La Cigale - Summers sound track in Provence

If there's one sound that defines a summer in Provence, it's the rhythmic buzz of la cigale — the cicada. This small insect with its big voice is more than just part of the landscape; it's a cherished symbol of Provençal identity, woven deeply into the culture, art, and folklore of southern France.

The cicada, or la cigale in French, is a heat-loving insect best known for its distinctive, vibrating song. Male cicadas sing to attract females, creating a constant hum that rises with the summer heat. In Provence, their song begins in early summer and continues through the long, sun-drenched days until September.

For locals and visitors alike, this gentle buzz is not noise but music — the background track to a slower, sunnier way of life.

La cigale is more than an insect in the South of France. It’s a beloved emblem found on:

• Ceramic wall plaques shaped like stylized cicadas

• Hand-printed linens and tablecloths

• Artisan soaps and packaging

• Keychains, coasters, and Provençal souvenirs

In many homes, a ceramic cigale is hung above the doorway to bring luck, joy, and protection — a tradition passed down through generations.

La cigale also lives in French folklore, most famously in Jean de La Fontaine’s fable La Cigale et la Fourmi ("The Cicada and the Ant"). In the tale, the cicada sings all summer while the ant works to store food. When winter comes, the cicada finds herself without provisions.

While the fable favors the industrious ant, many Provençaux identify with the joyful, carefree cicada — living in the moment, singing in the sun.

In modern Provence, la cigale often appears on packaging for traditional goods, especially Savon de Marseille and other artisanal soaps. Some brands even use the name "La Cigale" to evoke the essence of the region: natural, sunlit, and steeped in tradition.

Whether printed on a soap wrapper or molded into a ceramic gift, the cicada continues to carry the spirit of the Mediterranean into homes around the world.

La cigale is more than a summer insect. It is a symbol of joy, nature, warmth, and Provençal pride. From its buzzing song to its place on the doorstep, it reminds us to savor the moment and live life with a light heart.

So when you next hear the cicadas sing, let it transport you to a place of olive groves, lavender fields, and golden evenings. Let it take you to Provence.