It's not all dark days and gloomy winter weather in the Luberon at this time of year, far from it. There is colour and lots of it. Even in the depths of January and Feburary the evergreen oaks, olives and cedar trees create a patchwork of green making a stunning contrast against the clear blue skies. The winter sunshine really lifts the mood.
In fact, some days it's easy to forget it's winter at all. But then a harsh reminder, the Mistral wind arrives and overnight the airstream turns icy and fresh. At its most severe during winter, the Mistral can blow for up to 10 days non stop, penetrating many layers of warm clothing without hesitation and if folklore is to be believed, driving the residents mad.
Average Winter Temperatures in Provence, France
- December - Average 57°f/14°c
- January - Average 54°f/12°c
- February - Average 54°f/12°c
Some of the best views of the area are to be found during winter. The summer heat haze is long gone and the loss of leaves from some of the vegetation gives great access to views across the Luberon, inaccessible to summer visitors.
Mount Ventoux makes an even more impressive centrepiece during the winter with its snow covered slopes and summit clearly reflected by the winter sunshine. One of the main reasons tourists come to this part of Provence during the winter is for the skiing. Mount Ventoux itself is a big draw for winter sports enthusiasts and Marseille airport, which is open to flights from the UK all through the year, runs a ski shuttle service, les navettes blanches, during the winter months. This service takes passengers from the airport to Southern Alpine Ski Resorts.
Ski Shuttle, from Marseille Airport to Southern Alp Ski Resorts - Return Ticket Tariff - as at October 2009
- Adult - €35
- Children under 15yrs - €17
- Children under 2yrs - Free
- Family Ticket - for 4 people, including 1 or 2 children between 2yrs - 15yrs - €90
Apart from winter sports, events at this time of year are somewhat depleted. During December they are predominately related to noel, with Christmas markets and santon festivals. While the spot-light is turned on to Le Parc les Expositions, Avignon, in January when it hosts - Cheval Passion. A major annual event, it covers ' all things equestrian,' with over 250 exhibitors.
One other main event in France during the winter is inside, away from the cold and biting Mistral. Its shopping and les soldes, or the sales which are heavily regulated in France and so take place twice a year. The Winter Sales, soldes d'hiver, are held during January and February and the summer sales, soldes d'été, are generally held in June and July. Each 'sale' lasts up to a maximum of 6 weeks.
Specific dates of both sets of sales vary according to the area of France, or le department, although there tends to be a national start date, then a specific end date is agreed after consultation between local government officials and local business/retail leaders.
Useful Words to Look Out For When Shopping in the Sales in France
- Solde - sale
- Dégriffé - marked down
- Remise - Discount
One other word that is increasingly visible in French shops throughout the year is - Promotion - this is used if shops sell items outside of the designated sale times.
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