Provence - April or July?
 

We're trying to pin down the "perfect" time to visit Provence in 2007. May is out because of a business trip mid-month. June is out, as well. Here are 2 options - go towards the end of April or beginning of July. Weather considerations? Thanks, in advance, for opinions...

April for sure! July is high tourist season, and everything will be mobbed. April weather should be okay.

However, July is lavender season, if that is important to you.

My two trips to Provence/the Riviera were in April, and it was a lovely time to be there.

Was there at the end of last month and weather was wondrful (except for the first day which was wet). A few places were busy (e.g. les Baux, Isle sur la sourge market and St Remy market, and Gordes) but many palces were not. Traffic was fine - have not been there in the high season and am not sure I woudl want to.

If you are a couple travelling and want to rent I would be happy to offer a suggestion

Definitely April. The only thing you will miss is the lavender, and you won't notice because you will be so busy enjoying the glorious weather and scant crowds, and the scenery is still gorgeous. The heat in July can be terrible. Autumn (October) is also perfect.

Either could work -

As pointed out, much fewer tourists in April - but July you can eat breakfast,lunch and diner outdoors - swim, work on your tan and take in a bit of lavendar while you are at it. And it stays light out till about 10 at night.

If you were planning on the coast, I'd say april just to avoid the mob scene. If inland Provence, either way will work.

-Kevin

Just wanted to point out that the gorgeous blossoms (almond? pear? whatever...) in the orchards would probably make up for the missing lavendar.

I vote for July for many of the reasons previousy mentioned. April can be much colder. I visited the Riviera and Provence in July and wondered where the crowds were. I figured they were coming in August.

Oh Kevin, you just saved me from a huge heartbreak. We are going (for the very first time!) to Paris and then to Provence the very end of June/early July and, based on the majority of the comments, it seemed like we made a terrible timing mistake. So, what a relief to read your post! I am a huge fan of blooming lavender and warm weather, and these were the main reasons for the timing of this trip.

So, I am so very glad that a July visit will work!

Anna Roz

Be sure to get your hotel reservations ASAP so you can get the ones you want.

As a lover of Provence, both are ok, we are all tourists no matter how often we visit but July has Provence at the hight of the blooming trees, herbs and the cigales at the start of their concerts :)

P.S. you also get to travel lighter.

So, is it all casual then? Would cotton skirts and T-shirts and those ankle/mid-calf pants work? A light sweater for the evening, perhaps? All of the above?

It cannot get here soon enough!!