February is school holiday time throughout France, making it the perfect time to discover Provence without the summer crowds. French holiday dates range from 7 February 2026 to 9 March 2026.
Looking for a Provençal destination for your winter break? Provence welcomes you with pleasant temperatures reaching up to 20 degrees on some days! The sun shines generously. You will enjoy a region that is much quieter than in summer and much more affordable.
Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are perfect places to visit at this time of year. Villages such as Roussillon and Les Baux-de-Provence reveal their timeless charm. Families also enjoy the ski resorts of the Southern Alps, which are accessible from the region.
Provence offers a thousand activities in February, with or without children. Hiking in the Luberon, discovering cultural heritage, shows, festivals. This getaway combines culture, nature and Provençal gastronomy. It's the perfect time to explore this beautiful destination in the south of France in a different way. Here are all our tips.
Find your accommodation in Provence for the February holidays
To help you find the hotel, bed and breakfast or rental of your dreams in Provence for the winter holidays, check out our selection, which we update every year. Even though it's the low season and many accommodations are closed at this time of year, it's important to book in advance as those that are open will be in high demand. Reservations are essential.
What activities are there to do in Provence in February?
Provence is brimming with activities to keep you busy, with or without children, during the February holidays. Between museums, shows and outdoor leisure activities, you'll be spoilt for choice. We love this time of year when there are so many cultural outings to enjoy. The temperatures remain pleasant, allowing you to alternate between indoor discoveries and nature walks.
Here are our best ideas for activities during your holidays:
Cultural outings in the warmth
The Musée de l'Illusion in Marseille fascinates the whole family with its interactive installations
Les Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence offers an immersive show on Monet and Rousseau (our absolute favourite)
The Cosquer Cave recreates a unique prehistoric cave
The Granet Museum in Aix exhibits Cézanne and Picasso
Creative workshops at the Tapestry Museum where each child leaves with their own creation
Nature and tradition experiences
Truffle hunting in Provence (3-hour introduction to truffle hunting with a truffle dog)
Safari in the Camargue in a 4x4 to observe white horses and pink flamingos
Guided hikes in the Calanques National Park with spectacular views
The Ochre Trail in Roussillon with its flamboyant colours
A walk around Les Bories near Gordes to discover the dry stone huts
Creative workshops
Perfume-making classes in Grasse (we love this sensory activity)
Circus and theatre workshops at the Château de la Buzine in Marseille
Workshop tours of Aix museums during the school holidays
Urban leisure activities
The little electric train in Nice with 360° panoramic views
Hop-on hop-off tourist buses to discover Marseille
Electric quad bikes in Nice for an original panoramic tour
Circus and theatre shows in all cities
We recommend booking your activities in advance. The February holidays attract crowds and places fill up quickly for the most popular outings.
What events are happening at this time of year?
The Nice Carnival dominates the events in February 2026. This exceptional event takes place from 11 February to 1 March 2026. The theme ‘Long Live the Queen’ celebrates the great female figures of history. It's our absolute favourite for the winter holidays.
Carnival parades bring the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna to life. More than 1,000 musicians and dancers from around the world take part in the parade. The giant floats reach heights of up to 20 metres. It is the major event on the French Riviera in winter. We love the festive atmosphere that takes over the whole city.
The flower battles are particularly popular with families. Decorated floats distribute over 100,000 flowers to the public. See you on 18, 21, 25 and 28 February at 2.30 pm. We recommend arriving early to get the best spots. The free event ‘La Carnavalina’ kicks off the festivities on 14 February.
The Entre2 BIAC festival brings Marseille to life from 15 January to 15 February. Contemporary circus takes over the entire Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolitan area. The shows delight young and old alike in several venues. We appreciated the diversity of the artistic offerings.
Concerts and entertainment are multiplying in all cities. Every outing becomes a cultural discovery. The Aix-en-Provence funfair runs from 10 February to 10 March. The Les Suds en hiver festival celebrates world music in Arles at the end of February. Provence vibrates to the rhythm of the Mediterranean winter.
Where to go in Provence during the winter holidays?
Marseille remains a must-see destination in February. The Old Port welcomes visitors with an authentic atmosphere. The calanques can be explored without the summer crowds. We love the walks in Cassis and Sormiou. The Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica offers an exceptional panorama.
