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Spring break

what to see and do in Provence in spring?

Warm and welcoming, Provence is a paradise for foodies and fiesta fans keen to meet like-minded people and party on down! Book your favourite festivals, excursions and activities today and look forward to a sparkling springtime in Provence.

“Apéros Panorama” sundowners in Beaucaire, an eyeful of scenery

Fancy some wine tasting with a difference? Head to the top of Saint-Roman Abbey in the Gard area – Europe’s only Troglodyte abbey -, where an exceptional evening awaits you! But beware, you’re more than likely to fall madly in love with this incredible site: the remains of a monastery carved into the rock, tucked away in wild garrigue… On the programme: a tour of the site with wine tasting and tapas paying tribute to local produce. To make the most of the visit, you’ll need a pass to enjoy the intimate aperitif on the upper terrace of this mysterious and captivating venue. The 360° views over the Rhône Valley and Alpilles are simply out of this world too! A delicious moment of sharing and togetherness in the company of two passionate winegrowers.

Practical information:

15th and 29th of June 2022, then every two weeks in july and august

Abbaye de Saint-Roman, Beaucaire

abbaye-de-saint-roman-ot-beaucaire-terre-dargence-tourisme.jpg

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“Just’ Rosé” festival in Sanary, life in the pink!

Wake up and smell the rosés… The Just’Rosé open-air festival in Sanary-sur-Mer is an ode to the good life, with over 50 exhibitors from Provence and elsewhere come to meet visiting wine lovers and introduce them to their wares. You’re simply sure to find the rosé of your dreams here, whether you’re seeking an elegant poolside beverage, refreshing drink or rosé to accompany a game of petanque with your pals. What’s more, Sanary is irresistibly instagrammable all decked out in pink… Don’t miss the contests for the prettiest shop window and best wine bottle, plus art walks and concerts that promise to get festival-goers in the party mood. Meanwhile, kids can have fun with the Just’Kids space, cordial bars, magician, wooden games and makeup workshop. Pink is the colour!

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Festival Just’Rosé

Practical information:

May 2022

Sanary-sur-Mer

Wine & Gastronomy Fair, Alpes de Haute Provence

Every year, the Manosque Lions Club celebrates fine wining & dining at the “Salon du Vin et de la Gastronomie” fair, at the crossroads of the Alpes de Haute Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Vaucluse areas. 30 winegrowers from all over France, plus 30 regional producers, will be tickling your tastebuds with a fabulous line-up of local delicacies, ranging from authentic charcuterie to truffles, snails, gingerbread, olive oils and other succulent specialities. Who could possibly resist?! Sample the very best fare on offer with a gourmet walk overflowing with gastronomic and Provencal aromas and tastes. What’s more, the cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs promise galloping gourmets a feast for the eyes. Don’t forget to bring along your notebook!

Practical information:

Weekend of April 8th to 10th, 2022

Salle Osco Manosco in Manosque

“Fête de la Transhumance” in Castellane

Flocks and meadows are part of the natural charm of Provence; a region that has remained deeply attached to its traditions. The three-day Transhumance Fair in Castellane pays homage to pastoralism and offers visitors a fascinating insight into the world of sheep farming. Discover how wool is woven to create the cosy sweaters we love to sport in winter, or how sheepdogs are trained. Foodies will love strolling around the stalls of the large farmers’ market, piled high with a tempting range of local goodies. Pause awhile to chat with the producers – they’ll be happy to unveil some of their time-honoured secrets. Castellane’s restaurants are also taking part in the fun with a special “Shepherd’s Menu” sure to satisfy even the most demanding connoisseurs. And because music is a must for a great atmosphere, you’ll also enjoy a heartwarming folk evening followed by a traditional mass.

Practical information:

2nd weekend of June

Castellane

“Fête des Gardians” in Arles, flying the flag of tradition

We call them “gardians” and they are the cowboys (or girls) that stand guard over the herds in Camargue. When spring comes around, a special procession is dedicated to them in Arles, ending at Eglise de la Major, the seat of their ancient guild dedicated to Saint George. The “gardians” and their horses are blessed during the traditional Provencal mass attended by villagers and visitors alike. After that, it’s time to elect the new captain of the “Confrérie des Gardians” guild and, every 3 years, a new Queen of Arles. Don’t miss the fabulous show of traditional games and races too!

