a roman ruin lit up with illuminations at night

What's On in Provence June 2016

Our pick of the best events in Provence this June

featured in News & reviews Author Ellie Mahoney, Provence Editor Updated 18 September 2020

There are a multitude of different concerts, exhibitions, events and things to see in Provence this June and since there's so much choice, we've picked our favourites to help you see the best of what's going on.

Provencal Style

The 18th edition of the Salon Cote Sud takes place from 3rd to 6th June in Aix en Provence, showcasing the best of interior design, food and lifestyle from Provence and the Riviera.

interior design ideas

Evening shows

Throughout June the Pont du Gard lights up at night in the most spectacular series of shows, with fireworks and projected images. Fans of classical music should head to one of the springtime concerts held at Lourmarin Castle and the churches in Mirabeau and Grambois, Puget sur Durance, and La Tour d'Aigues taking place on 3rd, 10th and 18th June. On 20th June the world famous Opera Festival returns to Orange with the stunning backdrop of the ampitheatre as its stage. 26th June sees the start of the International Guitar Festival, which runs for a week.

The Pont du Gard at night

Art Exhibitions

Two heavyweights of the art world have exhibitions on throughout June this year, the first is "Van Gogh in Provence: Modernising Tradition" in Arles and the second is "Turner et la Couleur" in Aix en Provence. If you're a fan of modernist art, take a wander around the Victor Vasarely exhibition in Avignon or in Aix en Provence, or for sculpture head to Lee Ufan's exhibition in Le Puy Ste Reparade.

vermillion towers painting by Turner

Go Medieval

On weekends throughout June, the Château des Baux-de-Provence puts on a medieval show where you can fire a catapult, try your hand at crossbow shooting or assist in a medieval duel. A great one for the children (or big kids) in your family. Keeping on the Medieval theme is the Medieval Fayre in Fayence which takes place on the 18th & 19th June and the Tarasque Festival which runs for 5 days from 23rd June.

medieval armour

Festivals & Fairs

Rock and pop music fans should head to the Loumarin for Festival Yeah! from 3rd to 5th June, or for classical music lovers, the Festival Aix en Juin is a great precursor to the main Aix Festival which takes place in July. Enjoy a bit of culture at the Festiv'Arles where you'll see people in traditional dress and celebrate the summer solstice, or sample some great local produce at the Cavaillon Melon Fair.

melons