EVENTS CALENDAR 2023

Below are some of the major festivals, events and shows currently scheduled in the South of France for 2023. We do everything we can to get it right but it's always best to check before heading out. Enjoy!

JANUARY

AVIGNON: Cheval Passion, the annual festival of equestrian arts, is Jan 18 to 22, 2023 at the Avignon Parc Expo. It's the 3rd biggest horse show in all of Europe and attracts riders, breeders and horse-lovers from all over the world. Expect 10,000m² of exhibition space, more than 1000 horses, 250-plus exhibitor stands and lots of competitions including Western, Clinic Xtrem cow-boy, cattle sorting, Iberian horses, horse 'n buggy, trick riding and more. The high point of the show is the Crinières d'Or Gala where new talent and confirmed artists outdo each other with dramatic and creative performances. See the website for all details.

AVIGNON: The 2023 Season of the Opera Grand Avignon runs from January to June 2023. The program includes opera and operettes, lyrique concerts, danse, musical theater, symphony, chamber music, baroque music and more. operagrandavignon.fr

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

NIMES: Annual Flamenco Festival at the Theatre de Nimes: January 9 to 21, 2023 TBA. Theatredenimes.com.

FEBRUARY 

AVIGNON: The 2023 Season of the Opera Grand Avignon runs January to June, 2023. The program includes opera and operettes, lyrique concerts, danse, musical theater, symphony, chamber music, baroque music and more. operagrandavignon.fr

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

CARRY-LE-ROUET: The Oursinade sea urchin festival is back in 2023, on the first 3 Sundays in February (starting Feb 5). You'll find a market, exhibits, tastings, entertainment and more. All the info is here.

MENTON: The 89th Annual Menton Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) happens February 11 to 26, 2023. Info here.  

MARCH

AVIGNON: The new season of the Opera Grand Avignon runs January to June, 2023. The program includes opera and operettes, lyrique concerts, danse, musical theater, symphony, chamber music, baroque music and more. operagrandavignon.fr

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

COTE D'AZUR: The next Côte d’Azur Garden Festival will be March 25 to May 1, 2023. Visit a wide range of gardens, from botanical beauties to hidden hotel gardens, from public parks to historic stately homes. For all the info, click here. 

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian. They run all day on a continuous loop and occasional evening showings may be offered as well.  All the details are here. 

APRIL

AVIGNON: The 2023 Season of the  Opera Grand Avignon runs January to June, 2023. The program includes opera and operettes, lyrique concerts, danse, musical theater, symphony, chamber music, baroque music and more. operagrandavignon.fr

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian. For all the info: carrieres-lumieres.com

MAY

AIX: This year, the gorgeous art museum called the Hôtel de Caumont-Centre d’Art will devote its summer exhibition to the genius of Max Ernst (1891–1976). May 4 to October 8, 2023. caumont-centredart.com

AIX:  La Nuit des Galeries: Gallery Night in Aix. 2023 dates are May 13, July 7 and September 16. For info: lanuitdesgaleries.fr

AVIGNON: The 2023 Season of the Opera Grand Avignon runs January to June, 2023. The program includes opera and operettes, lyrique concerts, danse, musical theater, symphony, chamber music, baroque music and more. operagrandavignon.fr

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

CANNES: French Riviera Film Festival, May 19 and 20, 2023 at the Eden Hotel & Spa. The annual festival celebrates short film and short-form content from around the globe and features the works of filmmakers from more than 20 countries in the categories of drama, comedy, documentary, sci-fi/horror, animation, experimental, music video, lifestyle/fashion, microshort and experimental.  https://frenchrivierafilmfestival.com/

COTE D'AZUR: The next Côte d’Azur Garden Festival will be March 25 to May 1, 2023. Visit a wide range of gardens, from botanical beauties to hidden hotel gardens, from public parks to historic stately homes. For all the info, click here. 

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

MONACO: The 80th  Grand Prix of Monaco Formula 1 will be May 25 to 28, 2023, with an exciting program of sports, entertainment and festivities. For all the info, click here. 

