Provence in Winter: why I love this season (and why you should visit)
- virginieinprovence
- Nov 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Visiting Provence in winter is, first of all, a guarantee of peace and quiet.
No stress when parking, no crowds in monuments. Temperatures are also very pleasant. It is possible to walk around in a T-shirt and enjoy an ice cream on the beach in Cassis in the middle of January.
The mild climate, combined with the absence of crowds, allows you to truly feel and experience Provence in a more intimate way.
Why visit Provence in winter?
There are always classic highlights not to be missed in winter, such as visiting Aix-en-Provence, the Calanques, or the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille.
Winter is also marked by the blooming of mimosa and almond trees, which bring color and brightness to Provençal roads.
The Nice Carnival and the Lemon Festival in Menton also punctuate this season, often associated with rest and hibernation.
What to do in Provence in winter?
Events not to be missed
There are always classic highlights not to be missed in winter, such as visiting Aix-en-Provence, the Calanques, or the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille.
Winter is also marked by the blooming of mimosa and almond trees, which bring color and brightness to Provençal roads.
The Nice Carnival and the Lemon Festival in Menton also punctuate this season, often associated with rest and hibernation.
The Nice carnival: an iconic winter event in Provence
The Nice Carnival has existed for over 150 years. We were lucky enough to attend in 2023. The next edition will take place from February 11 to March 1, 2026.
Tickets can be purchased on the official Carnival website, and I strongly recommend booking in advance, as they sell out very quickly.👉 https://www.nicecarnaval.com
The first official Carnival entered the city of Nice on February 23, 1873. The first “flower battles” were created three years later. Originally, these were simple exchanges of flowers before becoming a true institution.
When we attended, we watched a flower battle. The floats were beautifully decorated, the costumes stunning, and flowers were thrown to the crowd. Alexandre, my husband, managed to catch enough flowers to offer me a bouquet of mimosa.
Best moment of the event.
The Camargue in winter: flamingos and natural parks
Provence is divided into several natural parks: the Luberon Regional Park, the Verdon Regional Park, the Calanques National Park, and the Camargue Regional Park.
In autumn, some flamingos leave France, while others stay and spend the winter in the Camargue. They can be observed up close at the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park.👉 https://www.parcornithologique.com
The males’ courtship displays take place from December to April. Winter is therefore the best time to see flamingos in their most vibrant colors.
Menton in winter and the Lemon Festival
Have you ever heard of Menton? It is a small village located on the French Riviera. Beyond its natural beauty, Menton reveals a different side of itself through the Lemon Festival.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Menton was still the leading lemon producer in continental Europe. Wealthy families used to spend the winter there. To entertain their guests, hotel owners decided to organize a festival, initially in the form of a flower and citrus exhibition.
It was only in 1934 that the Lemon Festival officially came to life. Today, it is one of the most important winter events on the French Riviera.
The Mimosa Route: a winter itinerary in Provence
From Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse
One of my students, Mary Katherine, wanted to discover the Mimosa Route this year. So we set off on the roads of Provence together.
The Mimosa Route stretches from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse. Mimosas usually bloom from January to March and are a symbol of the mild winter climate of the French Riviera.
This winter was colder than usual. Many mimosas were still in bud, and only a few showed their characteristic bright yellow flowers. Nevertheless, the route was beautiful, between forested hills and the coastline.
Mary Katherine was surprised by the similarities between Provençal vegetation and that of Southern California, especially the holm oaks, sometimes called “false holly” because of their leaves.
Tanneron and the Mimosa in the spotlight
I returned the following week with my husband. We stopped in Tanneron, a small village located 18 kilometers from Grasse. Mimosa is truly celebrated there, with plant sculptures, decorations, and local products such as mimosa jelly.
Almond trees in Provence: an iconic winter bloom
We have four almond trees in our garden. It is a tree we particularly love, like many people in Provence.
Almond trees bloom in February and March, even though frost is still present in the mornings.
They then cover themselves with beautiful white or pale pink flowers. Almond trees are mainly cultivated in Provence and Corsica, but this production only covers about 10% of national demand.
Almonds are used to make nougat, calissons — a Provençal specialty not to be missed — and are also part of the traditional thirteen Christmas desserts.
Artists such as Van Gogh and Manet also celebrated almond trees in their work.
Truffles in Provence: a winter treasure
Winter in Provence is also truffle season. From November to February, the black truffle — tuber melanosporum — is part of everyday life in many villages.
It is a very special, almost confidential time of year, deeply rooted in local life. Often called the black diamond of Provence, the truffle brings together producers, chefs, and enthusiasts at early-morning markets. The most famous is the market in Rognes.
It is also possible to attend a cavage, the search for truffles with a dog. You walk through the woods, observe the dog at work, and take part in the truffle extraction. This is exactly what we did with Stefanie during her immersion stay.
The truffle is one of those winter traditions that tells a different story of Provence — a more discreet, deeply authentic one.
Immersion stay in Provence: discover the region differently
If you come to stay with me for an immersion experience in Provence, I will help you discover the many sides of the region: landscapes and scents, culture and gastronomy… while naturally helping you improve your French through everyday life.
👉 Why learn French through immersion?
👉 Truffles in Provence: traditions, markets, and gastronomy
See you soon in Provence,
Virginie in Provence
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