6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Provence, France

Founded in 1947, this is the oldest theater festival in France and one of the biggest in the world. It takes place over three weeks in July and features more than 1,500 performances held in venues throughout the city. The Off Festival ( www.festivaloffavignon.com), which is held simultaneously, is less formal and highlights productions by smaller, more experimental companies.

At Badaboum, adventurous, accessible productions for children are performed.

Starting late July, this Alpilles-wide contemporary arts festival fills nearly 15 venues in several towns, most prominently in St-Rémy. It aims to promote a diversity of disciplines and encourages exchange between artists and audience.

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. 

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).

A young audience thrills to entertainment with puppets, dance, and music—occasionally in English. It's by the Gare St-Charles.