bcsa

Would mid April be a good time to visit Aix?

JerryS

Yes.

Christina

Depends why you are going then and what your alternatives are. I wouldn't go in that month if I could choose a month a bit later (if I wanted to go in Spring). I'd prefer May, for example. April is one of the rainiest months, for one thing, and it can still be a bit cool, but that depends what you want to do and whether you care about that. I also think the Mistral winds can still be a factor in that month, although not serious. Temps at night get down to 6 C routinely (or below 50F) often in April, for example. That just isn't what I want out of Provence, but you may not care. Also, you won't see poppies that early, but you could in May, and in general you won't see as many flowers in bloom.

They do have a famous local festival in Aix in April, the festival du tambourin (a musical instrument). That would be fun, but that is the first week in April in 2013 (the 6th, maybe). So going in mid-April would even miss that.

In short, I wouldn't choose that time period, but it would be okay, of course.

bcsa

Thank you for your replies.

Ackislander

Seconding Christina. We visited our son in mid-April when he was a student in Aix. We had several days of drizzle and intermittent soft, warm rain, not downpours. We also had four or five days of sunny shirt-sleeve weather. It was a bit cool for sitting at sidewalk cafes at night, great weather for touring.

Gretchen

Are you only going to Aix?

bcsa

Have changed itinerary. Would 2nd or 3rd week of May be nice to be in the Aix area and see the hill towns, coastal towns, and flowers? Any suggestions for doing this and for places to stay in Aix and along the Riviera? Also any suggestions for charming inns in the French Alps areas?

Nottingham

Get a Michelin Guide for the regions.....always good suggestions.

bcsa

Thank you.

Christina

I think that would be a good time. I can recommend a charming inn I stayed in once just outside of Aix, which made it easy to visit Aix and to drive elsewhere. I loved this place and their on-site restaurant was superb.
http://www.masdentremont.com/uk/index.php

I really like summer in Provence when you can see the lavendar and sunflowers, but May is better than April and more flowers will be in bloom, like the poppies. And it won't be as hot, of course, during the day, and less crowded. So sounds like a good new plan.

It depends how long you want for your vacation, you could spend several days around Aix and then move on to a different area which might be more convenient to the Luberon and those hill towns you are thinking of, that's what I've done before.

bcsa

Christina, I really appreciate the specific recommendation.

Christina

okay, I have another one, this is about my favorite inn in Provence http://www.hotel-lhermitage.com/

It is a very good rate, also, and just outside the small town of Pernes-les-Fontaines. This place is farther north and an excellent location that is within an easy drive to Luberon hill towns, or Avignon or the Vaucluse or the Gigondas wine region. YOu could visit Vaison le Romaine from there, for example. Not only is it lovely and with a private car park, it is on a main road so an easy drive to other places (and Isle sur la Sorgue is also just a few miles south, another good place to visit).

I've done a trip where I stayed at that inn just outside Aix a few days (visiting Aix and Mont Ventoux to the east of it and Abbaye de Silvacane http://www.abbaye-silvacane.com

then I drove north and stayed in that inn the Hermitage outside Pernes-les-Fontaines for another 4-5 days, and finally left out of the TGV station at Avignon where I turned in my rental car. That was about a perfect vacation in terms of places I stayed from my point of view.

Underhill

The Mas d'Entremont is indeed an excellent place to stay. It's also very conveniently located.

bcsa

Sound like great possibilities. Thanks again.

Timetolivenow

It's a great time to go. The prices are still lower, you have no que's, and the waiters are in a better mood. I was there in March and it was perfect. Sure some cool day's, but the French sit in the cafe's on the square a the time even in January. I ate most of my meals on the square and they do have heaters if it gets really chilly. I think you will have a great time, not have to worry about a reservation for dinner and you will mingle with the French instead of other tourists. Aix has an amazing, walkable oldtown. So many restaurants and you will not be disapointed. A little rain add to the feel of being relaxed and for the most part it won;t rain all day, if at all. So go, enjoy, eat, drink and feel like a local. Bring a scarf for both men and women!!!!

bcsa

Christina, Where would be some good spots to see the wild flowers and poppies?

Christina

I'll be honest, I haven't seen fields of poppies, mainly lavendar, sunflowers and vineyards. There are lots of fields of those in the rural areas between Carpentras and Aix (this is a large area I'm naming), and east to Apt, as well as the flatter countryside around St Remy. If you are driving around that general area (and not on the big super-highways), you should see them.

here's an example on the D900 near Bonnieux, which is the Luberon http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2012...-provence.html And that is a fairly large highway (but not the super big ones). I think that used to be the N100.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/milkweed/7303134348/
Another example in a field near Roussillon, where I've stayed at times.

Here's another example near St Saturin d'Apt which is a small village north of Apt and NE of Roussillon http://www.masperreal.com/luberon-home-base.html

bcsa

Beautiful pictures, good links, and helpful suggestions - thanks again!