Even a brief mention the Mistral is enough send a shiver down the spine of many a Provençaux! Why? Well, this is the Master wind, a bitingly cold wind which emanates in Siberia and blows down the Rhone and Durance Valleys.

The Master Wind of Provence

The name comes from the old language of the region Occitan and it was originally called the Mistrau. It fans out across the Rhône delta and can reach as far east as St Tropez and even to Corsica. Tradition has it that it can blow for three, six or nine days and can send dogs mad!

Normally the Mistral blows in the Winter and Spring but it can start early autumn and take you by surprise although this is unusual. Remember to take some warm clothing especially if you are travelling off-season!