France, Europe
Provence in March
Villages begin reopening. The mistral can make sunny days feel cold.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Provence. Villages begin reopening. The mistral can make sunny days feel cold.
- Weather
- Brightening, highs near 61F (16C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Provence
March is Provence waking up. Highs climb to near 61F (16C), the countryside turns green, and villages begin reopening restaurants and shops through the month. The mistral can still blow hard and make a sunny day feel cold. Crowds are light and prices stay low, and the last truffle markets run early in the month.
March suits walkers, couples, and budget travelers who want mild days and room to breathe. It is still too early for swimming or lavender, and some rural guesthouses stay closed until Easter. If you want everything open and reliably warm, push the trip to late April or May.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Provence this month.
Villages reopening
Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin start to come back to life, but without the tour buses. It is a calm time to wander the lanes.
Last truffles
Truffle season usually winds down in March, so early in the month is your final chance for the winter markets.
Good walking weather
Cool, clear days are ideal for hiking the ochre trails at Roussillon or countryside walks around the Luberon.
What to pack for March
- Layers you can add and remove as the day warms
- A windproof jacket for mistral days
- Light hiking shoes for village trails
- A small daypack for picnic lunches
Our timing tip
Go in the second half of March, when more village restaurants and guesthouses have reopened for the season.
Book Provence for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ProvenceOpens a hotel search for Provence in March, 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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Black truffle season
Roughly late November to March
Truffle markets run in towns such as Richerenches and Carpentras through the winter.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Provence?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Provence. Villages begin reopening. The mistral can make sunny days feel cold.
What is the weather like in Provence in March?
Brightening, highs near 61F (16C).
Is Provence crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Provence; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Provence in March?
Black truffle season (roughly late november to march).
Keep planning Provence.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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