The Nuits du Sud (Southern Nights) Festival has been held annually in Vence since 1998 and is an internationally renowned event in a lovely venue, with a varied and high quality program; perfect for fans with an eclectic taste in music. Its popularity has grown due to a wise combination of diversity, discovery, and discounted pricing (23-39 Euros). The central Place du Grand Jardin is transformed for the occasion into a concert hall under the starry skies of Vence. The famous square is lined with restaurants, bars and ice-cream parlors. It's the perfect setting for a festive, convivial eveni ..read more

In the heart of winter, there is nothing like some contemporary dance to get your blood flowing and bring some warmth back to proceedings. Organised by the Centre de Dévelopement Chorégraphique National (CDCN), the Hivernales Festival in Avignon is one of the best events of its type in the world (running since the early 1980s). Over approximately twenty days (including a week dedicated to young audiences), the organisers brings together more than 7,000 people to deliver a varied programme of shows, cultural and educational activities, training and support for further creation. The events are ..read more

Jazz à Juan has long been one of the best - and the best loved - annual jazz festivals in the world. All the greats have played the event, including Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Dave Brubeck, Fats Waller, George Benson, Oscar Peterson, Pat Metheny, Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Stéphane Grappelli, Stevie Wonder and Wynton Marsalis. The vast majority have left their handprints in the ceramic tiles dotting the sidewalk of the Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, which runs behind the seaside stage. The stage itself is centred on La Pinède, an umbrella pine grove in the heart of Juan-les-Pins; which serves a ..read more

Organised by Seillans Vélos Nature and Leï Caminaïre, the "Ruelles de Seillans" vélo tout-terrain (VTT) Mountain Bike race in Seillans has courses for all levels & ages and is open to anyone who wants to register. It's not overly competitive and is great fun to watch. You can sip on a little morning cocktail (my sort of thing!) whilst enjoying a variety of different formats and circuits: 4 circuits of different levels in the streets, alleys, cobbles of the village 1 heritage walking circuit of 3.5 km with 125 m of height variation 1 free fun circuit for young beginners with bicycle ..read more

The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is an annual international music festival which takes place each summer in Aix-en-Provence, principally in July. Devoted mainly to opera, it also includes concerts of orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo instrumental music. The festival was founded in July 1948 by Countess Lily Pastré, who famously covered the entire costs of the first edition herself! It was made up of three or four concerts in the cour de l'Archevêché, a concert in the Saint-Sauveur cathedral, and six further concerts & recitals in various locations throughout the town. An opera was added ..read more

Every year, EPF Athletics and the Naturatrail team organise a nature race along Lake Saint Cassien in Montauroux. Participants can choose between an individual race (13.2 km) or a team relay race of 3 (in order: 3-7-3.2 km). The beautiful course around the St Cassien lake is sure to inspire you and it's a mixed ability group of runners, trailers, walkers, cross-country runners, track and field runners, parents and children. You will love it! The 20th Edition of Les Foulees du Lac - 2024 This year, €5 from each entry will be donated to the "Trail pour Tous" association (www.trailpourtous.fr ..read more

By now, you'll be well aware of the "living by the seasons" way-of-life in Provence. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. And our purpose today, dear friends, is the celebration of the most delicious of fruits; the strawberry. Once a year, in Carpentras, there is a day dedicated to the magnificent red fruit; with direct, fresh sales from the producers for the pleasure of young and old! Carpentras may be a bit of a drive for you, as it nestles (just) into the Vaucluse department (north-east of Avignon), but if you love strawberries, it's definitely w ..read more

Pétanque, or boules as it is more commonly known abroad, is practically a provençal institution. This iconic French ball game can be played on just about any dusty, gritty surface, and at any time of year. It is played throughout France but it's most commonly associated with the south having been invented in La Ciotat, near Marseilles. All this you know, of course. What you may not be familiar with is the square boules variety; played in Haut-de-Cagnes; the medieval hill village in the centre of Cagnes sur Mer. Quirky I know, but there is a (practical) reason: the streets here are too steep t ..read more

On the days leading up to the first Sunday in July every year, the Fête du Costume takes place In Arles. I know what you are thinking. Doesn't every town and village in France have a festival with traditional costume in the mix? Well, this is different in Arles, trust me! Arlesian costumes are famous for their delicacy, elegance, and originality, and back in the day, they were the most fashionable in the region since they followed the fashion trends directly from Paris. The Friday before the Costume Festival, there is a long night parade in traditional costumes - the Pégoulado - which brings ..read more

Every year on the first weekend of August, the annual Jasmine Festival – Fête du Jasmin – takes place in the beautiful medieval town of Grasse. Enjoy dances, music, concerts, exhibitions, processions and fireworks. All in honour of the city's gold – the perfume. Jasminum grandiflorum Jasminum grandiflorum has been cultivated in Grasse since the mid-19th century. It gives off an unforgettable scent; sweet, floral and fruity. The picking season lasts from August to October. Every day, the pickers find themselves in the fields and from 5 a.m., begin to pick out these delicate flowers with their ..read more