Between theatre, photography and music, culture reigns supreme in Provence in the summer, and there are plenty of festive events to choose from. From the world-famous Avignon Festival to the more intimate Festival d’Art Lyrique in Saint-Remy-de Provence, not forgetting the not-to-be-missed Festival of Photography in Arles, the cultural season is dense and the attractions varied. Take part in these unique events for an afternoon or a day, and you’ll be sure to discover Provence and its towns and villages in a whole new way, through the prism of art! Here’s a closer look at some of the major events and local curiosities that make up Provence in July.
Festival side
In the summer, more than at any other time of year, local events are packed to the rafters. And the opportunities to share a convivial moment with the locals are legion!
In the Alpilles alone, there’s no shortage of large-scale events!
The Avignon Festival
It’s the region’s MUST SEE event! Every July, Avignon transforms itself into a theatre town. It transforms its magnificent architectural heritage into a variety of venues for lovers of the performing arts. Plays, readings, exhibitions, films, debates …. The city becomes a real place of creation and adventure for all generations.
More info: https://festival-avignon.com/en
Les Rencontres d'Arles - Festival of Photography
Photography lovers and enthusiasts alike won’t want to miss the Rencontres de la photographie d’Arles. Since 1970, the town has been organising this major event every summer, with some forty exhibitions taking place in some of its finest heritage sites. It’s the perfect opportunity to educate your eye for photography!
Jazz under the stars - Jazz Festival
In Saint-Remy-de Provence, music is king and jazz is king. Every year in July, a special evening is dedicated to jazz: Jazz under the Stars. Although tickets are expensive, they are nevertheless free. We strongly advise you to book well in advance to ensure you are well seated.
Glanum Festival - Lyric Art
Music again, Saint-Remy always. The Festival de Glanum is the place to be for lovers of the lyric arts. Every year at the end of July, its rich programme is also aimed at neophytes wishing to discover the genre.
More info: https://www.festivaldeglanum.com/
Heritage: the culture of Provence
The Carrières de Lumières
In these old quarries dug into the heart of the rock and opened in 1800, the coolness is permanent and the wonder total!
You can (re)discover the works of the most famous painters, projected onto the walls, right into the rock. Digitised and animated, they come to life and take visitors on a journey through time and artistic trends. A conceptual and original way to enjoy art. Undoubtedly one of the most accessible for children, who are sure to marvel at these gigantic moving works set to music.
Night-time exhibitions at the Carrières de Lumières:
La Carrière organises (in addition to its permanent exhibitions) night-time exhibitions in July: ‘Destination Cosmos, l’Ultime défi’ for lovers of our solar system. Guaranteed to amaze!
More info: https://www.carrieres-lumieres.com/en
Les Baux de Provence Castle
It’s ‘the place to be’, a must-see. If you love castles, hills and picturesque villages, this is one of the jewels of the Alpilles not to be missed! Young and old alike will marvel at the cobbled streets and centuries-old dwellings with virtually intact medieval architecture that tower over visitors right up to the entrance to the castle. Without animation or a guide, or with both, let yourself be seduced by the medieval history that envelops the site. The unrivalled panorama offers a unique view of the valley, from Aix-en-Provence to Arles. But don’t go there on windy days!
Summer activities at the Château des Baux de Provence:
In July and August, the Château des Baux-de-Provence offers a series of family activities: crossbow shooting, demonstrations of war machines, guided tours… a fun and educational summer!
Practical tip: combined tickets with the Carrières de Lumières mean you can visit these two must-sees for less.
Cuisine side: the markets of Provence
Taste the flavours of the South
Take advantage of a mild, sunny morning to wander the aisles of one of the many markets that take place every week in the villages of the Alpilles. At Mouriès or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you’ll be intoxicated by the smells of local cuisine, charmed by the bright colours of seasonal fruit and vegetables and transported by the authentic flavours of traditional dishes. To extend the experience, enlist the services of a chef specialising in typical Provençal cuisine. He or she will accompany you to the market, carefully selecting the right ingredients to prepare your evening meal together, either in the restaurant or at home, during a cookery class.
For more information, please contact us
Night-time designer market – Saint-Rémy-de-Provence:
Take advantage of the cool twilight to wander the streets of the town and discover the many exhibitors at the designer market. Every Tuesday evening, the colourful stalls of ceramists, decorators, jewellers and other art and fashion craftspeople await you.
More info: Marché des créateurs nocturne – Ville de Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (mairie-saintremydeprovence.com)
