Is Provence and the French Riviera crowded the first week of September? I understand that European vacation seasons ends at the end of August - does that truly mean a dramatic drop in tourists the first week of September? That is our ideal time to travel in order to take advantage of the paid holiday (Labor Day) but would gladly postpone a week or two if that means far fewer crowds. Appreciate wisdom and guidance from fellow travelers that have been in Provence/French Riviera the first week of September.
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Paris
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Parts of Germany are still on vacation at that time but otherwise yes, it is much quieter.
And in any case, with the notable exceptions of St Tropez and Cassis, crowds are rarely bothersome in Provence and in the Riviera, in my opinion. There are dozens of sights, it is a spread out region. Some touristy villages do get busy in peak season, parking can be tough, coastal roads can be slow, but you shouldn't have major issues in September.