admire its perched villages lighting up (Gordes, Ménerbes, Lourmarin). Enjoy winter markets, numerous walks in the hills, and dinners by the fireplace. Celebrate New Year in Provence in complete privacy in an exceptional natural setting.
Vacation rental Luberon CABRIERES D'AVIGNON LS2-2
From 79.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool GARGAS LS2-15
From 128.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MAUBEC LS2-188
From 85.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MERINDOL LS2-153
From 108.00€ per night
The Alpilles invite you to a New Year imbued with elegance and traditions. In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Les Baux-de-Provence, the streets are adorned with lights and tables are laden with local products: olive oil, Crau lamb, hillside wines.
Vacation rental house with pool AUREILLE LS2-287
From 172.00€ per night
Vacation rental villa pool Orgon LS1-117
From 113.00€ per night
Vacation rental with heated pool Mouries LS1-140
From 158.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MOURIES LS1-174
From 215.00€ per night
Between mountain authenticity and Provençal charm, Mont Ventoux combines Southern conviviality with the freshness of the heights, for a New Year that is both rejuvenating and invigorating.
Avignon blends culture and festivity for a vibrant New Year. The city of popes lights up with a thousand lights, restaurants compete in creativity for New Year’s Eve dinners, and the streets resonate with music and elegance.
Vacation rental house with pool AVIGNON LS6-284.
From 143.00€ per night
Vacation rental with pool BARBENTANE LS6-255
From 143.00€ per night
Vacation rental CAUMONT SUR DURANCE LS6-409.
From 286.00€ per night
Holiday rental CAUMONT SUR DURANCE LS6-248
From 215.00€ per night
In Aix-en-Provence, New Year is celebrated with refinement. The fountains, golden facades, and lively squares provide a luminous backdrop for the festivities.
Vacation rental pool CHATEAUNEUF LE ROUGE LS7-80.
From 56.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool VENELLES LS7-257
From 143.00€ per night
Luxury vacation rental SALON DE PROVENCE LS7-351
From 358.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool SENAS LS1-316
From 143.00€ per night
Events and Traditions of Provençal New Year's Eve
In Provence, the most codified traditions (the Gros Souper, the 13 desserts, the Cacho-fio) are historically linked to Christmas Eve (December 24), but they mark the entire holiday season, including the transition to New Year.
- The 13 Desserts (Symbol of Prosperity): Although traditionally enjoyed after Christmas Midnight Mass, these thirteen sweets remain on the table for three days, symbolizing abundance and prosperity for the coming year. Each guest must taste a little to ensure good fortune.
- The Settings: Traditionally, the table is adorned with three tablecloths (representing the Trinity), St. Barbara’s wheat (sown on December 4), and three candles.
The New Year’s Eve meal often consists of regional products: candied fruits, calissons, Ventoux or Alpilles wines, new olive oil, game or fish depending on customs.
In some towns, village meals or dances are organized, sometimes outdoors if the weather permits. People dance, toast, and exchange wishes in a family-friendly rather than overly festive atmosphere. In Avignon, Aix, or Arles, restaurants and hotels offer New Year’s Eve dinners combining gastronomy and music, while in the small villages of the Luberon or the Alpilles, proximity, calm, and conviviality are preferred.
For December 31st, it is essential to book your dinner or your spot for a show and your accommodation in advance, as events quickly sell out. January 1st is a day of rest, ideal for brunch or a nature hike in the Luberon.
The best restaurants for December 31st
- L’Auberge de Saint-Rémy in the Alpilles (Gastronomic Table – Fanny Rey)
- Art Club Resto Club (Dinner Show) between Aix and Marseille
- La Vieille Fontaine, Hôtel d’Europe in Avignon city center
- La Mado in Aix-en-Provence
Ideas for activities to do before or after New Year's Eve
Come spend a few days in Provence around New Year’s and enjoy a region still active despite the winter season.
Before New Year’s Eve, visitors often take the time to discover the Christmas markets that run until the end of December, particularly in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, or Carpentras. Artisans present their local products, santons, and sweet specialties typical of the season.
The days are perfect for walks in the villages of the Luberon or the Alpilles. It’s also a good time to visit wine estates, taste new olive oils, or explore the trails of Mont Ventoux and the Luberon Regional Natural Park under a striking winter light.
Les Carrières des Lumières (in Les Baux-de-Provence) extend their exhibitions until January. It’s a fascinating immersive experience in a unique place, often open, including on January 1st (always check specific holiday hours).
Book your accommodation with Palisirs & Maisons de Provence
Plaisirs & Maisons de Provence offers a wide range of holiday rentals to spend New Year in Provence. Exceptional properties for all desires. Book in advance to take advantage of the best offers! Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about this very special time of year.