| FR
Springtime in Provence sees a collective yawn, as the region awakens from its winter slumber. Flowers begin to bloom and the snowy mountainsides recede once more to their verdant undergarments, as the valleys burst with the bright colours of lavender and vines. April is the time when people begin to relinquish their skis for hiking boots, emerging from the cosy cabins with a new lease of life. Locals start gathering to indulge in the first of the fresh fruits of spring and the festivities begin.
There are things to do in Provence in April aplenty, and with this guide, you will be able to discover all of the quirky, the tasty, and the thrilling things on offer. Your Provence holidays will be a time of new beginnings as the summer crowds return and life in the region regains its resounding richness. Discover the area, which is one of our favourite luxury holiday destinations, with our list of things to do in Provence in April.
The best things to do in Provence, France in April
- The rare plants and gardens of Serignan-du-Comtat
- Les Printemps de Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Les Nauticales in La Ciotat
- Explore the markets and food festivals
- Brignoles Wine Fair
- Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême
Discover the gardens of Serignan-du-Comtat in Provence, France
For the lovers of all things spring, head to the rare plants and natural gardens of Serignan-du-Comtat for an afternoon of vibrant colours and piquant scents. Each year, usually on the third weekend of April, the gardens host a festival that brings together experts in botany, entomology, landscaping and many other fields to share their knowledge and love of the natural world that we find in gardens across the world. The garden itself is a commemoration of the famous French naturalist, entomologist and author Jean-Henri Fabre, who lived in the town at the time of his death in 1915.
The event boasts an array of guest speakers, activities and tours of the spectacular gardens; each aspect will fall pleasantly on your senses, as the spring sun drizzles warm light onto the gently buzzing festival. Serignan-du-Comtat is situated just north of Orange, nestled amongst famous vines of the Côte du Rhône appellation.
Guided tours through the vineyards and cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Les Printemps de Châteauneuf-du-Pape sees a unification of old and new; young winemakers have come together to pay tribute to ancient traditions with a festival of the region's delectable wines. The new generations have enriched the historic craft with talent and enthusiasm. The festivities welcome over 90 domains from the illustrious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, as well as wines from all over the world.
The festival, which continues now for three days, is filled with delights, from tastings to the gastronomic markets that sell local produce. There are workshops to grow your understanding and appreciation of the wonderful world of wine, with everyone welcome.
One of the best boat shows on the Mediterranean Sea
Off the shores of La Ciotat, a stone's throw away from Marseille and Cassis, you will find one of the only springtime in-water boat shows. Les Nauticales is not only for those who have a penchant for boats and engines, but it is also spectacle that can be enjoyed by anyone. Watch the newest and sleekest vessels carving white-foam lines through the shimmering surface of the sea at great speeds, or marvel at the tricksters performing stunts on their jet skis.
For boating enthusiasts, you can also learn more about the boats at exhibitions and wander the rows of boats for sale. This is a visual display that can please even those with little or no knowledge of nautical showmanship.
The time of the year for food festivals
In the spring time, the first of the year's freshest produce begins to find its way to market stalls. The streets are lined with vendors once more, who see their tabletops bursting with the brightness and bounty of the first harvests. Across Provence, festivals begin to take place in celebration of newly harvest produce: saunter the streets of Carpentras to celebrate the arrival of the first strawberries, or amble into Mormoiron for an appraisal of the annual arrival of asparagus. It is a time to feast on the freshest fruit and vegetables and feel wholly part of the seasonal awakening before the crowds flood into the region.
Celebrate the wines of the south of France at the best wine fairs
Each year, one of the most historic and biggest wine festivals in Provence brings people together to partake in the grape. Le Foire de Brignoles wine competition draws in hundreds of winemakers from across the country to showcase their wonderful wines. This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Provence in April for lovers of the vine; delve into the depths of ambrosial flavours and appelations with tastings and endless stands to browse. Here, you will also find stalls selling local produce to gorge on and crafts to take back to loved ones or treat yourself with.
In Toulon, you will also find the Bacchus Wine Festival, named after the god of wine, which is an ode to the wine industry. 90 wineries bring their products to the tables of the market and live performers strut their stuff, all with a singular goal: to please the masses. The 3-day festival is a must-add to your list of things to do in Provence in April.
Plunge into the world of comics in Aix-en-Provence
This is a quirkier, yet equally marvelous addition to our list of things to do in Provence in April. Festival de Bande Dessinée typically takes place in Aix-en-Provence from the end of March and continues through to May. The festival celebrates the treasured art of graphic novels and comic books, or bande dessinée (BD), as they are known in French. Unlike a Comic-Con, this does not require specialist knowledge or obsessive fandom; the show is a place of discovery for fans old and new, where one can browse the endless aisles and find a book that jumps out at you.
With Le Collectionist, we will ensure that your luxury holiday in France to Provence are a time ease and seamlessness, allowing you to discover all the best things to do in Provence in April. Explore our luxury villas in Provence to kickstard the adventure.
