Contrary to popular belief, in winter, Provence is a favored destination for tourists worldwide; this is notably due to the charm of its towns and villages, its temperate climate, and its warm atmosphere, typical of the South of France.
During this season, Provence reveals itself to be calmer and unveils another side, which we present to you in this article dedicated to Provence in winter; discover the places to visit, activities to do, and the region from a different perspective!
Temperatures and Weather in Winter in Provence
Provence is renowned for its pleasant climate, which contrasts with the rest of the country, even in winter: the climate is mild on the Coast and temperatures rarely drop below 10°C. However, the villages in the hinterland are often cooler in winter, especially those exposed to the wind around the Vaucluse and in the Luberon heights; some peaks are even seen covered in snow. Moreover, rainy days are well below the national average, with an average, for example, of 6 rainy days in December 2024.
In summary, Provence is the ideal region in winter if you are looking for a temperate and generally warmer climate.
Places to Visit Off-Season in Provence
Contrary to what one might think, Provence in winter is ideal for hiking: indeed, the temperature is cool, and the landscapes reveal themselves in a different, softer, and calmer light; so, grab your best shoes, get equipped, and head to the following destinations:
- Mont Ventoux: nicknamed the Giant of Provence or the Bald Mountain, it is the highest point of these mountains at 1910 meters in altitude, making it a true paradise for hikers and climbing enthusiasts, regardless of the season; its demanding ascent and weather conditions, which can sometimes become hellish if you don’t prepare beforehand, mean we advise you to check the forecast carefully in the days leading up to your excursion and to bring appropriate equipment.
- The Alpilles: with its limestone massif sculpted by nature, the Alpilles massif is perfect if you wish to immerse yourself in a calm and wild environment in the heart of winter; in addition to the many trails that allow you to explore them entirely, you can go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing there, especially when snow is present on the ridges. If you want to gain some height and admire the Alpilles, join the Rocher des Deux Trous starting from the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for a hike of approximately 2 hours, weather permitting.
The Luberon: the Luberon massif is a mountain range located between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Vaucluse; within it, you can explore essential tourist sites, such as the Provençal Colorado of Rustrel, the most visited tourist site in the Vaucluse, where ochre is the dominant color; in addition to this place, the Luberon is renowned for its walks and hikes of all kinds.
Typical Winter Activities in Provence
Winter season in Provence means winter sports ! Indeed, due to its proximity to the Southern Alps, Provence remains a favorite spot for skiers eager to hit the slopes amidst postcard-perfect scenery! If you enjoy more unique activities, we recommend trying Nordic skiing, a sport that encompasses several skiing disciplines, such as cross-country skiing or ski jumping.
If winter sports don’t appeal to you for your winter holidays in Provence, you can take a trip to one of the region’s major cities, such as Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Toulon, or Arles, and discover their richness and history!
Finally, if you wish to stay connected with the typical nature of the South, many centers offer unusual activities, such as sleigh rides, especially in the Écrins National Park – you’ll feel transported to Lapland.
Christmas Markets and Seasonal Events
By visiting Provence for the end-of-year holidays, you can enjoy the magic of Christmas, where traditions and winter meet in the authentic markets of Provençal villages.
Moreover, regarding these, we recommend a few due to their originality and uniqueness, such as the one in Aix-en-Provence on Cours Mirabeau for its immersive and popular appeal, the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Christmas market for its rustic charm, or the Gordes Christmas market.
As for winter events, most take place on the ski slopes of the Southern Alps, such as the Women’s Alpine Ski European Cup, snow trails, like those in Queyras or Orcières (which, for the occasion, takes place at night), or Freeride competitions. For more information on events to follow in Provence in winter, click on this link !
Aix-en-Provence and other Provençal Villages in Winter
When we talk about Provence, we cannot overlook its most famous city: Aix-en-Provence ; with its almost constant sunshine, this university city is perfect in winter, especially if you wish to stroll peacefully through its streets. Besides a cool temperature, a special atmosphere reigns in the city, in addition to its architecture, history, fountains, and Provençal landscape.
Furthermore, winter means unmissable events, such as the Christmas market, but also New Year’s; we recommend you visit the official website of the Aix-en-Provence tourist office to learn more!
Why is Provence Worth Visiting in Winter?
Provence is a magnificent region brimming with all kinds of activities and natural wonders, even in winter; whether you love wide-open snowy spaces or the vibrancy of big cities, or both, you will be delighted to discover Provence in winter!
To facilitate your stay, Provence Plaisir offers accommodations tailored to your needs and close to the various activities we have suggested; visit our site to find your ideal accommodation and enjoy unique winter holidays!