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Provence has many faces, all of which will undoubtedly smile kindly upon those who are fortunate enough to visit the region. Forge timeless memories alongside the shimmering Mediterranean Sea or feast your senses on the local food and wine; drift into a blissful daze whilst listening to the smooth melodies and solos of talented local musicians or saunter through the quiet corridors of an exhibition.
With this guide, we will walk you through the best events and things to do in Provence in September. The end of the summer season ushers in some famous events, but some of the most enjoyable things are lesser-known. Discover Provence on your luxury holiday in France with these nationwide and local events that take place in the region in September.
Things to do in Provence, France in September
- Disappear into a weekend filled with jazz in St Remy
- Discover the works of local and international photographers in Arles
- Skim across the sea during Les Voiles des St Tropez
- Discover local cuisine with Les Vendanges Étoilées in Cassis
- Head to Arles for les Rencontres
- Make to most of Fête de la Gastronomie
- A month of seaside events with September at Sea
Musical mastery: Jazz à Saint Rémy
From Thursday the 16th of September to Saturday the 18th, Saint Rémy plays host to a weekend of wonderful music. The fundamentals of true jazz are the dictates of this weekend: go with the flow between performances, letting the music guide you. Watch as talented musicians, such as Paolo Fresù and Natach Atlas and the legend cellist Ron Carter take to the stage and the different instruments jostle for the limelight in a harmonious and magical tussle.
September is the time to visit Arles for its photography exhibition
In the heat of the summer, escape to the cool, in both senses of the word, galleries and exhibitions depicting the works of talented artists from Arles and further afield. Running from the fourth of July all the way through the hot, heavy summer to the 26th of September, this festival takes place in a number of different venues that house, more enwrap, the stunning works of the exhibitions. Each artist has something bold to say, or investigates contemporary issues, from Liberation Through Photography to a more recent take on the pandemic in The Power of Art in a Period of Isolation. Arles is a wonderful place to visit, and there is a wealth of opportunities here if you are looking for things to do in Provence in September.
Climb aboard the Moonbeam at Les Voiles de St Tropez
One of the best offerings that we, here at Le Collectionist, boast is found each year off the coast of St Tropez. Each year, over the last week of September and the first week of October, a veritable armada of boats takes to the water and brings to life the lazily lapping waters of the Mediterranean. In the first week, around 250 boats participate in the event, lining the horizon with a jaw of canine-like sails jutting towards the clear blue skies.
This is a great event to marvel at from the shore, but to feel a part of this unique nautical feat, clamber aboard the Moonbeam - a Scottish vessel of legendary status that will carve its way over the cobalt-blue sea. There is no better way to get involved in Les Voiles des Saint Tropez, so to make it happen, simply speak to your dedicated Le Collectionist holiday tailor.
The Flavours of the south of France with Les Vendanges Étoilées
Les Vendanges Étoilées, or the Starred Harvest Festival, is an annual event that celebrates the gastronomy and terroir of Cassis and the surrounding area. The event gets its name from the fact that both Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers, at around the time of the grape harvest, will be bestowing their skills and knowledge on the fortunate guests of this event. Dive into the best of Provence's ambrosial wines on offer whilst devouring delectable dishes, finely crafted with the best local ingredients. This event truly is a must for the gourmands who wish to witness and pay tribute to the bounty of this region, and is a must-add to a foodie's list of things to do in Provence in September.
During September, you are spoilt when it comes to options for exploring the gustatory delights of the region. While this event isn't specific to Provence, Fête de la Gastronomie sees the whole nation lay the table and open the doors for all to experience the flavours of France. This usually takes place in September, which means your Provence holidays can be spent dozily rolling between the best restaurants. This state-sponsored event sees participating restaurants offering great deals for a weekend.
Cultural days in Provence: Feria du Riz
Witness the traditions of bullfighting at the Roman Arles amphitheatre in the stunning city of Arles. Feria du Riz is the smaller of two large events held in Arles each year, the other, larger event is held over Easter. This event is a celebration of the land, specifically of the rice harvested during this time in the Camargue. Whilst the main spectacle is the bullfighting in the arena, the surrounding town comes alive with restaurants and bars spilling onto the streets, enticing visitors to share in their delicious rosés, tapas, and paellas.
September at Sea: From the limestone cliffs of Cassis to the port of Marseille
Part of Provence's charm is that it has everything, from lofty peaks to beautiful beaches, world-class wine to a culinary scene ripe to rival any. A celebration of one small stretch of one of these myriad landscapes is found in and around Marseille throughout the month of September. September at Sea is a month-long tribute to the inimitably beautiful coastline around Marseille and Cassis. With around 200 events throughout the month, there is bound to be something for everyone, making it a great time to dip in and out of the area for things to do in Provence in September. Coastal walks, snorkelling trips, gastronomic functions, and sailing events all take their place in the month-long queue to thank the sea for its endless offerings of flavours, fun, and beauty.
With Le Collectionist, you can explore Provence from the lap of luxury. As one of our favourite luxury holiday destinations, we offer an extensive catalogue of luxury villas in Provence for our guests to choose from. Find your home away from home to discover these fun-filled and immersive things to do in Provence in September.