SAINT-REMY: The 39th Annual Transhumance will be Monday May 29, 2023. Yep, that's the one with all the sheep taking 3 laps around town on the way from their winter grazing spot to their summer home in the mountains. Arrive early and expect the sheep--roughly 3000 of them--to roll in around 11 am. Plus there's usually a Shepherds' Lunch (must purchase tickets in advance) and an all day brocante on the Place Republique. alpillesenprovence.com

ST. REMY: Jazz a Saint Remy Festival, with events in May through September 2023. Concerts, a photo expo and more. jazzasaintremy.fr.

TARASCON: The 40th Annual Marché aux Fleurs (flower market & festival) happens May 27 and 28, 2023. For info, click here.

JUNE

AIX: This year, the gorgeous art museum called the Hôtel de Caumont-Centre d’Art will devote its summer exhibition to the genius of Max Ernst (1891–1976). May 4 to October 8, 2023. caumont-centredart.com

ALL OVER FRANCE: Fête de la Musique is Tuesday, June 21, 2023. Day and night, free music will take over streets, cafes, music venues, historic sites, gardens, parks and churches all over France. For info: Welcome (culture.gouv.fr)  

AVIGNON: The 2023 Season of the Opera Grand Avignon runs January to June 2023. The program includes opera and operettes, lyrique concerts, danse, musical theater, symphony, chamber music, baroque music and more. operagrandavignon.fr

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

ST. REMY:  Creators Market, Tuesday evenings, 7 pm to roughly midnight. This popular market is held all around the Big Church (Collegiale St. Martin) and in front of the Town Hall. Art, ceramics, jewelry, tableware, clothing and more...all locally made. For info, click here.

ST. REMY: Jazz a Saint Remy Festival, with events in May through September 2023. Concerts, a photo expo and more. jazzasaintremy.fr.

JULY

AIX: This year, the gorgeous art museum called the Hôtel de Caumont-Centre d’Art will devote its summer exhibition to the genius of Max Ernst (1891–1976). May 4 to October 8, 2023. caumont-centredart.com

AIX:  La Nuit des Galeries: Gallery Night in Aix. 2023 dates are May 13, July 7 and September 16. For info: lanuitdesgaleries.fr

ALL OVER FRANCE: July 14, Bastille Day. Also called the Fête Nationale. This public holiday commemorates the day that Parisian commoners and peasants stormed the fortress and prison of Bastille, provoking events that would end the monarchy and usher in the age of liberty, fraternity and equality. This year, events will likely be scaled back so check your local listings. In Paris, there's usually a traditional military parade along the Champs Elysées and a festival atmosphere throughout the day, finishing with the city night-sky turned bright by magnificent and noisy fireworks shows. In smaller cities and villages throughout France, you'll find parades, street fairs, live music, fireworks, bals (dances) and much more. Check local listings for specifics.

ALL OVER FRANCE: The next Tour de France is set for July 1 to 23, 2023. For all the info, click here (letour.fr).

AIX: The Festival d'Aix (Opera) will be July 4 to July 24, 2023. This is one of the most popular classical music festivals in Europe and also one of the longest running...since 1948!  https://festival-aix.com/en

ARLES:  The dates for the 2023 Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are July 3 to September 24, 2023. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here. 

ARLES: The 28th edition of the  "Les Suds à Arles" World Music Festival will happen July 10 to 16, 2023. It's a week filled with concerts, master classes, "meet the musician" events and more, in the heart of the historic city. For info: https://www.suds-arles.com/fr/2023

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

AVIGNON:  The 77th edition of the Festival d'Avignon will be July 5 to 25, 2023. This is a huge theater, music and dance festival that takes over the whole city. Expect roughly 50 shows from France and abroad, for a total of about 300 performances and events, including panels, debates, and screenings.  Tickets can be purchased by phone, on the website, or at the ticket office at the Cloitre Saint-Louis (on rue Portail Boquier). At some point, a day-by-day "Spectators’ Guide" (with info on readings, films, exhibits, live radio broadcasts and other events) is available online and at all venues. You can also get info on all Festival d’Avignon and the alternative Off Festival (July 7 to 29, 2023) events and activities at the Avignon Tourist Office (41, cours Jean Jaurès). For info on main festival: festival-avignon.com. For info on Off Festival, click here. 

