2024 Spring Events in Provence What’s Happening This Year

Spring Events in Provence

Provence is lovely in the Springtime. As with most of the year, the sun shines brightly, but you should expect an odd rainstorm. Moisture in this period is critical for the grapes, olives, and almonds to start their growing cycles. The apple, pear, apricot, cherry, and plum trees bloom in March and April. During May and June, watch for poppies, irises, and the promise of future sunflowers.

The events listed below are annual happenings in the Provence and the Côte d’Azur. However, the actual dates for these events will change annually. The websites are listed below to find out the current details.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all the ongoing events. Check local newspapers, grocery store flyers, and tourism websites for festivals and activities near your location.

March Events Provence – Côte d’Azur

The Mimosas are still blooming on the Côte d’Azur. La Route de Mimosa runs 130 km from Bormes-les-Mimosa, a medieval village on the coast, to the Grasse, the perfume capital. Along the way, expect many photo opportunities with beautiful yellow blooms as a backdrop. Eight towns participate in the official festivities from February through March. Look for parades, art exhibits, guided visits and more. Here is the official website. Also, take advantage of guided walks and other ways to enjoy the blooms during the festival until the end of March.

Read: Route du Mimosa, a Yellow Drive on the French Riviera

Festival des Jardins de la Côte d’Azur returns in 2025. This garden festival is your chance to view a list of fabulous gardens. In addition, there is always a judged landscaping contest, free events, and themed gardens. Note: The “Département des Alpes-Maritimes” map (available at tourist offices) includes gardens and parks of the Côte d’Azur that are open to the public.

If you need another reason to head to the Mediterranean coast, are 14 gardens registered as Jardins remarquable (Remarkable Gardens) near the Côte d’Azur. Visit any of these verdant paradises created by gardening enthusiasts and get lost in the beautiful scenery. Spread along the coastline from Antibes to Menton and into the Alpes Maritimes’ hills, these Jardins Remarquables feature seaside and mountain views.

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April in Provence – Côte d’Azur

Carrières de Lumières (April 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025): Carrières de Lumières combines sound, light and art in Les Baux de Provence, a production by Culturespaces. The quarry reopens with two new exhibitions, Egyptian Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II, and The Orientalists.

This old limestone quarry – Carrières de Lumières – is France’s largest fixed multimedia installation. The 14-metre-high walls are the backdrop for 70 video projectors, which broadcast images. So buy your tickets online, and please read our visitor tips for Carrières des Lumières.

Contemporary art at Fondation Blachère (April 4 – September 21, 2024) – “Bandiagara: au commencement de la collection Blachère.” In 2003, Jean-Paul Blachère launched Fondation Blachère, committed to promoting contemporary art from the African continent and its diaspora. During the subsequent 20 years, the art centre adjacent to the Blachère Illumination workshops hosted nearly 50 art exhibitions. In addition, more than 400 artists participated in art residencies in Apt and Ngaparou in Senegal. La Fondation Blachère also includes the family’s nearly 2000 diverse artworks collection. Here is the website.

Wine Tasting (April 5 – 7, 2024): Les Printemps de Châteuneuf du Pape takes place for a weekend in early April every year. This weekend, winemakers in this renowned appellation introduce their latest wines to the public. There will be 100 wineries showcasing their wine, and in addition, there are workshops, masterclasses, and a gastronomic market. Keith Van Sickle says, “Want to taste some of the world’s greatest wines for just 10 euros? Then come to the Salon des Vins in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.” Read more about his visit here.

Tennis anyone? (April 6 – 14, 2024) The Monte-Carlo Country Club hosts the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000. This tournament has run for over 100 years. Beyond the courts, La Grande Nuit du Tennis is a gala dinner soirée in conjunction with the yearly matches. This evening is a treat with exclusive performances by multi-national artists, and the Royal family is typically in attendance.

