Que faire au mois de septembre en Provence ?

What to do in Provence in September   ?

Are you planning to head to Provence in September?   That's a wise choice.   In addition to avoiding the tourist crowds, you'll discover a Provence unlike any other, far removed from the postcard image, yet equally captivatingly beautiful, bathed in stunning and warm colors. Explore our activity ideas to enjoy the peace and charm of Provence in September .

The grape harvest season

September typically marks the start of the grape harvest , which corresponds to the moment when the grapes have reached the desired level of ripeness . Whether at a picnic area or lying on the grass, you can choose to watch the comings and goings of the winemakers' tractors as they travel from the vineyards to the wineries. Alternatively, you can get involved and become a winemaker yourself for a few hours.

Exploring the calanques

The calanques are a marvel of nature , and September is simply perfect for planning one or more walks there. Why?   Because these hikes, especially when the July/August sun is high in the sky, can be quite challenging.   It should be noted that shady spots are rare in the calanques… The landscapes offered by these imposing limestone rocks will not leave you indifferent.

It is also an opportunity to discover the second largest city in France, Marseille and, in a completely different vein, the unmissable Cassis with its port lined with multicolored facades.

If the mistral wind doesn't cause any trouble, the mildness of the Indian summer offers the most daring refreshing and potentially incredible swims, such as in the famous blue grotto , for which you will however have to find the entrance, a secret kept by the people of Marseille…

Things to bring for your hike in the Calanques :

• Good walking shoes

• Sunscreen, even if the sun is hiding behind the clouds

• Sunglasses

• A mobile phone

• A snack and/or a picnic

• A minimum of 1.5 liters of water per person

Go mushroom hunting

The end of summer signals the departure of tourists, and nature reclaims its territory. Thunderstorms sometimes rumble before the climate becomes milder again, encouraging the growth of mushrooms.

The Roques, Chaîne des Côtes, and Trévaresse massifs form a very large wooded area in the Bouches-du-Rhône, ideal for a walk in the forest with a wicker basket under your arm. In the forests of the Mont Ventoux Regional Park and on the Albion plateau , you will come across porcini mushrooms, but also "   pine trees   " Or "   blood   ", of the "   little grey   " and even chanterelles, which are recognizable by their yellow color and hollow caps.

Rule number one for the experienced mushroom picker : every mushroom picker must know and recognize deadly or toxic species .

Mingling with the animals

The fauna and flora of Mont Ventoux Because they are so rich in biodiversity, they are fortunately protected and preserved. Your children love animals.   Or perhaps you?   So why not go and meet them in their natural habitat ?   The forests of Ventoux are home to a wide variety of animal species , from foxes, deer, does or wild boars, to chamois or ibex , including some wolves, nesting birds and a harmless species of viper .

It so happens that autumn is also the period of the deer rut . This is the cry that the stag makes in order to attract the attention of the does during the mating season.

A visit to one of the farms in the vicinity of Mont Ventoux will delight the little ones, who will have the right to enter the enclosures to pet a cow, a draft horse, a donkey, a hen or a sheep…

Farms at the foot of Mont Ventoux :

• The small farm of Villes sur Auzon

• The Barroux llama farm

Preparing for departure

Looking to plan your last-minute holiday in Provence? Our rental houses with private pools offer an ideal setting to relax and fully enjoy the Indian summer near the most beautiful villages in the south of France at the foot of Mont Ventoux .