provence in winter Archives - Curious Provence

Inspiration for visiting Provence in winter, from November-March.
Truffles – Sea Urchins – Long Walks – Horseback Riding – Eating (of course!)

Les Baux de Provence by curiousprovence — Les Baux de Provence on a February evening.

If you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed that I’m trying to start a new hashtag #provenceinwinter because this place is honestly wonderful year-round. The area does become more sleepy after the busy summer season (thankfully!) but there’s still plenty to see, eat and do. The sky in the Camargue often has a pink tint on the horizon and in the Alpilles a dark blue behind the mountains. The air smells of wood-burning fires particularly in the Luberon where the smoke from stunning farmhouses rises in the valleys. The sheep return from their mountain retreats and take over the fields. White flowers bloom between the leafless grape vines and the winter light on the plane trees highlight their goblet shapes. When the Mistral wind is blowing it’s best to stay inside but otherwise it’s quite possible to eat outside at midday. The markets are much smaller but it’s the best markets that are year round as the tourist markets disappear during the winter months. Prices for accommodation are cheaper so you can stay even longer! Rent a villa and cook delicious stews! Here are just a few ideas to inspire your visit to Provence in winter.

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I love exploring Provence in the winter. It’s quiet. You can linger in the streets of small towns (like Saint Saturnin les Apt) to appreciate little details such as potted plants adorably shoved onto windowsills. Or, the particular stunning shade of peach on a weatherbeaten shutter.

Weather in Winter

People often ask me what the winter weather is like here in Provence. This year has been colder than last. We rarely get snow and when we do, it tends to last the morning. The worst is the wind. The famous Mistral wind is fierce and has been known to drive people mad with the noise it creates. It also blows for days at a time, lending itself to a certain mythological nature.

The Luberon National Park

The other day we took a drive through the Luberon. If you’re unfamiliar, the Luberon is what I always describe as France’s Tuscany. Imagine rolling hills, large stone farmhouses, perched villages and plentiful orchards of cherry, and olive trees. In summer, the region is quite busy due to Peter Mayle’s first book “A Year in Provence” and the subsequent film, A Good Year, starring Russell Crowe.

Saint Saturnin Les Apt

Saint Saturnin Les Apt is not as well known as Gordes or Menerbes. It’s a wonderful start for a winter day out. We often visit more than one village during our drives throughout the Luberon.

Saint Saturnin Les Apt is quiet and full of beautiful colours. There’s generally a café open to savour a hot chocolate after you’ve taken in the wonderful views over the upper Luberon national park.

The town was occupied throughout antiquity as a Ligurian, Celtic and then Roman site. In 1190, Saint Saturnin les Apt was the fief of the Agoult family.

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Visit Provence in Winter

Winter Day Out in Saint Saturnin les Apt

Weather in Winter

The Luberon National Park

Saint Saturnin Les Apt