Many only think of holidays in the south of France, and along the Côte d’Azur in particular, during the summer months or at least in late spring or early autumn. Certainly, to make the most of the sleepy seaside villages and buzzy coastal resorts, to spend long lazy days on the beautiful beaches, and to take in sights like endless fields of lavender then it makes the most sense to book a villa in Provence during the warmer months. However, those who want a change of scenery and cosy, festive surroundings over the Holidays will discover that planning a holiday in Provence during the Christmas period has lots to offer...
Eating Well...
... is always something that one can expect in this part of the world but for the kind of comfort eating required to stay warm during the winter months and to properly celebrate the festive period, then Provence is sure to deliver. Truffles are in season for anyone who wants to enjoy perfectly fresh local examples of this delicacy and there are incredible local wines for toasting the season as well as for mulling, but there are also lots of seasonal delights that you won’t want to miss, especially if you have a sweet tooth! Enjoy chocolate-covered dried fruits as petits fours that reference a 13th century tradition of gifting dried fruits to monks as well as an array of other local chocolate treats. Devour Aix-en-Provence’s calisson candies that date back to the 15th century and are marzipan-like in texture and fruity in flavour. Sample pompe à huile, a flatbread made with olive oil and orange flower water, and cap the season off with a Gâteau des Rois, or King’s Cake, a crown-shaped brioche that is traditionally served on Epiphany.
Brisk Weather
While you won’t have warm winter weather in Provence during the Holidays, you can expect pleasant weather conditions. It is not nearly as cold as much of Europe, with temperatures rarely dropping to freezing, and an average temperature of 50°F or 10°C during December. Mostly crisp and cool, the weather conditions are pretty great for getting out and exploring.
Slowing Down
Some businesses will be closed during the winter months but those who decide to vacation in France over the Holidays will be able to enjoy the way things slow down even more. Tourist crowds are gone so even the most popular towns and attractions will be free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Finishing days off in a warm villa in Provence, perhaps curled up by the fire, and with the ones you love is sure to make this a cosy getaway you won’t forget.
Festive festivities
In addition to the milder weather, deliciously slow pace of life, and seasonal treats, winter in Provence also means a host of traditional and annual events and celebrations. Christmas markets are held in Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Avignon, nativity figure displays called santons can be enjoyed at the Festival of Santons in Marseille, Nice hosts a large-scale Christmas celebration with rides, a market, Santa’s House, and more, and concerts, choirs, and other shows are hosted across the region.
So, plan your getaway to the south of France this winter by booking a vacation rental in Provence and use the quiet and slower pace of life as well as the cosy atmosphere to really make the most of your time in the region!
