As good weather and warmth begin to appear in the Provençal landscape, nature slowly reclaims its rights: the first almond blossoms open, poppy fields and cherry trees adorn the paths… In short, spring in Provence offers a true festival of vibrant colors, intoxicating scents, and delicate flavors to those in the know, and this from the beginning of March.
Do you want to visit Provence during spring to admire what makes this beautiful region so special? Then read on and discover Provence at its best!
The weather and Provençal landscape in spring
Spring in Provence is special because you’ll witness its arrival firsthand: days get longer, temperatures rise and the landscapes begin to transform from early blossoms to lush greenery. Moreover, it’s the ideal season to enjoy a temperate climate before the typical summer heat, but also to discover Provence and its villages without the summer crowds.
Furthermore, spring temperatures in Provence contrast sharply with winter: temperatures rise considerably, easily reaching 20 degrees Celsius during the day, although mornings and evenings remain cooler; the mistral wind is less frequent, and afternoons become warm, allowing you to enjoy terraces and convivial outdoor meals, as well as more pleasant country walks.
The best villages to visit in spring
Provence is a region of unparalleled heritage richness; in other words, the towns and villages that make up the region are unique and each have something to discover, and many bear the label “Most Beautiful Villages of France “, a title that speaks volumes about their picturesque beauty. Here are a few villages we highly recommend visiting during your spring getaway in Provence:
- Lourmarin: considered one of the seven “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, this Provençal village is very lively, even in spring! At the foot of the rounded and wild slopes of the Luberon, you won’t want to miss visiting its small boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants offering traditional cuisine that you absolutely must try.
- Roussillon: renowned for its ochre-colored cliffs, Roussillon is a colorful village in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon. Its warm-toned facades, typical architecture, and the Ochre Trail make it a must-visit destination that you can explore, whether alone or with family, at any time of day.
- Baux-de-Provence : with 22 classified monuments, Baux-de-Provence, nestled in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park, is home to incomparable cultural richness. This Provençal village, with its medieval monuments, immerses you in the daily life of a bygone era with the Château des Baux, Saint-Vincent des Baux Church with its troglodyte section and modern stained-glass windows, and its Carrière des Lumières, a surprising place where artworks are projected directly onto the stone!
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: At the entrance to the Verdon Gorges lies the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a charming village gracefully nestled against a cliff where ceramics are a tradition, even a true institution! As a result, about twenty shops offer varied, refined, and colorful pieces, perfect for bringing back a truly original Provençal souvenir. For hiking, the village is ideally located: you can go to Lake Sainte-Croix a few kilometers away to walk around it and enjoy water activities.
Some activities to do in Provence in spring
Besides the splendid villages to discover in Provence, spring makes certain activities possible and others more enjoyable, such as cycling, sightseeing, or hiking: you have a plethora available, such as the Ochre Trail for families in Roussillon, the Cedar Forest for those spending their holidays in the Luberon, or even Mont Ventoux for those looking for a significant challenge.
Spring is also an opportunity to discover the vineyards of Provence, especially if you are a wine lover and wish to stock your cellar with typical and authentic vintages; some towns, like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, offer essential cultural activities, such as archaeological sites, its Provençal market, and many others…
As you can see, Provence in spring brings with it a host of activities, and it’s impossible to make a complete list… But visit our blog to discover them based on your destination and choose the ones that suit you best!
Flower fields and some surprising panoramas
Do you love nature and want to discover typical spring panoramas in Provence? Look no further! By walking through the Provençal countryside, and more specifically in the Mont Ventoux region, you can observe the “Cherries of the Venasque Mountains , with cherry trees in bloom between April and May, a truly colorful spectacle that you can combine with a hike. If you love poppy fields, you’ll find plenty along the roads, and especially between Caromb and Le Barroux, where you can also observe the Château de Barroux if you plan to walk around the area.
Practical tips for organizing your spring stay in Provence
Before setting off to discover the Provençal landscapes in spring, we advise you to take certain precautions to make the most of your activities, whether outdoors or indoors:
- Book your accommodation in advance and, if necessary, your activities : before choosing the activities you want to do, it’s important to find the ideal place to stay: if you’re staying in Avignon, for example, it’s best to draw up a list of activities based on what the location offers, and book the ones you want to do in advance. Similarly, to help you know where to stay and avoid being left without anything for your spring holidays, we provide you with on our website a whole range of accommodations that, we are convinced, will allow you to make the right choice.
- Pack appropriate clothing depending on your activities : it goes without saying that you should pack clothes suitable for the weather and temperatures, which change throughout the day: for those who want to walk in the Luberon or hike on Mont Ventoux, bring good shoes and appropriate clothing depending on the weather and season. This advice also applies if you’re taking a city break in Provence: in the evening, the temperature gets cool, so bring a jacket or warm clothing to enjoy your evenings outdoors.
Come visit Provence during spring!
Provence is a magnificent region in spring: it abounds with activities and natural wonders of all kinds; whether you love vast flower-filled spaces or the picturesque charm of small Provençal villages, you will be delighted!
To facilitate your stay, Plaisirs & Maisons de Provence offers accommodation tailored to your needs and close to the various activities we have suggested, so take advantage of it!