Aix-en-Provence charms visitors with its cultural heritage. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau between the fountains. The Granet Museum and Cézanne's studio are must-see attractions. We recommend a walk to Sainte-Victoire Mountain. The Provençal markets add charm to your stay.
Avignon unveils its majestic Palais des Papes. This medieval city offers activities for the whole family. The 3D experience of the palace fascinates children. The Pont d'Avignon and the ramparts complete the visit. We appreciated the preserved medieval atmosphere of the historic centre.
The villages of the Luberon are definitely worth a visit. Gordes dominates the valley with its dry stone houses. Roussillon enchants with its ochre cliffs and flamboyant colours. Les Baux-de-Provence in the Alpilles offers an impressive medieval castle. Our favourite remains the Abbey of Sénanque near Gordes.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue attracts bargain hunters on Sundays. Bonnieux and Lourmarin complete the tour of beautiful villages. You can enjoy the Provençal countryside in complete tranquillity. The ski resorts of the Southern Alps are within easy reach. Mont Ventoux and the Alpes de Haute-Provence allow you to combine sea and mountains.
What are the best destinations in Provence in February?
Aix-en-Provence is one of the best winter destinations in Provence. This city of art combines culture with the gentle Provençal way of life. The temperatures remain pleasant for a city break. We love strolling through the narrow streets of Old Aix. Tourism is quieter here than in summer.
The Côte d'Azur retains its appeal in February despite the winter. Nice and its Carnival energise the whole season. We enjoyed the festive, family atmosphere. You can enjoy your holiday away from the summer crowds. The beaches are still pleasant for walks.
The Granet Museum exhibits works by Cézanne, the painter par excellence from Aix-en-Provence. The painter's studio is open to visitors all year round. We also recommend the Pavillon de Vendôme and its gardens. Fountains punctuate the promenade. This is our favourite destination for a cultural weekend in February.
The Luberon attracts lovers of beautiful landscapes and hilltop villages. Its medieval villages can be visited without the summer heat. Gordes, voted the most beautiful village in the world in 2023, overlooks the valley. Roussillon fascinates with its flamboyant ochres. It is the ideal time for authentic tourism and hiking.
Les Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles offer an exceptional setting. The medieval castle dominates the Alpilles valley. The Carrières de Lumières offer a unique immersive experience. Our favourite is this audiovisual experience in the old quarries. Arles and its Roman monuments perfectly complement this destination. The amphitheatre and ancient theatre are impressive. This city of art combines Roman heritage with living Provençal traditions.
How can you enjoy a family winter holiday in Provence?
Enjoying a winter holiday in Provence starts with good planning. Alternate between cultural visits and outdoor activities for a variety of pleasures. Your children will appreciate this diversity of outings. We recommend booking accommodation and activities in advance. School holidays attract crowds despite the season.
Museums offer workshops specially designed for young people. Marseille, Aix and Avignon offer a wide range of activities during the holidays. The Mucem organises storytelling tours and shows for all ages. We love the creative workshops at the Musée Regards de Provence. It's a great opportunity to discover art while having fun.
Family hikes allow you to get some fresh air in the Provençal countryside. Choose trails that are suitable for the age of your children. The Luberon and Alpilles offer beautiful, accessible routes. Our favourite is the Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon. The flamboyant colours enchant young and old alike. The walk through the Village des Bories fascinates the curious.
Indoor activities complete the offer when the weather turns bad. Indoor parks, cinemas and circus shows take over. The Nice Carnival is a must if your dates coincide. You can keep your little ones busy in all weathers. We enjoyed the workshops at the Château de la Buzine in Marseille.
Educational farms offer an authentic experience. The ‘Shepherd for a Day’ workshop allows you to take part in milking. Children love looking after farm animals. Treasure hunts in medieval villages combine discovery and fun. Good organisation guarantees a successful family holiday under the Provençal sun.
What is the school holiday calendar?
The 2026 winter holiday calendar varies according to school zone:
Zone A is first, from 7 to 23 February. It includes the Bordeaux, Lyon and Grenoble academies.
Zone B follows from 14th February to 2nd March. Marseille, Aix and Nice are part of this zone.
Zone C brings up the rear from 21st February to 9th March. Paris, Toulouse and Montpellier are included in this zone.
This staggered schedule helps to spread out tourist traffic.