Strawberries! Yes, it might sound early for those who live in other climates, but in Carpentras, Fête de la Fraise happens towards the end of April. This festival, dedicated to the first crop of strawberries, typically lands on a Saturday. Alongside the red berries, expect plenty of family-friendly animation.

For Antique Lovers (dates to be confirmed), head to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue “Antiques Art and You” fairs, which typically happen twice a year. This antique fair started over 100 years ago. These two shows are ranked in the top three in Europe, attracting 300+ dealers and 100,000 visitors.

On Sunday morning in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, the market winds through the old town and along the quay (river walk). There are only a few Sunday markets in the region, and this one is the largest, attracting locals and visitors. Like Apt’s Saturday market, the line between retail and market is blurred as many boutiques add their wares to the temptation.

Where to See Art in Provence

See the bulls in Arles (March 29 – April 1, 2024). Head to the Roman arena in Arles over the Easter weekend to witness the Feria d’Arles. This event kicks off the bullfighting season in the South of France, attracting 500,000 visitors and fans. However, the traditions of the bull ring and the ‘mise à mort’ are not suited for everyone. So, there is plenty of animation outside the arena with a Spanish-style party in this old Roman town, including bodegas, music, sangria and more.

Art in Antibes (April 12 -21, 2024): Salon de Antiquités Art Modern is an annual contemporary art fair attracting over 25,000 collectors and potential buyers.

May in Provence and the Côte d’Azur

May 1 – Fête du Travail / Fête des Travailleurs – Labour Day is a public holiday in France.

May 1 – Arles celebrates the talented cowboys and cowgirls who herd the feisty black bulls with their sturdy white horses. Fête des gardians (Festival of the Herdsmen) falls on this date every year. Join the festivities in Arles to witness the Election de la Reine d’Arles, the new queen’s crowning (every three years).

May 8 – Fête de la Victoire – This public holiday marks the end of WWII hostilities in Europe.

Head to Cap Ferrat for the Roses and Plants Festival at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (mid-May). This two-day event is a chance to meet with professional growers, garden designers, and botanical experts. Take part in a workshop, speak to a floral expert, or smell the roses. In addition, discover the Belle Epoque history of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Here is the official website for more details on Villa Ephrussi de Rothchild.

The red carpet rolls out in Cannes (May 14 – 25, 2024). Since 1946, the star-studded Festival de Cannes has captured the attention of film buffs worldwide. Since its conception in 1938, the film festival’s grounding principles remain consistent and embedded in the regulations. Aim to develop the global reach of cinematic projects by celebrating the international film industry. Which director of the Best Feature Film of the Official Competition will receive the prestigious Palme d’Or? Who will wear the flashiest gown? The festival runs for 12 days. Find all the details on the Cannes Film Festival website.

Grasse, France’s perfume capital, honours local rose growers and their beautiful flowers during ExpoRose (May 8 – 12, 2024). During this period, some 25,000+ roses adorn the town. Check the Grasse tourism office website for details.

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The Monaco Grand Prix (May 24 – 26, 2024) weekend is a must-watch for race car fans and the bejewelled crowd. The original Formula 1 race series had seven stops: Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Indianapolis, and Monaco. Monaco’s racecourse is 3.34 kilometres long, and car enthusiasts only know the track by the names of its corners: Tabac, Louis Chiron, and Piscine. After the race, find the models and millionaires (or maybe billionaires) at the Amber Lounge and yachts with prime moorings. Here is the official Formula 1 website for complete details.

St Remy de Provence’s Fête de la Transhumance is a must-see (May 20, 2024). It’s a “river” of sheep and goats while 4,000 animals pass through the Provencal village. Witness the magic of the Fête de la Transhumance de Saint Rémy de Provence happens on the Monday of Pentecost (Pentecôte). Depending on the holiday, the date fluctuates between May and early June. It’s a great day to visit St Remy, watch the animals, browse the brocante (flea market), sample some goat cheese or taste the local wine—the St Remy tourism office website.

Guide to the Villages of the Alpilles

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).