EYGALIERES: July 4 to 8, 2023. Calan d’Art Festival Artistique à Eygalieres includes art, music, comedy, a delicious Afghan-cuisine buffet and more. For all the details: calandart.com.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

ST. REMY:  Creators Market, Tuesday evenings in summer, 2023 dates to be announced. This popular market is held all around the Big Church (Collegiale St. Martin) and in front of the Town Hall, from about 7 pm to Midnight.  Arts and crafts, jewelry, tableware, clothing and more...all locally made. For info, click here.

AUGUST 

AIX: This year, the gorgeous art museum called the Hôtel de Caumont-Centre d’Art will devote its summer exhibition to the genius of Max Ernst (1891–1976). May 4 to October 8, 2023. caumont-centredart.com

ARLES:  The dates for the 2023 Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are July 3 to September 24, 2023. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here. 

AVIGNON: Dates TBA. Celebrating its 31st anniversary this year, the  annual Avignon Jazz Festival,  held in the picturesque Cloitre des Carmes cloister, continues to promote young jazz musicians in a mix of musical genres through a program blending  informal events, high-profile concerts and what many feel is Europe’s premier jazz competition. tremplinjazzavignon.fr 

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

LACOSTE: Festival de La Coste. Created by Pierre Cardin 21 years ago in the unforgettable setting of the Carrières of the Château du Marquis de Sade, this much-loved festival is dedicated to theater, dance and opera, while promoting the discovery of young singers at the dawn of their careers. festivaldelacoste.com.

L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: The famous Floating Market happens every year on the morning of the first Sunday of August (9AM – 1PM). Flat-bottomed boats known as "Nego-Chin" are decorated with flowers and filled with local products; they float down the river and dock along the river banks, with locals in colorful costumes on board. For info: Le marché flottant de l'été à L'Isle sur la Sorgue (islesurlasorguetourisme.com).

LA ROQUE D’ANTHERON: The 43rd Annual International Piano Festival will be July 20 to August 10, 2023. Considered by many to be the most important piano festival in the world. Normally the concerts are in multiple outdoor and indoor venues but this year, everything will be held at Le Parc du Château de Florans. Festival International de Piano de la Roque d’Anthéron - Homepage - Welcome (festival-piano.com)

LA ROQUE D'ANTHERON: Summer Soirees at Silvacane, July 7 to 9, 2023. A music and dance festival in the unique setting of the Abbey of La Roque d'Anthéron. soirsdete.com

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

LOURMARIN:  Every year, classical concerts held in the Salle de Reception of the Chateau de Lourmarin. This is a lovely opportunity to visit a village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France.” 2023 dates are TBA.  +33 (04) 90 68 15 23, chateau-de-lourmarin.com.   

RASTEAU: La Fête dans les Etoiles, 2023 dates TBA.  A stroll, a gourmet picnic, live music and lots of wine! Stroll through the picturesque village of Rasteau on a long summer evening, sipping a glass of wine of course (20 winemakers participating), enjoy an outdoor photo exhibit and ending up with a picnic prepared by 8 top local chefs and artisans. The evening is limited to 500 people. Price : 50€/adults, 20€/kids under 12. Online registration only, with departures every 10 minutes and everything in compliance with all health protocols! For all the info and to book: https://lafetedanslesetoiles.com/en/accueil-en/

ST. REMY:  The Creators Market is held Tuesday evenings, late June to mid September. This popular market is held all around the Big Church (Collegiale St. Martin) and in front of the Town Hall, from about 7 pm to Midnight.  Arts and crafts, jewelry, tableware, clothing and more...all locally made. For info, click here.

ST. REMY: Jazz a Saint Remy Festival, with events in May through September 2023. Concerts, a photo expo and more. jazzasaintremy.fr.

