France, Europe
Provence in April
Green hills, blossom, and Easter events including the Arles Easter feria. Most places open by Easter.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit Provence. Green hills, blossom, and Easter events including the Arles Easter feria. Most places open by Easter.
- Weather
- Spring, highs near 66F (19C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Provence
April is spring in full swing. Highs are near 66F (19C), the hills are green, blossom is out, and most places are open by Easter. Crowds and prices rise to a moderate level, especially around Easter and the French school holidays. Evenings can still be cool, and the odd rainy day happens.
This is a good month for families on spring break, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants the villages and markets without summer heat. Swimming is still chilly, and there is no lavender yet. If you can move your dates, May has warmer days with similar crowds.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Provence this month.
Arles Easter feria
Arles holds its Easter feria, with bullfighting traditions, music, and street life. Book Arles rooms early if your dates overlap.
Spring markets
Weekly markets in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Aix fill with spring produce. Arrive early in the morning for the best stalls.
Green Luberon drives
The countryside is at its greenest, which makes the drives between hill villages especially pretty.
What to pack for April
- A light rain jacket for spring showers
- A warm sweater for cool evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for steep village streets
- A market basket or tote for produce and soaps
Our timing tip
Check French school holiday dates before booking, since they push up prices and fill family hotels for about two weeks in April.
Book Provence for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ProvenceOpens a hotel search for Provence in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ProvenceWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ProvenceTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Provence for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Provence
Palais des Papes, Avignon
The largest Gothic palace in Europe. Go early in July, when the festival fills the city.
Pont du Gard
The Roman aqueduct bridge. Swimming in the river below is a summer tradition; come early or at dusk.
Luberon villages
Gordes, Roussillon's ochre cliffs, and Lourmarin. Visit the famous ones early in the morning and on their non-market days.
Valensole lavender fields
Peak bloom is usually early to mid July. Stick to field edges and respect the farmers' crops.
Arles
The Roman arena and theater, Van Gogh sites, and the summer photography festival.
Calanques National Park
Limestone inlets between Marseille and Cassis. In summer, access can be restricted on high fire-risk days and some coves need reservations.
Beat the crowds
- Visit the most famous villages (Gordes, Roussillon) before 10am or in the early evening. Tour buses cluster from late morning to mid afternoon.
- For lavender, go on weekdays and at sunrise. Weekend afternoons at the best-known fields are crowded.
- Base yourself in a smaller village or a town like Saint-Remy or Apt instead of central Avignon during its July festival.
- Pick June over July for lavender plus quieter roads: late June often has the first good color without the full holiday traffic.
Know before you go
- Many village restaurants, guesthouses, and small hotels close from about November to March. Cities like Aix, Avignon, Arles, and Marseille stay fully open.
- In summer, forest massifs and parts of the Calanques can close to visitors on high fire-risk days. Check the daily access status before you hike.
- Weekly markets run all year in larger towns, but the summer versions are far bigger. Winter brings the special truffle markets.
- Sunday and Monday closures are common for small shops and some restaurants, especially in villages outside summer.
Provence in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Provence?
April is a good month to visit Provence. Green hills, blossom, and Easter events including the Arles Easter feria. Most places open by Easter.
What is the weather like in Provence in April?
Spring, highs near 66F (19C).
Is Provence crowded in April?
Crowds in Provence are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Provence.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
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