France, Europe
Provence in November
Olive harvest and the start of truffle season. Many rural guesthouses and restaurants close.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Provence. Olive harvest and the start of truffle season. Many rural guesthouses and restaurants close.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 57F (14C), rainy spells
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What November is like in Provence
November is cool and quiet, with highs near 57F (14C) and rainy spells. Many rural guesthouses and restaurants close for the season, but the cities stay open. Prices hit their low. It is harvest time for olives, and late in the month the black truffle season begins.
November suits food lovers, city travelers, and anyone happy with gray days in exchange for low prices and space. It is a poor pick for swimming, lavender, or a relaxed village trip, since many of the small places you would want to visit are shut. For those, come back in May, June, or September.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Provence this month.
Olive harvest
The olives are being picked and pressed. Look for new-season olive oil in markets and local mills.
Start of truffle season
Black truffle season kicks off late in the month, with the first winter markets in towns such as Carpentras.
Uncrowded Avignon
The Palais des Papes and the old town are easy to explore at a slow pace, with no summer queues.
What to pack for November
- A waterproof jacket for rainy spells
- Warm layers for chilly evenings
- Waterproof walking shoes
- A tote for olive oil and market finds
Our timing tip
Plan for the last week of November if you want truffle markets and fresh olive oil on the same trip.
Book Provence for November.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ProvenceOpens a hotel search for Provence in November, 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Provence?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Provence. Olive harvest and the start of truffle season. Many rural guesthouses and restaurants close.
What is the weather like in Provence in November?
Cool, highs near 57F (14C), rainy spells.
Is Provence crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Provence; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Provence in November?
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 November
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.