SEPTEMBER

AIX: This year, the gorgeous art museum called the Hôtel de Caumont-Centre d’Art will devote its summer exhibition to the genius of Max Ernst (1891–1976). May 4 to October 8, 2023. caumont-centredart.com

AIX:  La Nuit des Galeries: Gallery Night in Aix. 2023 dates are May 13, July 7 and September 16. For info: lanuitdesgaleries.fr

ALL OVER FRANCE: The French Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) happens one weekend every September; the 2023 dates are Sept 16 and 17. That's when you get free access to historic sites and museums and other wonderful places that are normally closed to the public throw open their doors. See the website here for this year's details.

ARLES:  The dates for the 2023 Rencontres d'Arles, the large international photo expo, are July 3 to September 24, 2023. The main events (openings, conferences, special evening parties, talks and tours) almost all happen during opening week. Certain exhibits remain on view until the very end; others come down sooner. For info in English, click here. 

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

ST. REMY: Jazz a Saint Remy Festival, with events in May through September 2023. Concerts, a photo expo and more. jazzasaintremy.fr.

ST. REMY:  Creators Market on Tuesday Evenings. This popular market is held all around the Big Church (Collegiale St. Martin) and in front of the Town Hall, from about 7 pm to Midnight.  Arts and crafts, jewelry, tableware, clothing and more...all locally made. For info, click here.

OCTOBER

AIX: This year, the gorgeous art museum called the Hôtel de Caumont-Centre d’Art will devote its summer exhibition to the genius of Max Ernst (1891–1976). May 4 to October 8, 2023. caumont-centredart.com

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

NOVEMBER

ANTIBES/JUAN LES PINS: Fifth annual Jammin' Juan festival, November 2023. An event launched by the Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourism & Convention Bureau, organizer of the "Jazz in Juan" festival. This relatively new event welcomes festival organisers, artistic directors, venue managers, journalists and musicians, with the aim of encouraging meetings and exchange between jazz professionals. Two stages of "showcases" and concerts are open to the public. antibesjuanlespins.com.

ARLES: This large indoor holiday market happens at the Palais des Congres in Arles every November; 2023 dates to come. Decor, decorating, home goods, tableware, kids things, food and more. provenceprestige.com

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

DECEMBER

ALL OVER THE BOUCHES DU RHONE: The annual Chants de Noel presents 60 or so free Christmas concerts across the region, throughout the month of December, including a number of major concerts in emblematic venues. Programs include gospel, jazz, flamenco and more.

AIX: The city stages a large, very atmospheric Christmas market every year on the Cours Mirabeau. The 2023 dates haven't been announced but they're usually from the third week in November to the end of the year. Aix Tourist Office.

AVIGNON:  Every month, there's a large one-day Antiques Market for Professionals at the Parc des Expositions, organized by Avignon Antiquities. Thousands of professionals from around the world meet to buy and sell. International freight forwarders are on hand to arrange packing, shipping and customs formalities. Access is only to professionals and info on getting credentials is on the site here. The calendar of markets in 2023 is here.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE: The Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light) is a magical space in a vast cave-like quarry at the base of the hilltop village of Les Baux. There in the cool darkness, 100 video projectors and 30 speakers generate the choreographed movement of 2,000 images over an area of more than 75,000 square feet, onto walls as high as 45 feet and onto the floor. The sound-and-light show changes once a year and is one of the most-popular, most-visited sites in Provence. The main show for 2023 is "From Vermeer to Van Gogh." The second, shorter feature is about Mondrian.  New this year, a special show for the kids featuring the popular cartoon character Tintin will be shown every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 pm onwards, until December 31, 2023. The Tintin show lasts 45 minutes. Buy tickets at the entrance unless it's already sold out online. All the details are here. 

LES BAUX: Throughout December and early January, Les Baux hosts "animations, ateliers, traditions, expositions and observations."  Either just go up and see what's happening or check in with the les Baux Tourist Office for details. lesbauxdeprovence.com.

LYON: The city will be beautifully ablaze with sound and light installations again, during the annual Fete de Lumières. It's not Provence of course but if you haven't seen it, it's a must. Specific dates to be announced, in December. All the info is here.

NICE: Christmas in Nice, Christmas Market and Village. Dates to be announced but it usually runs from Dec 1 to Jan 1. Info is here.