The Mistral is a cold, dry wind that blows through parts of southern France, especially in spring and autumn. It can gust up to 60 mph and create waves up to 10 meters high in the northern Mediterranean. The wind is known to increase stress, anxiety, insomnia and even depression among residents. According to lore, the wind was blamed for some crimes of passion in Napoleonic times if it had blown for three days. The Mistral is caused by low pressure systems drawing air from the north through the Rhone valley, where it is channeled between the Alps and Massif Central and gains strength, creating a wind chill effect.

1. WEATHER LORE MISTRAL

2. ‘ Heed the north winds mighty gale, Lock your door and trim the sail.’

3. An old piece of British weather lore, but it applies just as well, perhaps better, to the south of France and the Gulf of Lions, a bay in the northern Mediterranean.

6. Noted for being a ‘lazy wind’- it goes straight through you rather than around you - the Mistral has been related to increases in stress... ...anxiety, insomnia and even depression amongst the residents of southern France.

8. Could the mental health of Van Gogh and his eventual sad demise be attributed to this wind, can it drive you crazy?

11. Called Katabatic winds; cold, dense, heavy air falls down the mountain-sides, especially at night, complementing the polar air from the north.