April Events in Provence

The cherry trees are flowering in Provence and there are punnets full of local tasty strawberries varieties at the local veg shop. We’ve officially (only today) moved into our new house and though we’re quite busy- here is my list of all the festivals and events happening primarily in the Bouches du Rhône region of Provence.

Take advantage of outdoor activities before it gets too hot! Get those hiking boots on and make sure to gorge on the very seasonal Spring produce of artichokes, peas, new potatoes, fresh garlic, asparagus (wild and cultivated) and strawberries. At the bottom I’ve included some foraging ideas and recipes for this time of year.

1-10

Printemps des Potiers – Bandol
Pottery markets all around Bandol for the first 2 weeks of the month

Sentiers de l’abondance (free guides) – Les Alpilles
Beautiful gardens close to Eygalieres village offering tours.

A couple of my favourite Vide Greniers/Flea markets are happening this month. Check out the link under April articles at the bottom of the page and keep your eyes open for signs of village vide greniers near you!

Vide Grenier– Charleval
230 exposants
Vide Grenier – Eygalières
A fantastic combination of cheap as well as quality goods positioned along the street next to sunny cafés. Great day out!

Fête des Fraises – Carpentras
This was the first festival celebrating a particular seasonal product here in Provence. We were amazed at the lack of commercial goods made from strawberries. Instead, it’s simply, and perfectly, tables and tables full of strawberries and strawberry tarts!

15-18

Foire d’Avignon – Avignon
All kinds of animations for the kids as well as craft and food markets all around the city.

23-24

De Ferme en Ferme – all over France
Check out the website to find if any farms near you are opening their doors for tours during this weekend celebrating agriculture.

Fête de l’Asperge – Montmoiron
Asparagus festival!

“du Pays” can either mean the directly translated “from the country” as in France, or it can mean from the particular region of France you’re located in.

Fête de la Transhumance – Sénas
Click the link to check out my article about this sheep transhumance from the plains in the winter to the cooler mountains in the summer.

April Articles
Here is a selection of some April-themed articles featured on CuriousProvence:

Vide Greniers – local flea markets

Vide Grenier vs Brocante (antique markets in Provence)

Floralies – Annual Flower Markets

Poisson d’Avril – Vintage Postcards for the 1st of April

From March through to May there is the best foraging to be done in Provence. Look for wild rocket, young leaves of dandelion, violet, leeks, and all kinds of delicious things!

Wild Leeks and Arugula/Roquette