Provence--Is it still charming?

Provence is a big place. There are plenty of small, charming villages without a heavy tourist presence. A lot of the traffic gets contained to the main cities and most popular villages. Just avoid the major village and towns in late June to early July - aka lavander season -- and you'll avoid most of the bad behavior. Most of these same places are almost empty in late April.

Where does your tour go? Some places in Provence are much more touristed than others, but that's usually during the peak travel season - June through Sept. April shouldn't be bad for crowds, weather could still be a bit chill and drizzly but that's just a chance, it could be sunny and beautiful. My last time there was in 2012 and I found plenty of towns were still charming with lots of 'local' cafes and that 'provencal' feeling. Not sure how much that has changed in the last years though.

I was there this past October. On market days the villages/towns were crowded, but most days I did not find the number of people overwhelming. I visited Arles, Avignon, Aix en Provence, St. Remy, Les Baux & the Pont du Gard. Aix was my favorite for sitting at a cafe watching the world go by on the Cours Mirabeau pedestrian only street. I wasn't really fond of Avignon as it was less charming and a little grimy IMHO. I will definitely go back to spend more time in Provence.

As noted above, you would be there in April, it will not be crowded. Where exactly is this tour going?

I'd like to add that I found Rick's guide to Provence & the French Riviera extremely helpful both in planning and when I was at the various places I visited.

"I have a chance to go on a specialized textile tour to Provence in April."

IF you are in to textiles, I'd do this in a heartbeat. Do let us know the itinerary but surely they have you going off the beaten path to some of the textile makers.

Spent May and early June 2023 in parts of Provence, with no crowding problems whatsoever. Some rain, though! And what tourists I did see were very well-behaved. Have fun!

I was in Provence in October, mostly with a tour. The only overcrowding I remember was at the Papal Palace in Avignon, but my crowd tolerance may be higher than yours. I don't recall any "ill-behaved tourists," unless you mean people dressed casually and taking selfies. No rude behavior or vandalism that I noticed. Plenty of charming villages and small cafes, but whether your tour will take you there is anyone's guess. Share the itinerary for better feedback.

… how to answer
… I have not been to Provence since 2013
But will be returning spring 2014
I have doubts … lots of doubts
But will return
& hope that the charm I felt on past visits will still be there
I may have changed … but Provence I’m trusting will still hold the charm that has called visitors for many years Who have found charm there
.. it’s a gamble I’m willing to take

I will stay In remit a smallish town which appeals to me
To hedge my bet in finding the charm I seek
T
… travel .. if it’s what I remember is all about attitude

• I will be staying in at remy a small town which appeals to me but has easy access to all of Provence by car

April isn't high season in Provence. You'll be fine. And even at the worst of times... Provence is fine overall, IMO. Sure, Avignon during the festival, Les Baux mid-day in the summer, or Valensole in early July can be very crowded, but overall the region is large enough to never be on the level of, say, Vatican City, crowds-wise.

Will be there for the month of March so hope it is--still charming!

Why would you miss a trip to Provence?
Absolutely go. Textile trip? Silk in Lyon?
We absolutely loved Isle sur Sorgue, Gordes, St. Remy, Baux.....
Take a Luberon small village tour.
ENJOY!