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Practical information:

May 1st in Arles

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The R2, THE groovy rooftop venue in Marseille

Spanning 1,250 m2 between sea and sky, the R2 is quite simply THE PLACE TO BE. Dedicated to fine dining and events, this gorgeous space features the “Terrasses du Port” rooftop venue and restaurant “Le Reverso”. The rooftop boasts exceptional, 360° panoramic vistas over Marseille, the Mediterranean Sea, Frioul islands and Côte Bleue coast. You only live once, so simply sit back, relax and gaze out over the horizon for as long as the mood takes you… The city’s new must-do, the R2 hosts four exciting weekly events featuring a varied line-up of electric and experimental music and shows courtesy of French and international artists, DJs and performers. Swathed in a chill ambience embellished with greenery, the outdoor screenings also promise to astonish. A top new hangout for art and electro buffs, the R2 is reaching for the stars!

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Practical information:

9, Quai du Lazaret in Marseille

“Les Nuits Musicales” in Uzès, for music lovers

One of the oldest festivals in Occitania, “Les Nuits Musicales“, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, returns to the ducal town of Uzès every spring, magicking it into an exceptional musical stage. A must-do annual meeting for French music fans, the latest edition is paying tribute to Serge Gainsbourg, the man who loved women… Singer Vanina de Franco and her jazz quartet will be capturing hearts, while pianist Stéphane Cochet’s irresistible melodies are sure to get heads nodding and feet tapping! And of course, aficionados will love the Gainsbourg .. moi non plus tribute to a legend that will live on forever. The various concerts are showcased at the new “L’Ombrière” concert hall.

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Les Nuits musicales d’Uzès

Practical information:

May 7th, 2022 at 8.30 pm in Uzès

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Une publication partagée par Hôtel De Paris Saint-Tropez (@hoteldeparissainttropez)

Golden hour aperitif at the Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez

There’s no time like the present for savouring a delicious cocktail – unless of course you’d rather wait until you’re comfortable seated on an idyllic rooftop… Perched at the summit of Saint-Tropez‘s most Parisian-style hotel, this gorgeous rooftop venue – also welcoming the restaurant “Les Toits” – is the perfect place for a spring sundowner. The terrace, perched between the village and Gulf, boasts magnificent vistas over the roofs of Saint-Tropez and Mediterranean Sea, inviting relaxation and reverie. The cocktails are unique here too: every drink is made to measure according to your preferences and spur-of-the-moment whims. Chef Cédric Callé, the shaker magician, has crafted an exceptional menu of colourful, refreshing and exuberant signature cocktails sure to astonish traditional Martini and Cosmopolitan fans. Each recipe is unique, so even if you try, you simply won’t find them anywhere else.

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Practical information:

1 Traverse de la Gendarmerie in Saint-Tropez

Dance to the rhythm at the Yeah! music festival in Vaucluse

Acclaimed as the father of French electro music, Laurent Garnier is one of the founders of the Yeah! music festival, uniting electro fans from the world over for several years now. Festival-goers enjoy three days of revelry on the terraces of Château de Lourmarin and inside its Protestant temple, bathed in a welcoming, family-friendly pop-rock-electro ambience. The festival was even crowned “Best Micro Festival” in 2017! And because music and art are intrinsically linked, the event also invites visitors to enjoy a variety of inaugurations, exhibitions and photo workshops at the Espace Albert Camus, where you’ll meet plenty of like-minded art buffs. Meanwhile, the Château cellar stages concerts, talks, round tables and masterclasses for curiosity-seekers and wine buffs thirsty for new discoveries. Last but not least, bars, DJ sets, and football and petanque tournaments promise to keep you laughing, dancing and generally having a ball from dawn to dusk.

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The Festival Yeah

Practical information:

Château de Lourmarin

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Une publication partagée par Le grand ménage (@legrandmenage)

“Le Grand Ménage” in the Luberon, a tribute to performing arts

Held in spring in the towns of Cucuron, Vaugines, Cadenet and Beaumont de Pertuis, this street art festival is a genuine showcase for talent and creativity, featuring a whirlwind, nine-day line-up of shows and concerts guaranteeing fun and frolics for locals and visitors alike! Ten or more troupes take centre stage in the streets, lanes and squares of the Luberon, inviting audiences on an urban stroll filled with enriching encounters and offering a new angle on street arts, far from the formal world of traditional theatre, yet overflowing with sensational acting and artistic talents.

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Le Grand Ménage

Practical information:

7th edition

Saturday April 23rd to Sunday May 1st, 2022

Sud Luberon