This is the month where just about the whole of Northern France descends onto the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. On the radio, they announce “black weekends” which signify lots of Parisians heading south causing a rather lot of traffic. Everyone is finally on vacation. Don’t expect to see a dentist or a lawyer this month. No point trying to get an appointment of any kind. Everyone else being on vacation forces you to relax. Drink rosé, swim in the sea, visit local markets and take long, lazy naps. This is August in Provence. The heat will force you to take it easy as you listen to the loud cigales (locusts) in the trees. And my, has it been hot hot hot recently!
This month there are a few little pottery markets and some annual events that we wait for every year.
Local Fêtes
Many villages have their own fêtes that generally only the locals know about. You’ll know you’ve stumbled upon one of these when you find the main square full of normally 1-2 glass of wine people drunk off their faces. I even know people that have it written into their work contract that they have to take this specific day off every year for their local village fête.
Make sure to check out some of the ongoing exhibitions before the end of the month. This is my list of some of the most interesting August Events in Provence this year.
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