Many people find the spring months a very pretty time to visit the Provence region of France. In late March the almond blossom heralds a change in the season, closely followed by the spectacular cherry blossom that fills the valleys and hillsides of the Luberon with its delicate colours.
At the beginning of March the Provençal markets begin to wake up as spring takes hold. The number of stalls start to increase at the year round markets such as Apt and Lourmarin and the smaller, more seasonal ones in Bonnieux, Gordes and Roussillon re-open. The villages are soon thriving again as the tourists start to arrive in large numbers.
The seasonal fruit and vegetables, freely avaliable throughout the region include blush coloured apricots, lushious cherries and the tempting green and purple aspargus tips.
During April the scenery is awash with colour. It's common to see multicoloured irises, their elegant heads brightening the roadsides and framing the numeous fields of scarlet poppies that are in full bloom at this time of the year alongside the rows of vines with their fresh green shoots.
Spring in the Luberon is a good time of year for lovers of outdoor sports. The temperatures aren't too high and there is normally plenty of sunshine. Hiking and cycling are particularly popular and in 2011 a new cycle route was completed. It runs between Apt and Cavaillon and provides an attractive and enjoyable route through the heart of the Luberon.
The spring days tend to be bright and clear. It can be cool in the mornings with the temperatures rising by lunchtime for pleasantly warm afternoons. Lunch in the sun is a common treat here.
The Average Temperatures in the Luberon, Provence, France during the Spring
- March - Average Temperature 57.2°F/14°C
- April - Average Temperature 66.2°F/19°C
- May - Average Temperature 69.8°F/21°C (although frequently higher)
The roads during springtime are free from summer traffic jams and the views are clear, with crisp horizons before the heat haze of summer decends.
Easter is a very busy time with numerous local markets, fêtes and carnivals held throughout the region. An annual pottery market visits Bonnieux on Easter Sunday and Monday and carnivals or cavalcades are a chance for the local population to create spectacular floats and have fun.
Apt has an annual cavalcade held over the Pentecost holiday weekend. It begins on the Friday evening with a huge funfair and continues with a parade of floats, decorated by local school children and voluntary groups,that takes place on the Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
One word of caution for visitors to the Luberon in Provence at this time of the year. Don't let the clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine fool you. The infamous Mistral wind has often not finished it's winter chill. March can be a very windy month suffering the northern icy blasts, but the sunshine is endless, making springtime a very enjoyable and memorable time of the year to visit Provence in France.
Heidi Brand - After winning first prize in an English Creative Writing competiton at school it took me over twenty years to re-discover the world of ...
Join the Conversation