2026 Spring Festivals in Provence Côte d’Azur

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 dates for these events will vary each year. The websites are listed below for 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 nearby festivals and activities.

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 coastal village, to 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

The Festival des Jardins de la Côte d’Azur has been postponed. 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, there 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. Stretching along the coastline from Antibes to Menton and into the Alpes-Maritimes hills, these Jardins Remarquables offer seaside and mountain views.

Book a Holiday Rental in Provence

April in Provence – Côte d’Azur

Carrières de Lumières (February 13, 2026 to January 2027): Carrières de Lumières combines sound, light and art in Les Baux de Provence, a production by Culturespaces. The quarry has two new exhibitions: Picasso (Art in Motion) and Frida Kahlo (At the Very Heart).

This old limestone quarry, Carrières de Lumières, is France’s largest fixed multimedia installation. The 14-metre-high walls serve as the backdrop for 70 video projectors, which display images. It’s easy and advisable to buy your tickets online during busy periods. Please read our visitor tips for Carrières des Lumières.

Contemporary art at Fondation Blachère – In 2003, Jean-Paul Blachère launched the Fondation Blachère, which promotes contemporary art from Africa 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 2,000 diverse artworks. Here is the list of current exhibitions.

Wine Tasting (April 10-12, 2026): Les Printemps de Châteauneuf-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 wines, along with 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 4 – 12, 2026) 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, featuring exclusive performances by multinational artists, and the Royal family is typically in attendance.

Strawberries! Yes, it might seem early for climates elsewhere, but in Carpentras, Fête de la Fraise occurs toward 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, head to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for the “Antiques Art and You” fairs, which typically occur twice a year. This antique fair started over 100 years ago. These two shows rank among the top three in Europe, attracting more than 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. As with Apt’s Saturday market, the line between retail and market blurs, as many boutiques add their wares to the temptation.

Where to See Art in Provence

See the Bulls in Arles (April 3-6, 2026). Head to the Roman arena in Arles over the Easter weekend to witness the Feria d’Arles. This event marks the start of the bullfighting season in the South of France, attracting 500,000 visitors and fans. However, the traditions of the bullring and the ‘mise à mort’ are not suitable 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 11 -20, 2026): 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

Fête du Travail / Fête des Travailleurs — Labour Day, May 1, 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 commemorates the end of hostilities in Europe during WWII.

Books to Read: Provence During WWII

Head to Cap Ferrat for the Roses and Plants Festival at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (May 2 – 3, 2026). This two-day event offers an opportunity to meet with professional growers, garden designers, and botanical experts. Attend a workshop, speak with a floral expert, or smell the roses. In addition, discover the Belle Epoque history of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

The red carpet rolls out in Cannes (May 12 – 23, 2026). Since 1946, the star-studded Festival de Cannes has captured the attention of film buffs worldwide. The film festival’s core principles have remained consistent and embedded in its regulations since its inception in 1938. 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 – 10, 2026). During this period, some 25,000+ roses adorn the town. Check the Grasse tourism office website for details.

Book the Right Accommodation

St Rémy de Provence’s Fête de la Transhumance is a must-see (May 25, 2026). It’s a “river” of sheep and goats, with 4,000 animals passing through the Provencal village. Witness the magic of the Fête de la Transhumance de Saint Rémy de Provence, which happens on the Monday of Pentecost (Pentecôte). Depending on the holiday, the date ranges from May to early June. It’s a great day to visit St Rémy, watch the animals, browse the brocante (flea market), sample some goat cheese or taste the local wine—the St Rémy tourism office website.

Guide to the Villages of the Alpilles

June in Provence and the Côte d’Azur

The Monaco Grand Prix (June 5 – 7, 2026) 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.

Enjoy this video from the 2011 race:

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Hop aboard a premium 4x4 Ford Raptor and venture far from the bustle of the French Riviera into the hidden mountain landscapes of Nice. This exclusive experience takes you off the beaten path to explore the soul of alpine Provence, where perched villages, wild valleys, and enduring local traditions await.

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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).