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Questions on Provence and Cote d'Azur

I am in a bit of a quandary and am looking for advice. I was planning to spend several days, from July 18-22, in Provence and the Cote d'Azur after a conference I have in Paris (I will be with my family, consisting of my wife and two grown daughters). My concern is the potential for too much heat and too many people, particularly with the potential onslaught due to the summer holidays. Of course, it is impossible to predict the weather, but, in general, have others visited in these periods? Have crowds and weather proven to be problems? Are there any ways to minimize these issues? We could always go north, but we have not yet visited these parts of France and would like to. Thanks so much for any advice!

Posted by
2261 posts

Jeff, for popular sights I think the best strategy is to arrive either early or late in the day. Last year we went to the Pont du Gard in early September, but arrived late afternoon when there was just an hour or two of daylight left, there were very few cars in the lot-and no tour buses. The best light happens in the early morning and late afternoon, whether taking photos or just enjoying the sights. While seeing the outdoor markets is a great thing, you may want to know what market is where on what day so you can avoid it, as towns swell with people on market day.
Hopefully the weather will cooperate, have a great trip.

Posted by
17 posts

We loved our trip to the South of France during that season. We didn't spend time on the beaches so I can't speak about the crowds there. We took a train from Paris and rented a car in Nice. Monte Carlo - one night, Aix en Provence- 2 nights, Avignon - 2 nights. Spend an afternoon in Chateaneuf De Pape if you like wine!! It was one of our favorite trips.

Posted by
4684 posts

That time in July is just before most European school summer holidays begin. It will be quite hot, at least 25C and possibly up into the thirties.

Posted by
13 posts

Thanks for the replies! I think we can handle the heat, and it sounds as if crowds may not be overwhelming. So, off to the south of France!