Vaucluse is one of the most vibrant destinations in Provence: while its hilltop villages, Luberon landscapes, Mont Ventoux, and vineyards draw visitors year-round, the area is also renowned for its rich cultural and festive calendar. Theatre, music, Provençal traditions, ancient heritage, or grape harvest celebrations: every season brings key highlights shaping the identity of this region.
Whether for the world’s largest theatre festival in Avignon, the ancient theatre of Orange, or one of Europe’s top equestrian shows, there are plenty of reasons to visit. Explore upcoming vaucluse events to plan a memorable holiday in Provence!
Major vaucluse events
The Avignon Festival: a world stage for performing arts
It is impossible to discuss vaucluse events without mentioning the Avignon Festival, created in 1947 by Jean Vilar. Every July, the City of Popes turns into the world capital of theatre, welcoming artists, directors, companies, and spectators from all over the globe. The Festival In presents an official programme featuring contemporary creations, classic plays, dance, music, performances, and readings. Shows take place in iconic venues such as the majestic Cour d’Honneur in the Palais des Papes, as well as historic theatres and heritage sites across Avignon. Alongside this, the Festival Off d’Avignon transforms the entire city into an open-air stage; with more than a thousand shows staged every year, it stands as one of the largest independent theatre festivals worldwide. From comedies and revised classics to children’s theatre, stand-up, puppetry, and experimental works, the diverse programme offers something for everyone.
Les Chorégies d'Orange: opera nights in an exceptional ancient setting
Every summer, Les Chorégies d’Orange brings one of France’s oldest music festivals to life in a unique location: the Ancient Theatre of Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its remarkably preserved Roman stage wall and superb natural acoustics, this monument hosts grand opera productions and symphonic concerts featuring leading conductors, opera singers, and international orchestras.
Attending a performance at Les Chorégies is a rare experience worth adding to your itinerary. At nightfall, the lighting highlights the ancient stone while works by Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, or Wagner take on a spectacular dimension in a setting nearly two thousand years old. It offers a captivating atmosphere that celebrates opera alongside heritage and artistic excellence.
Cheval Passion: Avignon's premier equestrian gathering
In the depth of winter, horse lovers visiting Vaucluse head to Cheval Passion, one of Europe’s largest equestrian shows. This event brings together professional riders, breeders, vets, craftspeople, equipment makers, and the general public around a rich programme.
Visitors can watch demonstrations of dressage, show jumping, liberty work, vaulting, and traditional Camargue riding. The equestrian performances frequently combine music, light displays, and artistic staging, providing impressive shows suited to all the family.
Les Soirées de Gordes: culture in one of France's most beautiful villages
Perched high on its rocky outcrop, Gordes, a magnificent village to explore in the Luberon, hosts several cultural gatherings each summer. Among them, Les Soirées de Gordes features classical music, jazz, world music concerts, theatre, and recitals set in intimate locations like the castle terraces or village squares.
The mood here differs from larger festivals: guests enjoy performances on a human scale while taking in sweeping views of the Luberon. You can also take time to wander through the cobbled streets of Gordes, dine outside in the evening air, or watch the sunset over the rolling hills of Provence.
Le Ban des Vendanges: celebrating the start of the harvest in Provence
At the end of summer, several wine-making towns across Vaucluse celebrate the Ban des Vendanges, an old tradition marking the official start of the grape harvest. This occasion is lively in villages producing Luberon, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.
The programme typically includes parades in traditional Provençal dress, wine brotherhoods, wine tastings, producers’ markets, live music, outdoor meals, and craft demonstrations. It provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, meet local winemakers, and sample unique wines in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Vaucluse: a destination with major events in every season
From theatre productions at the Avignon Festival to opera nights at Les Chorégies d’Orange, the equestrian world of Cheval Passion, concerts in Gordes, and harvest traditions, Vaucluse offers an outstanding cultural calendar all year round.
Make the most of your holiday in the region by booking tickets for upcoming highlights, and let us help you find the ideal holiday rental for your stay. Contact our reservations team today and let us take care of the rest!