Winter in Provence Events Calendar 2022

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence

What is winter like in Provence? It’s a good question. So, many images of the South of France are summer scenes; ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation and beautiful people in enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less attention on social media channels, but it’s a great time to enjoy the region during the “quieter” season.

Hiking during the winter months is fabulous, 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. It’s common to see hardy cyclists out on the roads during the winter months.

Winter is the time of year to visit an olive mill or vineyard when their workload is less intensive period. The demand for black truffles reaches a peak 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.

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. Provence’s first month of the year can be 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 some fun on the slopes. Some years, the la Rotonde fountain in Aix-en-Provence even freezes.

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 from year to year. The websites are listed below to find out the current details. Please note this is not a comprehensive list of all the current events. For activities near your location, check local newspapers, flyers at the grocery stores and tourism websites for festivals.

December: Provence and on the Côte d’Azur

Ends December 31: Phot’Aix 2021—Festival of Photography, marking the 21st anniversary of this contemporary photography exhibit. The concept is to bring photography to the street and highlight talented photographers.

Marseille puts on the ‘ritz’ from November through early January with santon fairs, markets, light shows, and concerts.

November 17 – 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 16 to 24 at the fair run by the Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture (Marché des 13 Desserts).

November 26 – December 30: the Avignon Christmas market takes place in Place de l’Horloge.

December 2 –  January 2: Village de Noël, the Christmas marketplace in Nice, includes some 60 market stalls selling gourmet food and goodies for those on your shopping list. While you are out and about check-out, the festive light displays in Place Massena and Place Garibaldi. Enjoy the lights and snap a few 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 santonniers (the makers of santons). Christmas in Provence would not be the same without the santons 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.

December 5th: The annual Christmas concert takes place at the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur in Aix-en-Provence. Now in its 20th year, this top-rated event is free to attend, but seating is limited, and the doors open at 3:30 p.m.

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

December 20th: The Nice Opera performs its Christmas concert at Eglise des Dominicans.

Until January 16: Sound, Light and Art the last chance to see the Vincent Van Gogh 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.

December 31: The ball drop in Time’s 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, and it’s 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. In the countryside, French teacher and masseuse Virginie Van Der Wees lives with her young family. Book Now!

January: Provence and on the Côte d’Azur

January 1st 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

Until March 27: Head to the Hotel Caumont Centre d’Art in Aix-en-Provence to discover the Treasures of Venice, The Cini Collection.

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. The village installs a video screen (outside), for the standing-room-only crowd. Following the religious part is a public auction of the truffles offered by the rabissers (truffle farmers), in lieu of communion, to 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 in 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 14th (in case you need reminding)!

February 12 – 27: The annual Menton Fête du Citron. There are many reasons to visit Menton, but this citrus-themed festival might be near the top of the list.

February 11 – 27: The Nice Carnaval theme changes annually. This year, the program is called Roi des Animaux (King of Animals), and the floats should be a riot of colour. Many events are free, but for some of the extended programs, you might want seats, in which case tickets are a must.

Sundays in February – Head to the Côte Bleue town of Carry-le-Rouet for the les Oursinades festival on the seafront, which celebrates sea urchins and other local specialties. Considered the “capital” of sea urchins the festivities have taken place in Carry since the 1960s.

Head to the Musée Matisse in Nice it is a beautiful 17th-century villa set high up above Nice in the suburb of Cimiez.  A renovation in the 1990s greatly expanded the exhibition space which now contains one of the world’s largest collections of the artist’s work.

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 appears to be floating on 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).