Top 3 things to do in Provence in autumn: language, nature & traditions

A forest in autumn in Provence — between mist and golden colors

My name is Nancy, I’m an American student, and I spent an unforgettable autumn in Provence, with Virginie in Provence.

During this week of language immersion, I not only learned French, but also discovered the landscapes, traditions, and flavors of autumn in Provence.

A crazy thing?! Do you know this expression? I just learned it during my classes! 😄

Each day was a new adventure — French lessons, vineyard visits, markets, and walks in nature. My stay was a complete immersion into the culture of southern France.

Here are my three favorite memories from this incredible week in Provence.

I. Discovering the vineyards around Aix-en-Provence: learning French at the heart of Provence

Vineyards and grapes — symbol of the harvest season in Provence

In autumn, the vineyards grow quieter, but the work continues in the cellars.

After the grape harvest, the winemakers begin fermentation, blending, and aging — the magical moment when grape juice slowly becomes wine. When you visit a vineyard in autumn, you can smell that unique scent of grapes, wine, and wood in the air.

With Virginie, I visited several wine estates to understand all the steps — from the harvest to the bottling. It was fascinating to learn French wine vocabulary, with words like cépage, cuve, and vendange.

And all this in a dream setting, surrounded by vineyards and the Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

An unforgettable moment! 🍇

II. The Chestnut Festival in Collobrières: a must-see autumn event in Provence

Roasted chestnuts and autumn flavors at the Chestnut Festival in Collobrières

Another highlight of my stay was visiting the Chestnut Festival in Collobrières, a charming village in the Massif des Maures.

This festival is a true celebration of autumn in Provence: roasted chestnuts, homemade jams, chestnut cakes, and Provençal music in the streets.

I went there before arriving at Virginie’s place, since the festival takes place on Sundays. Collobrières is about 1h20 from Rousset. Virginie told me she hasn’t had the chance to go yet, but she hopes to next year.

For me, it was the perfect opportunity to dare to speak French and to chat with local artisans — a delicious and authentic moment of exchange. 🌰

III. The majestic cedars of the Luberon: a natural treasure of Provence

Cedar needles in the Luberon Forest

To end the week, Virginie suggested a walk in the Cedar Forest, at the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park.

We left early in the morning because — as Virginie says — “it’s not exactly next door!” 😄

But it was totally worth the drive — the landscape was breathtaking.

At this time of year, the leaves turn red and contrast beautifully with the deep green of the cedars. It was spectacular!

We walked along the trails, admired the views, and breathed in the fresh mountain air.

This excursion helped me reconnect with nature while practicing French naturally — through conversations about the environment, the seasons, and Provençal life. 🌲

IV. An autumn full of learning and emotion

Virginie and her family in Provence — a warm and authentic welcome

My autumn week in Provence with Virginie was an exceptional human and linguistic experience.

Each activity helped me improve my French while discovering the cultural and natural treasures of the region: the harvests, festivals, cuisine, and autumn landscapes.

I highly recommend to all lovers of nature, culture, and the French language to experience an immersion in Provence in the fall.

See you soon under the southern sun! ☀️

Nancy, with Virginie in Provence