2025 Winter in Provence Events and Festivals Calendar

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence

So many images of the Provence and the Côte d’Azur are summer scenes with ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation, and beautiful people in straw hats enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less attention, but it’s a great time to enjoy the region during the “quieter” season. While fewer international travellers and Europeans may be holidaying in the area, winter is a great time to visit Provence.

Winter in Provence

There is fabulous hiking during the winter, as the fire risk is low, there are no bugs, and scorching heat is not an issue. Although you might start walking all bundled up before too long, you will be shedding the layers. Also, it’s common to see hardy cyclists on the roads during winter.

When their workload is less intensive, Winter is the time of year to visit an olive mill or vineyard. The demand for black truffles peaks at Christmas and New Year’s. However, the truffle farmers will tell you the best truffles often appear in January and February. Invite some friends over for a winter dinner party inspired by Provencal flavours. Or light a fire and curl up with a good book for some armchair travel to the South of France.

A List of Black Truffle Markets

The Winter Months in Provence

December is always festive in Provence with Christmas markets, elegant decorations and wonderful gastronomic delicacies. Watch for holiday markets with seasonal treats like vin chaud (mulled wine), pain d’épice (gingerbread), black truffles, foie gras, citrus and supplies for the traditional 13 desserts.

January can be cold but sunny in Provence. As a result, the first month of the year is a series of surprising contrasts. Some diehards are still devoted to their early morning swims on the French Riviera, although wrapped in wetsuits. Mornings are crisp from the coast with a dense layer of frost. Skiers head to the Southern Alps near Nice or Gap or Mont Ventoux in the Vaucluse at higher elevations for fun on the slopes. Some years, the la Rotonde fountain in Aix-en-Provence even freezes.

Skiing in the Southern Alps

Montgenevre ©Cedric Tempier

February may be a short month, but there is plenty of activity on the coast with the start of the carnival season. The cobalt blue sky and the dazzling sun might even allow lunch on a sheltered terrace. However, on a day (or days) when the mistral wind blows, find a warm table indoors.

NOTE: The cultural events and festivals listed below are annual (or bi-annual) happenings in Provence and on the Côte d’Azur in December, January and February. However, the actual dates for these events will change annually. The websites are listed below for the current details. Please note this is not a comprehensive list of all the recent events. For activities near your location, check local newspapers, flyers at the grocery stores and tourism websites for festivals.

Book a Holiday Rental in Provence

December: Provence and on the Côte d’Azur

From November through early January, Marseille puts on the Ritz with santon fairs, markets, light shows, and concerts.

November 15 – December 31: Marché de Noël in Aix-en-Provence. The trees along the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence are adorned with strands of little white lights, and small cabins (market stalls) line the street. Alongside the Christmas market are stalls dedicated to selling Santons with beautiful ideas for your family creche. Finally, shop for the 13 Desserts from December 14 – 24 at the fair run by the Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture (Marché des 13 Desserts).

The Avignon Christmas market occurs in Places St Jean le Vieux et Pie from November 28 to December 29, all month.

November 30 – December 7: PriMed, the International Festival of Mediterranean Documentary and Reportage in Marseille, includes films, seminars, and debates.

November 28 –  January 1: Village de Noël, the Christmas marketplace in Nice, includes some 60 market stalls selling gourmet food and goodies for those on your shopping list. At the same time, you are out and about check-out, and the festive light displays are in Place Massena and Place Garibaldi. Enjoy the lights and snap photos of the palm trees with holiday lights on the Promenade des Anglais.

Discover the Santons, Provence’s “little saints.” The tradition of setting a nativity scene with these clay figures dates back to the 13th century, thanks to Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, merchants, and chansonniers (the makers of Santons). Christmas in Provence would not be the same without the Santon markets. You can also order the holiday figures online from Remember Provence.

In December, Isle sur la Sorgue lights up to celebrate the festival of lights. This is Christmas magic at its best.

Until the end of December: Carpentras has a santons market – le Marché aux Santons.

Early December: the annual Christmas concert occurs at the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur in Aix-en-Provence. This concert is a top-rated event. Make sure to buy your tickets early.

Early December: the same concert takes place in the Luberon village of Lourmarin.

December 9: The Nice Opera performs a family-friendly Christmas concert. Booking in advance is recommended.

December 31: The ball drop in Times Square has nothing on the countdown on the French Riviera. Cannes (Promenade de la Croisette) and Nice (Place Massena) are particularly festive with fireworks displays.

In France, New Year’s Eve is La Sainte-Sylvestre, a day for feasting. Most restaurants and hotels offer exclusive menus with wine pairings. Do book in advance!

Where to Stay near Aix

Only 20 minutes from the centre of Aix-en-Provence is Rousset, a small Provencal village. Near Mont Sainte Victoire and the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence vineyards, Mas des Trois Pins’ studio apartment is available for holiday rentals. French teacher and masseuse Virginie Van Der Wees lives in the countryside with her young family. Book Now!

