Mistral Winds in October

Mistals are usually in the winter and spring. October is a bit early - - if they happen then, odds are they'll be shorter and not as strong.

Donna - We were in Provence in early/mid October 2009 and did experience the mistral for about three days. We didn't find it all that unpleasant, just added to the experience.

The mistral winds are apparently unpredictable. We experienced the winds in Provence in early June and they lasted exactly twenty four hours. The B&B owner laughed when I asked if market day in St Remy would be cancelled because of the winds.

Was the market day cancelled? I've read that these winds can be hurricane force........and everything does shut down.......

You are right, Donna. They can be very unpleasant and discourage one from wanting to go outside. They aren't hurricane force but when you are trying to climb to the top of a castle or walk along the sea wall, you just want to get back inside. However, that's in winter. It's unlikely in October.

No, the market day went on as usual. The merchants dealt with the winds which were gusty, of course, but not hurricane force. The shutters at the B&B were latched at night to protect glass paned doors. We went on with our sight seeing at Pont du Gard and Les Baux. The market days in the towns were amazing. Where else can one purchase sea sponges still wet from the mediterranean? Have fun!

I prefer Provence over SW France anytime. However you may have some rain I hope that does not dissuade you. Provence is beautiful anytime.

I went recently in early March when they were pretty bad. The castle in Les Baux was closed when we went the first time. The markets were all still open. I understand we were there at one of the worst times of the year for the Mistrals. That said, I'd go again in a heartbeat, even in March. October is still pretty sunny along the south so go for it! You could also head south for a couple of days if it's too bad as you can have very fluid travel plans that time of year. We were going to spend an extra week in Provence but decided to hit Cassis and Nice instead.

'We were going to spend an extra week in Provence but decided to hit Cassis and Nice instead.' Both Nice and Cassis are in Provence.

OK, I'll clarify for Ed, I meant the Cote d'Azur part of Provence. I guess I got caught up in the fact that the OP was talking about the Mistrals and the SW. Silly girl I am.

How many hours from Paris by car to Provence? We could make stops in small towns and just enjoy the experience!

What part are you thinking of making your home base? If Avignon, I'd take the train and rent a car from there. If St. Remy, I might skip the whole hastle and rent a car at CDG, unless it's cheaper. I've done both and liked both but that was based on where I was staying. Nice is also a great place to fly into and out of from the ATL. It has been cheaper than Paris too.

We visited a vineyard in Provence last fall and got to talking about the mistrals with the proprietor. He said they could occur any time of year but are most common from November to April. We were there in September and were almost blown off our feet one day.