We are in the initial stages of planning a trip to Provence and Italy in April 2004. The best time for us to travel is during Easter week. Although I spent spring semester in Avignon years ago, I can't remember whether there are many Good Friday, Easter and Easter Monday closings in France. Will stores, museums, and tourist sights be closed for the weekend and, most importantly, will we be able to get into our rental house on the Saturday before Easter?

We made a similar journey to France a few years ago, spending Good Friday in Paris and beginning a rental in Provence the next day. As I recall, the only thing affected by the holiday was that we were unable to go inside Notre Dame, because of religious services. The Louvre and Cluny were open.

On Saturday we had no trouble moving into our rented house or buying groceries at a nearby supermarket. As I recall the Easter vacation in France is quite long, so there were quite a few French tourists (our house was at the entrance to a village perche and we had fun watching the hikers and cyclists toiling up the hill).

I'm also planning to go to Provence next April. When is Easter...I need to factor that date into my plans. Thanks for bringing up the subject.
Martha

Dear Martha: According to the advance school calendar for next year, Easter will be on April 11, 2004. A little over 10 months from now! Marsha

Thank you,Marsha. Now I can plan my trip accordingly. I can't wait for next April to arrive!