Since Victorian times the South of France east of the Rhône and especially the Côte d’Azur has had a reputation for being the place to spend the winter months due to its very mild climate. Rich and titled Northern Europeans including Queen Victoria and the Czar of Russia would migrate here in November and return home in the Spring.

Nowadays of course Provence is very popular with everyone due to its year round mild climate and visitors are attracted in large numbers especially during the Summer months.

For each Season I've provided a selection of some of the main events. The local tourist office will know what's going on during you stay so be sure to pay them a visit. Failing that there's always the internet.

Seasons

Unsurprisingly, it can be very pleasant along the Riviera in Winter, especially towards the far eastern corner where Menton has a special microclimate. The rest of Provence varies according to how exposed it is to the Mistral, a cold wind which blows down the Rhône valley past Avignon and fans out, often as far St-Tropez. Also, at altitude, well away from the mediterranean it can be quite cold with lots of snow but this is just what is needed in the mountain resorts of the Mercantour, the Provence Alps and the Pre-Alps.