Are you dreaming of a holiday in Provence? How about a getaway by the sea? Perhaps lazy days hanging out on the beach, enjoying a little lunch, and sipping on incredible local wines? Maybe you want to put special emphasis on the last part and really get to grips with some of the region’s famous rosé wines. Well, if any and all of the above is the case, then we recommend a villa in Provence in May and a visit to the seaside town of Sanary-sur-Mer during its annual Just’Rosé open-air wine festival…
Unfortunately cancelled in 2024 due to issues with roads in the area at the time, the Just’Rosé returns for its 9th edition in 2025 to bring over 50 different wine exhibitors to the festival and town. Affording guests the opportunity to discover their dream wines from Provence and further afield, this is an unmissable event for rosé-lovers but is a particularly note-worthy opportunity for anyone vacationing in the area to stop, slow down, relax, and smell the rosé…
Not only are there delicious wines to sample while taking in the sea views but your already charming surroundings in the town of Sanary-sur-Mer will be all the lovelier as it embraces the festive spirit and dons pink decorations to celebrate the region’s beloved wine. A contest is held for the prettiest shop window, there are art walks through the town, concerts are held, street performers can be found along the town’s charming little streets and alleys, raffles and competitions are held with wonderful prizes, boat trips are arranged out into the bay, and there are is an area for kids with cordial bars so that they are not left out and have something suitable and suitably delicious to sip, as well as magic shows, games, and more.
Just’Rosé is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and to dive into the culinary heritage of this gorgeous part of France, especially if you are thinking about a vacation in Provence this May. Sanary-sur-Mer, as noted, is an adorable seaside town between Toulon and Marseille that features a pretty port filled with a large collection of traditional wooden fishing boats and a small fleet of artisan fishermen who sell fresh catches each morning. These brightly painted wooden pointus fishing boats, organised by the Association des Pointus de Sanary, are used to take people out into the harbour and surrounding waters on free tours helmed by individuals dressed in marinière striped jerseys. A local market is also held in town each morning, allowing various other artisans, farmers, makers, and producers to sell their wares. The stunning Portissol beach is located right in town and boasts impossibly clear teal waters and there are various other swimming spots nearby. Little streets and alleys lined with charming shops and eateries and the bustling promenade offer a variety of delightful places to eat, wander, and relax – there is so much in town just waiting to be discovered!
Taking place over the course of three days, from the 9th to the 11th of May 2025, advance tickets for Just’Rosé are already available to purchase online ahead of your visit. Online tickets cost just €13 per person (tickets cost €15, meanwhile, if you buy them on-site on the day of your visit) and grant access to the tastings, concerts and performances, special gourmet tent, kids areas, and more for all three days. Those under 18 go free and there are also discounted rates for groups that you can avail of if you are travelling as part of a larger party.
So, find your vacation rental in Provence for a getaway this May and make the most of the smaller tourist crowds that you can expect before summer holidays get into full swing, the warm but milder weather that makes days at the beach possible but means you won’t have to fight the heat, and this tasty wine festival, of course!