January in Provence is a month of quiet beauty, crisp air, and a renewed sense of calm after the festive season.
The crowds have disappeared, leaving the landscapes peaceful and the towns slower-paced. This is the perfect time to enjoy the region’s winter light, seasonal delicacies, and unique traditions that make Provence a year-round destination.
Weather and what to pack
January is one of the coldest months in Provence, with temperatures ranging between 2°C and 10°C. Frosty mornings give way to clear blue skies, and while the mistral wind occasionally sweeps through, it brings with it breathtakingly sharp visibility across the countryside. Along the Côte d’Azur, temperatures tend to be milder, making it an inviting winter escape. Packing for January means bringing warm layers - a thick coat, scarf, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential for exploring, whether strolling through villages or hiking in the hills. A waterproof jacket is useful for occasional rainy days becuase (even in Provence) it still rains. Don't worry - sunglasses remain a must, as Provence’s winter sun can be as brilliant as ever.
Seasonal traditions and local celebrations
The festive spirit lingers into early January with Epiphany, celebrated across Provence with the traditional galette des rois - a buttery puff pastry cake with an almond filling, inside which a small fève (charm) is hidden. Bakeries overflow with beautifully decorated galettes, and families gather to enjoy this time-honoured tradition. In certain villages, you may even find Epiphany processions or events marking the arrival of the Three Kings. Winter also marks the height of the truffle season, and January is an excellent time to visit the famous truffle markets of Richerenches or Carpentras, where the prized black truffles of Provence are on full display. Many local restaurants offer special truffle-themed menus, making it the perfect month to indulge in one of Provence’s most luxurious ingredients.
Three key events in January in Provence
Truffle Festival in Richerenches
Every January, the village of Richerenches, known as the “truffle capital” of Provence, hosts the annual Fête de la Truffe. This highly anticipated event celebrates the region’s prized black truffle, drawing chefs, food enthusiasts, and truffle hunters from across France. Visitors can explore bustling truffle markets, attend cooking demonstrations, and even participate in truffle-hunting excursions with trained dogs. The highlight of the festival is the Truffle Mass, a unique ceremony where truffles are symbolically offered at the church before being auctioned to benefit local charities. If you are a truffle fan, check out the masters of truffle culture in Provence - the Jaumard brothers.
La Bravade de Saint-Tropez (Saint-Tropez Winter Festival)
While most associate Saint-Tropez with its summer glamour, January offers a glimpse into the town’s quieter, more traditional side. La Bravade des Espagnols, held on January 16th and 17th, is a historic celebration commemorating the town’s resistance against Spanish forces in 1637. Locals dress in period costumes, firing ceremonial muskets and marching through the streets in honour of their past. The event is accompanied by religious processions, music, and gatherings in the old town, providing a unique cultural experience during the winter season.
Fête de la Saint-Marcel in Barjols
The Fête de la Saint-Marcel, held in mid-January in the village of Barjols, is one of Provence’s most unusual and vibrant winter festivals. This four-day event dates back to the 14th century and features a blend of religious tradition and rustic celebration. The highlight is the "Carmentran" procession, where a live bull is paraded through the streets before being symbolically “pardoned.” The festival includes folk music, dancing, and a lively feast showcasing local specialties such as daube provençale and regional wines.
Along the Côte d’Azur, the atmosphere remains lively, yet without the crowds. Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais is the perfect place for a winter walk, with cafés still serving seaside coffee under crisp blue skies. Saint-Tropez and Cannes offer a more relaxed version of their summer selves, where you can explore their charming old towns and enjoy seasonal seafood in a quiet harbourside restaurant. For those who enjoy a cultural escape, January is an excellent time to visit Provence’s museums, galleries, and historical sites without the queues.
January in Provence is a time of simplicity and authenticity. It is the perfect month for those seeking a quieter escape - whether that means sitting by a roaring fire in a countryside mas, enjoying truffle-infused cuisine, or walking through near-empty medieval streets. With its winter sunshine, rich traditions, and dramatic landscapes, Provence in January is a destination that reveals its beauty in a more understated, intimate way.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the year,
The Provence Holidays Team
