South France September A/C required?

[travelbug]

We are travelling to Provence/Rhone Alpes area in September for three weeks and are worried whether it will be very hot, especially for sleeping in our van. We dont have A/C at the moment and are wondering whether we will need to purchase a portable one or a fan before we go.
Thanks

 

[vectisrambler]

You may expect for good weather with hot days and warm evenings. Aircon is a pesronal choice and is rarely a necessity. Shield the van from direct sunlight by pitching in the shade and keep it well ventilated. A fan is helpful and, unlike many aircon units, is not too noisy to leave on throughout the night. With altitude in the Alps you will find the nights very cool and may even consider a little bit of heating! You will acclimatize very quickly and dread the return north to a much cooler autumn. Enjoy your trip.

 

[ValA.]

When it's really hot we simply put our blown air on, but without any heat, and with a bowl of cold water or ice cubes standing near it - and it acts just like a fan and keeps the air stirred and cooled.
We've been in temperatures of 38degrees (in September) and not needed air-conditioning or any extra fans. Mind you, we've also had nights when the temperature dropped and there was a ground frost!

 

[travelbug]

Thanks for the replies, will probably just take a chance and try the bowl of ice tip!

 

[otherclive]

We were down that way last September and the days were warm but with the days being shorter the temperatures came down to something quite pleasant overnight. With good ventilation in the van you will be okay (says he)

 

[smiley]

home made cooler...

If you buy a small heater that blows cold air stand it behind the fan it does help at night when stuffy...