Each year on or around June 21st, Provence bursts into vibrant celebration as the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—brings with it light, renewal, and a touch of magic. Rooted in ancient rituals and fueled by the region’s passion for art, music, and community, these events offer a perfect blend of mindfulness, festivity, and natural beauty.

For Aprica Wellness guests and community members, the solstice is more than just a date—it’s an invitation to align with the rhythm of nature, embrace the season of growth, and gather in joy.

🌞 A Timeless Tradition

Historically, summer solstice marked the turning of the agricultural calendar, celebrated with bonfires, dances, and offerings to the sun. In Provence, this ancient spirit lives on in the form of community festivals, sunset yoga, music under the stars, and lavender field rituals.

🌿 Mindful Ways to Celebrate in Provence

Here are some of the most inspiring and enriching solstice experiences you can enjoy in the region:

1. Fête de la Musique

📍 Everywhere in France, especially vibrant in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon
🗓️ June 21st
🌐 fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr
Launched in 1982, this national celebration sees streets filled with free music performances—classical, jazz, folk, and world music—all in honor of the longest day. Enjoy a mindful evening stroll and soak in the community spirit.

2. Lavender Solstice Ceremony – Les Agnels

📍 Les Agnels Distillery, Apt (Luberon)
🌐 distillerie-lesagnels.com
Join a guided lavender field meditation, distillation demo, and solstice tea ceremony among the blooming purple fields.

3. Sunset Yoga + Sound Bath at Aprica Wellness

📍 Aprica Wellness, Marseille
🌐 apricawellness.com
Every solstice, Aprica hosts a sunset rooftop yoga and sound healing session infused with intention-setting and gentle movement. Guests reflect on what to release and what to welcome with the sun’s energy.

4. Fire Ritual at Château de Mille

📍 Château de Mille, Apt
🌐 chateaudemille.com
One of Provence’s oldest wine estates opens its grounds for a midsummer gathering: biodynamic wine tasting, music, and a symbolic bonfire to mark the sun’s peak.

5. Stargazing in the Alpilles

📍 Near Les Baux-de-Provence
Partnered with local astronomy clubs, solstice night stargazing tours offer meditative, guided looks at the cosmos in one of France’s clearest night skies.

🔆 Tips for a Soulful Solstice

• Journal or meditate at sunrise or sunset. Reflect on your personal growth and future intentions.
• Host a plant-based solstice dinner with local Provençal ingredients like olives, tomatoes, lavender honey, and goat cheese.
• Go tech-free for a few hours to reconnect with nature and community.

🌻 Celebrate With Aprica Wellness

We encourage our community to embrace the solstice as a sacred pause. Whether you’re with us on retreat, at our Marseille studio, or celebrating from afar, know that you’re part of something bigger—a rhythm of renewal, light, and deep presence.

Join us for our annual Summer Solstice Sunset Ceremony and Sound Bath, and step into the next chapter of your journey with clarity and joy.