My wife and I are considering a one week trip last week of March to Cote du Rhone and French Riviera. Wish to experience the small towns, villages , countryside of Cote du Rhône and restaurants and wine tastings. And then a couple days along the coast. Being late March will we be able to meet our goals for cote du Rhône or will it be too closed down until later in the season?
Most places are open year-round, the southeast is densely populated! Vineyards aren't very pretty in March (they're basically still rows of stumps, with buds), but the wine is always there ;).
I'm wondering whether there would still be a risk of mistral winds at that time of year. They really sound unpleasant.
I've found that places (smaller hotels, restaurants) in the less populated countryside in the South Rhone and into the Luberon may experience seasonal closures in the winter until mid March or even Easter. The Riviera will be largely open by mid March, except for most beach clubs.
Thanks to all three of you!