April Tendencies
So I’m perhaps little nuts but at this time of year I love to sit in the evening with a glass of wine, talk to my man and shell fresh peas. Those plump lovelies are so delicious it’s worth the effort, and relaxing too.
Right now in the Luberon it’s all about the cherry blossoms. There are many weekend vide greniers and lots of fresh foraged asparagus, arugula/rocket, thyme and more to be had in the hillsides.
Yesterday, we spent 3 hours at the notary as we’re buying a house. It’s a complete ruin and very old so all the boundary lines are tricky. There’s even a secret passage! Things won’t really move ahead for another couple months (it’s France) but exciting nonetheless!
April Events in Provence
April 1st – Poisson d’Avril (April Fools day in France)
6-7
Printemps Salon des Vins – Châteauneuf du Pape
With 85 winemakers participating, taste wine all weekend at this events that celebrates the young winemakers taking over their family traditions.
7
Vide Grenier – Charleval
One of my favourite vide greniers of the year! See more about Vide Greniers (flea markets) here.
Vide Grenier – St Andiol
Fête de la Chèvre – Rognes
An ideal day out. A festival celebrating goats and goat cheese! Yes please! Lots of local producers.
13
Fête des Fraises – Carpentras
This festival is divine? It’s simply, and perfectly, tables and tables full of strawberries and strawberry tarts! I honestly will NEVER eat a strawberry out of season again. Check out my article about it here.
14
Floralies –St Andiol
Annual flower market.
Chasse aux Oeufs – Chateau des Baux de Provence
Join in the Easter egg hunt at the castle ruins of Les Baux de Provence
Adults : 10,50€, Kids (-7 years) : free
Family (2 adults + 2 kids) : 33€
19-22
Foire Antiques Art & You – Isle sur la Sorgue
If you love antiques this is an absolute must! Isle sur la Sorgue holds an antique market every Sunday but a few weekends a year the antique markets takes over the town. Easter is one of those weekends. There will be at least 500 antique dealers. If your habit is to visit the Provencal food market of Isle sur la Sorgue this Sunday it will most likely be much smaller than usual to accommodate the antique stalls.
20-22
Bonnieux Céramique Pottery Market – Bonnieux
This is one of my favourite pottery markets in the region. See all kinds of different glazing techniques and types of clay displayed here by local ceramic artists. See photos from last year here.
19-22
Feria de Pâques – Arles
See both Spanish style corrida and French bull games in the Roman arena in Arles. The whole town will come alive with flamenco, parades, bulls in the streets and the bars will be full of young locals that take this event very seriously!
22
Floralies – Eygalières
Annual Spring flower market in the centre of town.
23-31
Salon Nauticales – La Ciotat
Do you love boats? Then see this exhibition of all things nautical (boats especially).
27-28
De Ferme en Ferme – all over France
Check out the website to find if any farms near you that are opening their doors for tours during this weekend celebrating agriculture.
28
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. It’s quite the spectacle. I’ll be sad to see the sheep go! The market this year is called the Foire des Regions celebrating French regional products.
Fête de l’Asperge – Montmoiron
Asparagus festival!F
Foire aux Fleurs – Fontvieille
From8 to 18h you’ll be able to peruse the stands selling all kinds of varieties of plants. There is also a Vide Grenier in the village this day.
Vide Grenier – St Andiol
Flea market.
Ongoing
Les Good Trucks – Barbentane
Food trucks assemble to give us a little bit of hipster lifestyle in the countryside. Every Tuesday.
I literally tried going to this every Tuesday last summer and couldn’t make it. I will not let it escape me this year!
Van Gogh at Carrières des Lumières – Les Baux de Provence
It’s difficult to explain this exhibition. Every year, a new theme is picked where moving projections of paintings are projected on the floors, walls and ceiling of the old bauxite quarry in Les Baux de Provence. It’s an immersive art experience. Just go! It’s amazing. (bring a sweater)
Flea Markets
Go to Vide Grenier to find the ones nearest you. See my article about Vide Greniers to learn more about flea markets in Provence.
Nature
Look out for orchids, asparagus, onions, rocket/arugula and new plants to forage in the countryside. Hint: follow any French people that mysteriously are carrying baskets on small roads…they know where they’re going…
May 1st – Labour Day (all of France)
This is a public holiday, make sure to do your grocery shopping the day before. Go to Arles for the May 1st festivities!
Masterpieces of the Guggenheim Exhibition opens at Hotel Caumont – Aix en Provence
“The exhibition brings together other emblematic works: major paintings by Picasso such as Le Moulin de la Galette(1900), an exceptional loan from the Guggenheim Museum, as well as masterpieces by Van Gogh and Manet, which have been restored to their former splendour, thanks to a recent restoration campaign that was conducted specifically for this exhibition.”
Please add anything I’ve missed in the comments! These events concentrate on events in the Vaucluse and Bouches du Rhône regions of Provence.
This is awesome! Do you have anything for May? We are going to be staying in Lacoste for a couple of weeks, and are looking for suggestions!
Planning on using your market guide (if it’s still current)!
https://curiousprovence.com/provence-markets/
Hi Andre, I’ll be putting up the events for May towards the beginning of the month. The Luberon is beautiful I’m sure you’re going to have an amazing time!