3 Best Performing Arts in Provence, France

This daylong festival, usually held around August 15, is dedicated entirely to lavender. Village folk dress in traditional Provençal garb and parade on bicycles; horses leap over barrels of fragrant bundles of hay; and local producers display their wares at the market. It all culminates in a countryside lunch. 

This highly anticipated, mid-August festival brings the Camargue to St-Rémy-de-Provence. Bullfights (don't worry, they're not killed) and bull runs, peñas flamencas (flamenco "clubs"), DJs, parades, kids' races, and plenty of food are all on offer during its four days.

During the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras and Lent, the Niçois let loose in disguise during this carnival, which attracts roughly 250,000 visitors. The parades in Place Masséna include €30,000 floats made up of some 80,000 flowers, dancers of varying levels of expertise and enthusiasm, more than 1,600 musicians, and face-painting stands for kids. For the best view, it's worth investing in tickets (book seats online, up to €32, standing-room from €10). The main event also incorporates Lou Queernaval, the first Gay Carnival Parade in France (free).