January: Provence and on the Côte d’Azur

January 1 at 11:30 AM, the brave (or crazy) head to Salis Beach in Antibes for a group dip in the Mediterranean known as le bain du nouvel an.

The Ferris wheel in Nice might soon be “taking a rest,” but the Riviera never sleeps!

January 6 is the Epiphany, the day to eat Galette des Rois guilt-free.

Galette des Rois

A classic Christmas cake made from puff pastry, filled with frangipane and a small treasure or feve hidden inside.

Check out this recipe

Galette des Rois (Epiphany cake)

Here is what Phoebe has to say: Making your own Galette des Rois is very simple, assuming you can get hold of ready-made puff pastry. In France, we’re spoilt with excellent quality puff pastry that comes ready-rolled with its own baking paper, available in every supermarket.  And even better than that, during the festive period, roughly December and January, kits of puff pastry with a crown and figurine are sold too!

Check out this recipe

Until January 2025: Sound, Light and Art see the Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II, show at Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux de Provence, a production by Culturespaces. Here are some tips for your visit to Carrières de Lumières.

3rd Sunday in January: starting at 10:30 AM, attend the blessing of the truffles – Messe des Truffes, in Richerenches, falls on the Fête de Saint Antoine each year. This one-day festival includes a blessing of truffles in l’Église Saint-Denis. Don’t count on snagging a place inside the church. Instead, the village installs a video screen (outside) for the standing-room-only crowd. Following the religious part, there is a public auction of the truffles offered by the rabissers (truffle farmers) instead of communion with the church. Once the formal part of the day ends, it’s time for a truffle-themed lunch and a glass of local wine.

Discover the truffle markets around the region. Here is a list of where to find truffles in Provence.

January through the end of March: Drive along the 130-kilometre Route du Mimosa from Bormes les Mimosas to the perfume capital of Grasse. The bright yellow Mimosas are not native to the Côte d’Azur. British visitors who wintered on the coast originally planted the bushes to add colour to their gardens. The plants flourished in the climate and now “paint” the coastline shades of yellow in winter. There are festivities, parades, exhibitions and guided walks throughout the season. See the whole program here.

Where to Stay Near the Mimosas

Located on Villefranche’s shoreline, the Waterfront Penthouse is so close that you can see fish swimming while you sit on the balcony. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath holiday rental has a panoramic view of the sea, Cap Ferrat and the stunning cliffs of Villefranche. This building is one of the most photographed in Villefranche, appearing on postcards, paintings, and books about the area. Book your stay!

February: Provence and the Côte d’Azur

Valentine’s Day is February 14 (in case you need reminding)!

Visit Hôtel de Gallifet in Aix-en-Provence to see the current exhibit.

February 15 – March 3: La Fête du Citron in Menton – Since 1896, there has been a winter parade in Menton. The idea for festivities at this time of the year originated from a group of local hoteliers looking to fill their rooms. However, it was only in 1935 that the first Lemon Festival took place. Read more on the history here. Now, this annual 15-day event attracts over 200,000 spectators.

Discover more about Menton and the event here.

February 15 – March 2: The Nice Carnaval theme changes annually. Everyone should plan to visit the Carnaval de Nice at least once. This annual carnival rivals events in Brazil and Venice, Italy, for outrageous floats and frivolity. This year, the program is Roi des océans (King of Oceans). As always, the floats should be a riot of colour. The twin parades Corsi Carnavalesques and Batailles de Fleurs occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Many events are free, but you might want seats for some extended programs, so tickets are necessary. Here are some local’s tips for your next visit to Nice.

Sundays in February – Head to the Côte Bleue town of Carry-le-Rouet for the les Oursinades festival on the seafront, celebrating sea urchins and other local specialties. Carry-le-Rouet is considered the “capital” of sea urchins. The festivities have occurred in Carry-le-Rouet since the 1960s.

Stay tuned for the upcoming show at Hotel Caumont Centre d’Art in Aix-en-Provence.

Where to Stay Near Nice

Beachfront Bliss is a delightful studio apartment on the Villefranche-sur-Mer waterfront. This south-facing apartment, bathed in sunshine, is all about being on the water with sea views in every direction. Double-glass balcony doors slide into the wall, so the entire apartment floats above the sea. Book Now!

From Nice: Chateau de Cremat and Chateau Ste Roseline Wine Tour

Venture into the scenic vineyards of Nice on a delightful 6.5-hour tour that showcases the art of winemaking and culinary delights. Start at the stunning Château de Cremat, nestled in the hills, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and sample exquisite wines. Next, visit the historic Château Sainte-Roseline, where you can explore its beautiful estate and taste renowned crus.

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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).