Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Spring may be well under way but the sea remains cold at this time of year, and the
mistral (northern wind) can be howling in Provence. May is also bank-holiday-tastic
in France, with no less than four bank holidays, so plan ahead for reservations.
PÈLERINAGE DES GITANS
Roma from Europe pour into remote seaside outpost Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer to honour
their patron saint on 24 and 25 May (and again in October): processions, street singing
and dancing are all part of the celebrations (
Click here
)
.
MONACO GRAND PRIX
Formula One's most anticipated race, the Monaco Grand Prix tears around the tiny muni-
cipality in a haze of glamour, champagne, VIPs and after parties (
www.acm.mc
)
.
GARDENS IN BLOOM
Provence's gardens look lush at this time of year. Visit a flower farm (
Click here
)
or
stroll in the sumptuous gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (
Click here
)
.
July
July is Provence at its most picturesque: the cicadas fill the air with their incessant
song, lavender fields stretch in all their purple glory, it is hot and you have a choice
of pool, sea or rosé to cool off.
FESTIVAL D'AVIGNON & FESTIVAL OFF
Theatre in every guise takes to the stage at this renowned theatre festival in Avignon;
fringe Off parallels the official fest. (
www.festival-avignon.com
)
LES CHORÉGIES D'ORANGE
France's oldest festival stages operas at the incredible Roman theatre in Orange, an unfor-
gettable night if you can get tickets (
www.choregies.asso.fr
).
