February in Provence

Seasonal traditions and local celebrations

February may be a quieter month in Provence, but it is filled with cultural celebrations and natural beauty. The first blossoms of almond trees begin to appear, hinting at the arrival of spring, while local markets brim with fresh seasonal produce, including truffles, citrus fruits, and olive oil.

Nice Carnival

The highlight of February is undoubtedly the Nice Carnival, one of the world’s most spectacular and historic carnivals. Dating back to the 13th century, this two-week-long festival transforms the city into a hub of music, artistry, and theatrical spectacle, drawing visitors from around the globe. At the heart of the festivities are the Carnival Parades, where massive, elaborately designed floats - often satirical and politically themed - roll through the streets, accompanied by dancers, acrobats, and costumed performers. Each year, the carnival follows a different theme, inspiring dazzling creations and larger-than-life characters that bring an element of fantasy to the celebrations.

A signature tradition of the Nice Carnival is the famous Battle of Flowers. Held along the Promenade des Anglais, this colourful spectacle sees performers in floral costumes atop beautifully decorated floats tossing thousands of fresh mimosa, roses, and lilies into the cheering crowd. Originally created to showcase the region’s exceptional flower production, the event remains a highlight, filling the air with fragrance and delighting spectators of all ages. Beyond the parades, Nice comes alive with concerts, street performances, and illuminated night parades, culminating in a grand finale where the ceremonial King of Carnival is symbolically burned in a dramatic display by the sea. Whether watching the festivities unfold from the stands or strolling through the lively streets, the Nice Carnival offers an unforgettable burst of colour, tradition, and celebration in the heart of winter.

Fête du Mimosa

Another seasonal celebration is the Fête du Mimosa in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, a festival that welcomes the early signs of spring along the Route du Mimosa. The mimosa tree, originally brought to the Riviera from Australia in the 19th century, has flourished in the region’s mild climate, blanketing the hills with golden-yellow blooms by February. The festival, which lasts for several days, transforms Mandelieu into a lively spectacle with flower-filled parades, costumed processions, street performances, and fireworks.

Visitors can follow the Route du Mimosa, a scenic 130km trail that stretches from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse, winding through perfumed forests and picturesque villages. The event also includes guided walks, exhibitions on the history and significance of the mimosa in Provence, and opportunities to purchase locally made mimosa-infused products, from perfumes to honey. Whether watching illuminated floats glide through the streets or enjoying the fragrant trails of blooming mimosa, the festival is a stunning way to experience the shift from winter to spring in Provence.

Truffle season in February in Provence

For those interested in gastronomy, February is the perfect time to experience truffle season in Provence. The region’s prized black truffles, often called the “black diamonds” of French cuisine, are at their peak ripeness, making it an ideal time to explore the truffle markets, attend truffle-themed events, and indulge in dishes showcasing this rare delicacy. 

Two of the most renowned truffle markets in Provence take place in Richerenches and Carpentras. The Richerenches Truffle Market, held every Saturday morning from November to March, is one of the largest in Europe, where truffle hunters, chefs, and buyers gather to trade and sample freshly unearthed black truffles. The Carpentras Truffle Market, held on Friday mornings, is another hub for truffle enthusiasts, where you can watch negotiations between producers and restaurateurs while soaking up the aroma of fresh truffles.

Many restaurants and local chefs celebrate the season by offering truffle-infused menus, featuring classic dishes such as truffled scrambled eggs, creamy risottos, and rich sauces infused with the earthy depth of black truffles. Truffle farms across Provence also offer guided truffle hunts, where visitors can join trained dogs in searching for this culinary treasure beneath the roots of oak trees, followed by a tasting of fresh truffle dishes paired with local wines. Whether you are a devoted foodie or simply curious about Provençal cuisine, February is the ultimate time to experience the rich flavours and traditions of truffle season in Provence. For those interested in truffle hunting, check out our latest article.

Exploring the region in February

The Luberon and Alpilles remain striking in the crisp winter light, with empty trails perfect for quiet hikes through vineyards, rolling olive groves, and limestone hills. The Ochre Trail in Roussillon takes on an even more dramatic hue against the pale winter sky, while the Alpilles’ rocky peaks provide stunning panoramic views across the Provençal countryside.

For those drawn to the coast, the Calanques National Park near Cassis is breathtaking this time of year, with crisp air, dramatic cliffs, and near-empty hiking trails. The cooler temperatures make the rugged coastal paths more enjoyable for walkers, and the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean remains as captivating as ever. On the Côte d’Azur, towns such as Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Tropez take on a slower, more intimate charm, allowing visitors to explore their historic streets and harbours without the peak-season bustle. Strolling along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, enjoying a seaside lunch in Menton, or browsing the local markets in Villefranche-sur-Mer brings a touch of Mediterranean warmth to the season. 

For history and culture enthusiasts, February is an excellent time to explore some of the region’s most iconic landmarks without the crowds of spring and summer. The Palais des Papes in Avignon, the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Arles, and the art museums of Aix-en-Provence, including the Atelier Cézanne, offer fascinating insights into Provence’s rich cultural heritage. In Marseille, a winter visit to the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) or a walk through Le Panier’s historic quarter is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s history.