I have heard that the crowds are the worst, but summer is the only time to see lavender in bloom...so summer it is...
from first hand experience what are your thoughs on traveling to Provence in the summer?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
4 posts
I was in Provence for a week the first week of July last year. We didn't have any problems with crowds. We stayed in St. Remy and Arles and visited many other towns in the area (Orange, Nimes, etc). The weather was great and we had a wonderful time. I have heard it gets busier after July 15th so you might try to visit before then.
Posted by
Redmond, WA
295 posts
We spent a week in Arles, Nimes, and Avignon this summer, in mid July. It was just fine, and the crowds weren't bad at all - except for Avignon, with the festival in full tilt. And that was fun! It's pretty hot, take a good hat and cool shirts.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I have been to Provence 2X during summer. I would say the heat is the worst part. If your hotel has a/c don't worry about it,traffic or people or at peak but not awful. make sure you have reservations and enjoy, it is beautiful and the lavender is stunning as are the sunflower fields.
Posted by
Redmond, WA
295 posts
By the way, hotels in Arles and Avignon fill up for July in early March due to the July festivals. We actually called all the hotels on Rick's list for both towns in early March and got the last room (a triple, needed only a double) at the Calendal for the second week of July. Don't wait to make hotel reservations.