Hello all! We (me, husband, girls 12 and 10) are tentatively planning a trip to the south of France in either late April or the first week in June. Considering Luberon area of Provence, probably using Apt as a base...or maybe checking out Languedoc, with base probably in the Beziers/Pezenas area. Are we correct in assuming that for June, the latter will be less crowded and the roads more easily navigable? We all have a variety of interests which we feel either location would allow us to be happy with; just wondering what your choice would be if you have experience with both areas? Also, is there a dramatic difference in weather between April 20th--30th and first week in June? (Don't trash me for this last question, obviously June's going to be a bit warmer and a little less windy and likely to rain.) Any input you have will be much appreciated...thanks!

I may be wrong because I don't have vast experience, but for the Luberon I think June would be better and not way too overcrowded (that's July/August) mainly because of the Mistral. We were there in early April one year and froze and nearly got blown away. Likewise, one year it was cool and windy even as late as early June (which I prefer to the heat). Often it is warm by June.

I don't know if my choice would be your choice - especially since I live in Provence, but I would pick the Languedoc to explore. You can visit fascinating Cathar sites in areas that look almost like a moonscape and then see the oyster beds along the coast. Pretty varied... and less busy at either time you mention.<BR><BR>Should you choose the Luberon area, I would not suggest Apt as a base.... perhaps Saignon (just above Apt) or Rousillon. I find Apt a most unattractive town.<BR><BR>Driving anywhere here in Provence is fairly easy - roads are well marked. Just don't insist on looking at road numbers, but plot your trip by the names of towns and cities in the direction you wish to go. <BR><BR>The weather has been particularly iffy in the past couple of years - we've had hot Aprils and cool rainy Junes... the Mistral can blow at any time of the year, so be prepared for some wind. <BR><BR>Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip.<BR><BR>PB

Mia -- If you decide on the Languedoc area, I highly recommend the Ancienne Boulangerie bed and breakfast in Caunes-Minervois. The owners are friendly, transplanted Americans and the town is a tiny, untouristy gem. Check out the Caunes-Minervois website. We were there last May and loved it. Many interesting sites are nearby. We especially enjoyed Albi with its Toulouse-Lautrec museum and awesome cathedral. We celebrated our anniversary at the hotel across the street from the B &B, Hotel D'Alibert and it was a truly memorable evening --great food, charming service and incredible atmosphere. You really can't go wrong with either the Languedoc or the Luberon -- both are wonderful.

PB, you say the Mistral can blow at any time of the year....but perhaps one would notice its effects more in April than in June? By the way, I'm most curious about this wind, they say it comes all the way from Siberia, is this true? And is it just felt in the Provence region, or does Languedoc have a bit of it as well?

&lt;&lt; PB, you say the Mistral can blow at any time of the year....but perhaps one would notice its effects more in April than in June? By the way, I'm most curious about this wind, they say it comes all the way from Siberia, is this true? And is it just felt in the Provence region, or does Languedoc have a bit of it as well?&gt;&gt;<BR><BR>In truth, we feel the effects much more when it blows in November, January and February - it's much colder then. It doesn't often blow in June,July or August, but I remember one July when it blew for twelve days (it blows in increments of three days, so three, six, nine, twelve...). Some years we have very little Mistral, and others we have a <BR>lot. The force of the wind varies from 90 km per hour all the way up to 140 km per hour with gusts that can reach 160 kmph ( rather like hurricane force winds). Have you ever noticed some of the older houses have rocks along their rooflines ? That's to stop the tiles from blowing down. <BR><BR>And yes, it comes from Siberia, blowing down the Rhone Valley, and eastward, sometimes reaching the Riviera. It passes through Switzerland as well, where it's called La Bise.<BR><BR>It doesn't get to most of the Languedoc region (sometimes Anduze down toward Nimes get some) but they sometimes get what is called the 'tramontagne', which blows from the east.<BR><BR>PB

PB, thanks for your reply. It's wonderful to have a Provence resident to advise on the area.<BR><BR>I will look for the housing feature you mention when we visit in middle April. <BR><BR>By the way, one hotel has informed me that April 16-19 falls during Easter holidays (and therefore high season.) I looked up a French government web site and found that yes, it is Easter holidays for Area B of France then...but Provence is in Area A, and their holidays conclude on April 15. I decided that the families of Area B could be travelling in the area at this time, and therefore the hotel was justified in charging the higher rate, do you agree? It's a little disappointing, as I was hoping for a bit of a break in rates by going earlier. Is the hotel correct, or should I shop around more?<BR><BR>Either way, we're looking forward to seeing your region, I've heard so much about it.

The holiday schedule you are referring to is for school holidays. Tourists can travel outside their residential area on holiday if they wish, and often do, not to mention tons of Europeans other than French who visit Provence. Provence is a very popular holiday area for people from all over.

Sue,<BR><BR>Yes, around here once the Easter vacations start, it's high season. Since the Easter vacations start at the beginning of the month for some part of the country, it's high season from the 1st, because so many people come to Provence for the first warmth of the year ! <BR><BR><BR>Patricia<BR>