Velleron – Provence Strawberry Festival

There are few things so evocative of summer than the strawberry – and of course in southern France summer comes earlier than it does in northern climes. Hence the village of Velleron (84 Vaucluse, Provence PACA) holds its annual Fete de la Fraise on 8 May 2024

Set in the heart of the Rhône Valley north of Avignon, the self-styled Capitale des Fraises (Strawberry Capital) indulges itself in everything to do with the Strawberry

Come revel in the first warm spring days, and discover the charms of the village of Velleron, amidst gorgeous scents of strawberries. See the Confrérie de la Fraise (The Brotherhood of the Strawberry!) and attend the inductions of local and not-so-local celebrities Tastings, sales, concerts, flea market and rummage sale, nearly 150 stands, all the strawberries you could hope to see. A memorable day. Free entrance, free parking, and lots of free events and fun during the day throughout the village.

Velleron is also famous for its Farmers Market (Marché Agricole) held most evenings in Summer (Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays) from 4.30pm when local farmers and smallholders turn up with their battered vans and tractors and sell direct to the public from the tailgate or rickety table some of the freshest fruit, vegetables, oils, wines etc – well worth a visit and a great alternative to the hypermarket!

For more info on Velleron see www.provenceguide.com

Within a short distance of the village is l’Isle-sur-Sorgues with its pretty canals encircling the town and its famous Antiques market; Fontaine de Vaucluse – an impressive spring in the rocks (except there was a drought when I visited!) – Avignon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape etc

Holiday accommodation in Velleron