Festivals, events, activities: what to do in November in Provence?

Provence in November is decked out in fall colors, from the Luberon vineyards to the slopes of Mont Ventoux. The peak season is long gone, but there’s still plenty going on with festivals and events!

Truffle markets are opening in Carpentras. The mills are pressing the new olive oil. In Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, the santon fairs are already heralding Christmas. Between the Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence, fall walks are peaceful and serene.

Festivals, cultural events, and family activities: your November calendar in Provence promises an unforgettable stay.

Must-see November events in Provence

Mid-November

ABRIVADO FESTIVAL in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône)
200 herdsmen on horseback, racing at breakneck speed, flank the bulls as they cross the beach. A procession of riders then guides the bulls to the arena. November 10 and 11, 2026.

THE SANTON FAIR in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône)
Founded in 1803 on the Cours Saint -Louis, this is the oldest Santon Fair in Provence. About twenty Santon artisans set up shop on the Quai du Port in the Old Port from mid-November through early January. The opening ceremony begins with a Mass in Provençal. This marks the true start of the Calendales festivities. November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027 .

MILLÉVIN in Avignon (Vaucluse)
On the third Thursday of November, Avignon celebrates the arrival of the new Côtes du Rhône vintage. The wine brotherhoods parade from City Hall. In the evening, you can taste the new wines accompanied by music as you make your way from Place des Corps-Saints to Place Saint-Didier. Partner restaurants serve a Côtes du Rhône dinner. November 19, 2026.

SALON PROVENCE PRESTIGE in Arles (Bouches -du-Rhône)
This annual fair welcomes over 30,000 visitors to explore Provençal cuisine, interior design, and traditional crafts. It’s the perfect opportunity to do your holiday shopping. November 19–22, 2026.

MONTE-CARLO JAZZ FESTIVAL in Monaco
A stellar lineup featuring today’s jazz stars and rising talents . November 20–29, 2026

TRUFFLE MARKET in Carpentras (Vaucluse)
Every Friday morning, from mid-November through March, the premier market for black truffles in Vaucluse. Professionals and individuals alike come to buy the famous Provençal truffle.

TRUFFLE MARKET in Richerenches (Vaucluse)
Every Saturday morning, from mid-November through mid-March, you’ll find a truffle market as well as a market featuring local products and crafts.

Late November

SAINT-SIFFREIN FAIR in Carpentras (Vaucluse)
This agricultural and commercial fair has been held for over 400 years. On November 27, more than 1,000 vendors take over the entire town: flea market, horse fair, crafts, local products, and entertainment. It’s the perfect time to do your first Christmas shopping. November 27–30, 2026.

VAR BOOK FESTIVAL in Toulon (Var)
For three days at the Palais Neptune, nearly 350 authors of novels, essays, comic books, and children’s literature will meet with the public. The program includes book signings, in-depth interviews, and panel discussions. Admission is free. November 20–22, 2026.

Conférence d'Aurélie Valognes à la Fête du livre du Var.

Events month by month

For each month of the year, discover our selection of Provençal events month by month that are not to be missed:

Things to do in Provence in November

In November, Provence enters a new season: the truffle markets open, the mills begin pressing the first olives, and the santon makers set up shop. Here are a few of our recommendations:

VIEW ALL ACTIVITIES IN NOVEMBER

Your questions about November Events

We’ve received several inquiries about November festivals and activities in the PACA region. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What to do in Provence in November?

What to do in Provence in November? More than you might think. November in Provence is the month of truffle markets, new wine and the first santon fairs, where artisans sell the traditional clay nativity figurines. The November calendar blends Camargue traditions, harvest festivals and cultural outings. These November events are a great reason to visit Provence in the off-season, with November activities for every taste.

What family activities are there in November?

For a family outing, the Santon Fair in Marseille is ideal. Kids can join santon-making workshops and enjoy donkey rides. The Abrivado in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, where gardians on horseback escort bulls along the beach, thrills young and old alike. For your family calendar, the Var Book Fair in Toulon offers a large children's area. These family activities make Provence with kids a real option for a fall family weekend.

Which festivals take place in November?

November festivals cover every genre. The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival leads the way for November concerts. Millévin in Avignon is the big harvest celebration of the Côtes du Rhône wines. The truffle markets in Carpentras and Richerenches kick off black truffle season. For November exhibitions, the santon makers' show in Arles rounds out a cultural calendar packed with events.

Where to go for a weekend in November?

For a weekend in Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a safe bet: museums open, sunny café terraces, no crowds. In the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Calanques in November can be explored in peace, under low, golden light. The Alpilles in November follow the rhythm of the olive harvest. The Luberon in the fall offers hilltop villages free of tourists. Four weekend destinations to help you choose where to go for a weekend getaway.

How to enjoy fall in Provence?

Fall in Provence is best enjoyed outdoors. Fall colors set the vineyards of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail ablaze. Fall walks benefit from mild temperatures, perfect for fall hikes in the Luberon or the Alpilles. Wineries open their cellars in the fall so you can taste the new vintage. To make the most of the season, try these fall experiences: a different way to discover Provence, far from the summer rush.