🗓️ Regional Agenda

🍂 Provence Calendar – November 2025 to January 2026

Staying in Istres in our house with a pool? Don't miss these cultural, festive and gastronomic events in and around Istres!

🎄 NOVEMBER 2025

In Istres

• Coméd'Istres Festival – Theatre and Street Arts
  🗓 November 6-8
  🎭 Shows for all ages, friendly and cultural atmosphere.
• Christmas Market – Pre-opening
  🗓 End of November
  🎄 Local crafts, gourmet specialties and festive entertainment to prepare for the holidays.
• Concerts at L'Usine
  🗓 November 5 – Steve 'N' Seagulls
  🎸 Bluegrass and rock in a unique and intimate atmosphere.

🐂 In Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

• Abrivado Festival
  🗓 November 11 and 12
  🐴 Camargue traditional show with gardians and bulls, spectacular parade on the beach.

Around Istres

• Christmas Markets – Aix, Salon-de-Provence, Cassis
  🗓 Mid-November to December
  🎁 Crafts, local gastronomy, concerts and entertainment for the whole family.
• Wine and Gastronomy Fair – Aix-en-Provence
  🗓 November 7-9
  🍷 Tastings, meetings with local producers and chefs.

🎅 DECEMBER 2025

In Istres

• Istres Christmas Market & Christmas Village
  📍 City center / Saint-Martin Park
  🗓 Beginning of December to December 24th
  🎄 Immerse yourself in the magical spirit of the holidays: wooden chalets with local crafts and Christmas decorations, a pop-up ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and children's shows. Don't miss Santa's arrival!

• Advent Concerts - Choirs
  📍 Saint-Étienne Church in Istres and Saint-Sulpice Chapel
  🗓 Weekends in December
  🎶 A program of classical and gospel concerts to celebrate the holidays in a warm and solemn atmosphere.

• New Year's Eve
  📍 Various restaurants and L'Usine
  🗓 December 31
  🍾 Gala evenings, gourmet dinners and festive concerts to welcome 2026 with joy.

Around Istres

• Provençal Christmas Markets – Aix-en-Provence, Salon-de-Provence, Martigues
  🗓 All of December
  🎁 The iconic and sumptuous market of Aix, the 13 desserts of Provence in Salon, and the picturesque waterfront market in Martigues. Ideal for unique gift shopping.

• Festival of Lights – Miramas
  🗓 Around December 8th
  🕯 The city lights up with a thousand lights, light installations and animations create a magical family stroll.

• Calanques Trail – Cassis
  🗓 Early December
  🏃‍♂️ A major sporting event for trail running enthusiasts, offering breathtaking courses with magnificent views of the Mediterranean.

❄️ JANUARY 2026

In Istres

• Mayor's New Year's Greetings and King Cake
  📍 City Hall & Cultural Center
  🗓 Early January
  👑 Official New Year's greetings ceremony followed by a convivial moment to share the King Cake, open to all.

• Winter Sales
  📍 Istres city center
  🗓 Early January (official dates)
  🛍 Take advantage of the sales in the city centre shops to start the year off right.

• "New Perspectives" Exhibition
  📍 Istres Museum of Art and History
  🗓From mid-January
  🎨 Opening of a new exhibition showcasing emerging artists from the region, a breath of fresh cultural air in winter.

Around Istres

• Nativity Scene Fair – Aubagne
  🗓 All of January
  🧑‍🎨 Discover the famous santons of Provence, symbols of the traditional nativity scene. Meet with santon makers and visit their workshops.

• Epiphany Tradition – Throughout Provence
  🗓 First weekend of January after the 6th
  🍰 Many villages and towns organize giant galette sharing events. A warm and authentic atmosphere to enjoy.

• Winter Hikes – Camargue & Alpilles Regional Natural Park
  🗓 Every weekend in January
  🥾 Winter is the ideal season to discover the flora and fauna of the Camargue or hike the trails of the Alpilles without the summer heat. Guides offer themed outings.

✨ Why book a stay in winter?

Winter in Provence offers a unique, peaceful, and authentic atmosphere. It's the perfect season for:

• Enjoy your rental in peace and quiet within a modern and comfortable setting.

• Discover heritage sites and museums without the crowds.

• Experience the true Provence at local markets and traditional festivals.

• Take advantage of better rates for your stay.

📞 Contact us to find out about our availability and special offers for the winter season!