I apologize in advance for this question as I know that weather questions are asked very frequently.

I am considering a trip to Provence at the end May (last week of May). The hotel we would be staying at has a heated pool. Is it unreasonable to think that I could do some sunbathing & swimming, or will it not be warm enough?

Merci!

We have been there several times in late May, and it has always been warm enough for sunbathing & swimming in a heated pool. In '03, there was a heatwave & we dipped in the pool quite often just to cool off. Anything can happen, however. In '99 it was too cool to swim & sun in late June for a few days, and in '97 it was downright cold for a few days in early July.

Stu Dudley

Your best bet probably would be to send an email to the hotel before you leave and ask them what the weather's been like. In my experience, it's wildly variable! One year my brother went to France the first week in June and nearly strangled in the heat. We went the following week, bringing only lightweight clothing, and froze our fannies off. There was more than a 20 degree difference in temperature between the two weeks!!! Likewise, my friend went to Provence last July and said the weather was on the cool side. We went in October and wore short sleeves.

I've been there in March and worn shirt sleeves. That isn't to say it will always be warm - I've done that here in DC in the past as well and it sure hasn't been shirt sleeve weather yet!

If it's heated you may be ok. given that a bathing suit takes up so little space, I'd throw it in the suitcase and take your chances!

I live in Provence - you never know what the weather will do, but most years it's warm enough to swim as long as the pool is heated. As said before - how much room does a bathing suit take up in a suitcase anyway ?

You can always email me before you leave and I"ll let you know how hot it is...

Patricia [email protected]