April signals the true arrival of spring in Provence. The days grow longer, temperatures rise, and the landscapes begin to shift from early blossoms to lush greenery.
This is an ideal month to explore without the summer crowds, whether that means walking through the vineyards, visiting food markets, or heading to the coast before the peak season begins. With Easter celebrations, traditional festivals, and outdoor events, April offers a balance of seasonal produce, cultural experiences, and mild weather for discovering the region.
Weather and what to pack
April in Provence brings a noticeable shift in the seasons. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C, with cooler mornings and evenings. The mistral wind is less frequent, and the first warm afternoons make outdoor dining and countryside walks more appealing. Rain is possible, though showers tend to be short-lived. Packing for April means dressing in layers. A light jacket or cardigan is useful for early mornings, while comfortable shoes are essential for exploring cobbled village streets or countryside paths.
Spring landscapes and seasonal produce
April is a transition month for Provence’s landscapes, with vineyards, olive groves, and wildflower meadows coming to life. Cherry blossoms and almond trees are still visible in some areas, while fields of red poppies start to bloom, particularly in The Luberon and The Alpilles. At local markets, early spring produce becomes more abundant. The first asparagus, broad beans, and artichokes appear, alongside strawberries from Carpentras. Fresh goat cheese, at its peak in flavour, is a staple at this time of year, often paired with local honey or spring herbs. Many winemakers begin opening their estates for tastings and vineyard walks before the summer season, making April a good time for a quieter wine experience in regions such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas.
Festivals and cultural events in April
Easter in Provence
Easter is widely celebrated across Provence, with market stalls, religious processions, and local food traditions marking the occasion. Many villages host Easter egg hunts, often set in historic gardens or vineyards. In towns such as Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, Easter Sunday Mass is held in historic churches, and bakeries sell seasonal specialities such as fougasse, navettes, and gâteau de Pâques, a lightly sweetened Easter cake.
Fête de la Transhumance in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Held towards the end of April, the Fête de la Transhumance is one of the most distinctive rural traditions in Provence, celebrating the seasonal migration of livestock from lowland pastures to the higher grazing lands of The Alpilles mountains. The event brings hundreds of sheep, goats, and even a few donkeys through the heart of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a practice that has shaped the region’s agricultural heritage for centuries. The procession begins in the morning, as shepherds in traditional dress lead their flocks through the town, accompanied by herding dogs and wooden staffs. The atmosphere is lively, with locals and visitors lining the streets, capturing the spectacle as the animals move rhythmically through the town’s historic centre.
Beyond the procession, the festival is a celebration of Provençal rural life, with market stalls selling regional products, from fresh goat cheese and lavender honey to handcrafted leather goods and woollen textiles. Local artisans showcase their crafts, while traditional folk musicians and dancers bring an extra sense of occasion to the event. Many bistros and market stalls serve seasonal dishes, including grilled lamb, olive tapenade, and freshly baked fougasse, making it an excellent opportunity to sample authentic Provençal flavours. For those interested in rural heritage and local traditions, the Fête de la Transhumance is an opportunity to experience a way of life that remains deeply connected to the land. The combination of history, community, and gastronomy makes this festival a standout event in Saint-Rémy’s annual calendar.
Avignon Spring fair
The Foire de Printemps d’Avignon is a key event in the city’s cultural calendar, bringing together local artisans, food producers, and performers for a weekend celebrating Provençal craftsmanship and gastronomy. Stalls line the streets, offering handmade textiles, ceramics, and regional delicacies, while wine producers from across the Rhône Valley and beyond host tastings of new releases and classic vintages. Live music and street performances add to the lively atmosphere, with traditional folk groups and contemporary acts taking to open-air stages. Families can enjoy interactive workshops showcasing traditional crafts, from soap-making to olive oil pressing. For those interested in local specialities, the fair is a great place to sample cheeses from The Luberon, honey from The Alpilles, and sweet treats like calissons from Aix-en-Provence. The weekend provides an opportunity to experience the best of Avignon’s artisanal and culinary traditions, before the busier summer months.
Exploring the region in April
April is one of the best months for outdoor activities in Provence, with mild temperatures and fewer visitors making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. The Luberon Regional Park offers excellent walking trails, with routes passing through vineyards, limestone cliffs, and hilltop villages. The Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon, known for its striking red and orange rock formations, is particularly photogenic against the clear spring skies. Along the Côte d’Azur, the coastal paths near Cassis and Antibes offer scenic walks with views over the Mediterranean, while seaside towns such as Menton, Saint-Tropez, and Cannes become livelier as cafés and restaurants extend their terraces. Fresh seafood, paired with a glass of local rosé, is a highlight at this time of year. For those interested in history, April is a good time to visit the Palais des Papes in Avignon, the Roman theatre in Orange, and the ancient ruins of Glanum near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, all before the peak-season crowds.
April is a time of seasonal change in Provence, with spring markets, local festivals, and ideal conditions for exploring. Whether it is a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a transhumance festival in Saint-Rémy, or a walk through the wildflowers in The Luberon, this is a month to experience Provence at a relaxed pace.
À bientôt,
The Provence Holidays Team
