March Events in Provence 2019

Spring is Upon us! Or, at least, it is here. The almonds are blooming and it’s about 20 degrees in the sun. I remember growing up in Montréal when you could smell the spring mud and ice thawing, there would always be one last snow generally right before my birthday on April 26th. Urgh. For all of you in colder climes, you’re almost there…

Here is my list of interesting goings on in Provence this month. Enjoy and let me know if you attend any of the events and what you thought! Feel free to add any other suggestions in the comments.

March Events in Provence

1

Carriers des Lumières – Les Baux de Provence

The new Van Gogh exhibition opens for the summer at Carrières de Lumières where people come from all over to witness the projected images on the inside of the quarry’s walls. Van Gogh will be such an exciting show as when you leave the quarry you’ll be surrounded by the landscapes that he painted.

2

Nice Carnival – Nice

This is the last day of the carnival festivities in Nice. A friend from New Orleans said that despite it not being New Orleans, it was not bad! ha!

1-3

Fête du Citron – Menton

Parades, sculptures and food all inspired by lemons! Join the carnivalesque atmosphere for a fun Sunday out.

2-3

Salon du Vin & des Gourmets – Arles
10-18h30
This is a fun and very dangerous way to spend your Saturday or Sunday. For 4 euros (cost of the wine glass you can take home) you can wine taste and eat gourmet products all day. I did this on my own the first year I went. You don’t have to taste at every single stand…like I did!!

2-10

Les Suds en Hiver
Music festival with multiple concerts in Arles, Tarascon, Boulbon and more often located in historic sites. See the website for more information.

3

Fête des Grands-Mères (all of France)
Created in 1987, this is National grandmother’s day. It is taken very seriously in France. The florist will be just as busy as Mother’s day so order your bouquet in advance! Or, plan your home cooked meal for grandma. Take the time to appreciate the elders in your life. It’s nice to see that people in small-town Provence still do.

8

International Women’s Day
In Western Europe, it’s traditional to give mimosa to the women you love (or if you’re ambitious, all the women you see! Yes, some people do try to do this) on this day.

10

Journées Antiquités Brocante – Aix en Provence
Flea/antiques market in Aix en Provence on the Cours Mirabeau. 50 stands.

12-14

Provence Prestige – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
35 stands with high-quality products made in Provence in celebration of Spring.

15-16

Carnaval – Saint Remy de Provence

Parades and all kinds of activities for the kids. Also, intriguingly free “carnival soup” I might have to find out what that is… Many small villages have their own carnivals at this time of year. Nothing like the production that Venice put on of course, but still fun!

30 mars – 1 avril

Salon Chocolat et Gourmandise – Arles
Chocolate lovers beware! At the Palais du Congrès in Arles you’ll find pastry chefs and chocolate experts from all around France showing their skills and allowing you to taste their confections.

Feel free to add anything that I’ve missed in the comments below!

For a little Provence inspiration, see Early Spring Landscapes in Provence. Also, check out CuriousProvence on Instagram with daily wanderings, stories and photos.