Best month to visit Provence, French Riviera??
 

We're planning a river cruise in 2016 from Lyon to Nice and some extra days in the Provence area afterward. We can go in May or September and would like any suggestions as to which month may be better--weather-wise or any local events that may create problems. Thanks for any help!

Both months are fine. The vegetation in Provence will be a little drier in Sept than May. Lots for French holidays in May when some stores will be closed.

Stu Dudley

Thank you, Stu---you're a wonderful resource!

September, by all means. The bulk of the tourists have departed, the Europeans have gone back to work, and Provence returns to its more-or-less normal self. BTW, Nice is actually in Provence, the eastern portion of that enormous region. Save at least a few days for Nice and the region around it: much to see and savor.

As long as you are excluding any time in Paris, either of these months is an excellent time to visit. Early September can be crowded somewhat as vacationers are concluding their 5 annual weeks off per year but the weather during both months is wonderful and it´s an very good time to travel France.

Altnough the weather in May and September is usually not bad, there doesn't exist any fine weather guarantee.
Inondations in May 2013: http://www.laprovence.com/diaporama/...a-avignon.html
Inondations in September 2014: http://www.keraunos.org/actualites/f...languedoc.html
and
http://france3-regions.francetvinfo....ol-554418.html

I'd just pick which one you prefer for other reasons. I don't think May has tourists any more than September, so tourists being gone by September wouldn't be a reason to me, as they don't arrive in droves in May. For a lot of Provence hotels I've noticed, high season rates are July and August and mid-season are May, June and September. I think it's just personal preference, I prefer the Fall to Spring for travel in general to Europe. Temperatures should be about the same, but light a little later in May than September, as closer to the summer solstice.

I prefer spring for European travel because the days are longer. It's nice to have that extra hour or so of daylight. Not to speak of the fresh green leaves and grass, and the spring flowers.

If you are planning on a river cruise, make your reservations as soon as possible. They sell out over a year in advance for this area. Another concern that may help in your decision as to when to go, is the river level. Sometimes in May, the rivers are high and may cause problems with river travel. Happy planning and traveling.

I have unexpectedly been invited to join a friend on a river cruise from Lyon to Avignon, which will take place in May.

It wouldn't necessarily have been my top choice but for various reasons I really want to go, not least because I want to "suss" it out to see if i think my mum would like to go on one.

Chale - you're right about having to book up a long time in advance - this once was sold out a long time ago.

We've been coming to Provence for several weeks in May and usually also in September for over 10 years. We've also been here in every other month of the year... and just arrived yesterday for a two-week stay.

I think May and September are both great, for reasons people have given above. Mild temperatures, not too crowded, not peak season prices, everything open. You can look at historical weather data, but there are always exceptions. I think you just have to be flexible to adjust for whatever weather you may end up with.

That said, I personally prefer May because I love the freshness and the green and all the beautiful flowers, especially the fields of poppies. In September you may see a bit of the wine harvest underway and just a hint of early fall color.

Kathy