Top Events in Provence 2016

Whatever your age, interests and abilities, whether you want to take part or just watch there's literally something for everyone.

Provence is rich in culture and heritage and so many of the regions events and celebrations are based around their history, agriculture, the arts and of course, it's culinary delights! Depending on what you want to see in Provence, whether it be wine, truffles, lavender or perhaps some history and art, this will dictate what time of year is best for your visit. But to be honest it's is an 'all year round' kind of destination so you might just have to spend a year in Provence!

January
The winter months in Provence are filled with the richest of foods, foie gras, cheeses and of course the 'black gold' - Truffles! Most towns will sell truffles at the local markets and many will celebrate with special festivals and tasting events so make sure you look out for these.
20 January - Cheval Passion, Avignon - a wonderful annual horse show and one of the biggest displays in Europe. An equestrian event not to be missed!
28 January to 20 February - Les Hivernales Festival de Danse, Avignon - one of the oldest dance festivals with a wonderful selection of contemporary dance and choreography

February
7 February - Trail des Neiges, Mercantour National Park - an early season trail race to get the legs moving and the heart pumping.
14 February - Fete de la Truffe, Avignon - celebrating the 'black gold' of Provence

March
19 March to 3 April - Festo Pitcho, throughout the Vaucluse region - a great family event that takes place in towns across Vaucluse. A celebration for children!
22 March to 3 April - Festival de Paques, Aix-en-Provence - a series of classical music concerts hosted in the Grand Theatre de Provence
25 - 28 March - International Art & Antiques Fair, Isle sur la Sorgue - if hunting for treasure and Provencal antiques are your thing then this is the fair for you!

May
1 May - Fete des Gardians, Arles - the Camargue cowboys gather each year on the 1st of May for a Feast of the Herdsmen. A tradition dating back to the 16th century.
6 May - Expo Rose, Grasse - a reason for those with 'green fingers' to head towards the Riviera

June
1 June - La Procession des Bouteilles, Boulbon - what's not to love about this one...a bottle of wine, a blessing and then drinking it!
11 June - Melon Fair, Cavaillon - a 'foodies' favourite, celebrating this wonderful fruit from the biggest to the juiciest.
21 June - Fete de la Musique, all across Provence - this annual day of celebration is a musical event not to be missed. Every town and village across France will be out celebrating with you!
24 June - Fete de la Saint-Jean, all across Provence - Each town and village in Provence will have something different to offer, but the general idea is for the locals to dress up in traditional costume and gather in the main square for music and dancing in the evening...and there will be plenty of fires and bonfires!

July
Generally you will find that the lavender begins to bloom from the end of June, through until the beginning of August, so July is the perfect tome to experience these fields of 'blue gold'. As well as gazing at lavender fields, you can also visit lavender farms and distilleries or attend lavender festivals.
2 - 24 July - Le Tour de France, all across France - the 2016 tour will see the peleton coming to Mont Ventoux on 14 July. If you are a cycling fan then make sure you are there as some of the world's top riders tackle the giant of Provence.
6 - 24 July - Festival d'Avignon, Avignon - one of the biggest performing arts festivals in the world.
17 July - Nego-Chin Boats, Isle sur la Sorgue - you can't get much more traditional than fishing with a seven pronged trident!

August
5 - 7 August - Fete de la Veraison, Chateauneuf du Pape - wine harvest combined with medieval traditions in this historical town in Provence.
6 - 8 August - Lavender Parade, Valreas - floats and parades, accompanied by musicians and dancers.
15 August - Lavender Celebration, Sault - the annual celebrations of all things lavender in the beautiful town of Sault.

September
The annual grape harvests (vendange) begin in September in Provence, with some going on through until October. Most towns and vineyards will celebrate this time with free tastings and tours. It is even possible in some cases to take part in the harvest!
9 - 11 September - Medievales des Carmes Festival, Avignon - Provence does medieval better than anywhere else in France. Let this festival take you back in time.