The lavender fields of Provence France had been on my France wish list for a long time. Those 4 words. Lavender. Fields. Provence. France. But I needed to know how to visit the lavender fields, Provence. Which fields? Where to go? What time of year?
I started planning an amazing itinerary through Provence, which of course included standing amidst row upon row of lavender in Provence, France.
Here are the best tips that I discovered on how to visit the lavender fields, Provence.
1. Lavender Fields Provence: Why Go?
Purple is my favourite colour. Does that warrant a road trip through Provence?
Standing amongst an endless vista of vibrant, purple-hued flowers blowing in the Provençal breeze.
Now we’re talking.
Topped off with the most glorious of scents.
Heavenly.
Possibly this world-famous destination is worth adding to any bucket list.
2. When Can You See Lavender Fields In Provence?
Early July is the best time to visit the lavender fields in Provence France.
The lavender season in Provence France is from mid-June until mid-July. Some lavender fields in Provence have blooms until the end of July and still others into August. Weather, of course, influences when the lavender blooms in France. Early July is a very safe bet to see these lavender farms in France.
Please Note: All of these lavender fields Provence photographs were taken in the third week of June. A few weeks later possibly the blooms in these lavender fields Provence would have been lusher but the crowds of tourists would have been thicker as well.
3. Lavender Fields Provence: Which Lavender Farms To Visit
One of the most delightful pleasures of travelling during the lavender season in Provence is rounding a corner and spying beautiful lavender fields bursting with tall, flowering violet blooms. An unplanned, automatic gasp will escape from you. Guaranteed.
Where are the best lavender fields in Provence France? The Valensole region, the Luberon and the Sault plateau will delight you with stunning fields, wonderful small villages, hills and plateaus. This part of France is beyond breathtaking.
The Plateau de Valensole:
Short on time? Don’t miss The Valensole Plateau which is the superstar of lavender fields in Provence. From Aix-en-Provence, take the Autoroute and exit at Manosque. Head east along the Route de Manosque (D6) towards Lavandes Angelvin. Before you reach the Lavandes Angelvin fields, you pass another lavender farm and stunning wheat fields.
The distillery building, with the name Lavandes Angelvin displayed, signals that you have hit the jackpot of lavender fields in Provence. There is a parking area across from the fields The rows of lavender here stretch to the west, olive trees dot the horizon and the distant mountains round out the heavenly vista.
You will find that this lavender field you could visit more than once. Stop, have a visit, and then head on over to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Return to this field at sunset for stunning views and photographs.
If you have time, explore the tiny village of Valensole and head on over to Puimoisson. Dilly-dally along D6 and D8 and you will find yourself in lavender, sunflower and golden wheat heaven, spellbound by the beauty of flowering fields.
Lavender Fields In The Luberon:
Lavender Field At Abbaye de Sénanque:
You can see the potential here at the stunning S̩nanque Abbey Рright? In this protected valley, only a slight purple hue greeted our eyes in June. We had a good giggle at our efforts to arrive before the crowds and took great pleasure in the faint scent of the early blooms. The first week of July would have been perfect!
Lavender Fields Between The Luberon Towns:
Road trips through Provence are a delight at every turn. Driving between the hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon a surprise lavender field was our first encounter with a fully flourishing lavender field. Pulling off to the side of the road, we ran back with our cameras embracing the find! This is the excitement of the lavender route, discovering an unexpected field teeming with purple lavender.
In the Luberon, meander… Lavender farms dot the area and are found between hilltop towns.
Lavender Fields In The Sault Plateau:
The Sault Plateau has a higher elevation making the lavender season a little later. We did not make it to the Sault Plateau or the town of Sault but it needs to be mentioned as another area where lavender flourishes and there are many stunning fields. Some of these lavender fields can be explored by bicycle and on foot. These lavender fields in France are on my list for next time.
4. Lavender Fields Provence: Best Place To Stay
If you are visiting Provence and have rented a vehicle, you can situate yourself in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon. Both are great cities in which to base yourself to enjoy day trips to these lavender fields of France.
Read More | It’s a tough choice as to which city to choose as a base for exploring. Here is the best of enchanting Aix-en-Provence and the best of charming Avignon.
Hotels In Aix-en-Provence:
Hotels In Avignon:
5. How To Visit The Lavender Fields Provence
The lavender fields of Provence are easily accessible by car.
Coming from Paris, take the train to Avignon or Aix-en-Provence and then rent a car.
Having a car allows you the flexibility to aimlessly explore smaller country roads, and villages, stop at viewpoints and watch sunrise or sunset over row upon row of lavender.
If a car is not available to you, these guided tours will take you to see the glorious lavender fields of Provence:
- a full-day trip from Aix-en-Provence
- a half-day trip from Aix-en-Provence
- a full-day trip from Marseille
- a full-day trip from Avignon
6. Lavender Fields Provence: Travel Tips
Lavender fields in Provence France are working farms and most do not have designated parking. Carefully pull off to the side of the road and watch out for the lavender-obsessed driver ahead of you who might have slowed down to a mere crawling speed.
- Be respectful. These lavender fields are someone’s livelihood. Don’t step on the flowers or pick them.
- Bees are in seventh heaven in the lavender fields. I got stung on my leg.
7. For The Lavender Obsessed
All through Provence, the markets are full of lavender products – soaps, essential oils, honey, eau de toilette and dried flowers that you can bring home with you. The glorious scent will remind you of the incredible lavender fields in Provence.
If you are interested in knowing more about the lavender culture, its production and the distilling of lavender to create essential oils visit:
The Lavender Museum near Gordes and Lavandes Angelvin
Interested in joining a Lavender Festival or an annual Fête de Lavande? The village of Valensole holds the most famous lavender celebration each year on the 3rd Sunday of July. This year, the 30th year of the Valensole Lavender Festival takes place on Sunday, July 21, 2024. The festival includes visits to lavender fields and essential oil distilleries, photo exhibits, folk dancing shows. and a market full of lavender in every possible form!
Here is a list of all the lavender festivals in Provence.
Fun Lavender Fact: Did you know that there are 3 types of lavender? The most cultivated one in Provence is lavandin. Be on the lookout for fine lavender or true lavender and aspic or large lavender.
From the rolling hills of Valensole to the charming villages dotted throughout the region, the Provence lavender fields are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Until next time,
More Travel Info..
More Travel Info: Provence…
Kayak the Gorges du Verdon – don’t miss the incredible teal water here.
Arles, France: 11 Best Things To Do
Avignon, France: The Best Things To See and Do
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Don’t Go Unless – tucked under cliffs, this is a wonderful place to stay.
Luberon France: Exploring Hill Towns in Provence – Be sure to visit the stunning medieval hilltop towns.
The Calanques de Cassis and Cassis: An unforgettable stop in Provence
Bormes les Mimosas: An enchanting hilltop town on the French Riviera.
Planning Your Trip to Paris?
Travel Tips: Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.
Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France
Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)
Paris Tips: 25 Essential Paris Travel Tips. If you like getting off the beaten path, here are 25 hidden gems in Paris. Really want to explore secret Paris? There are over 60 secret spots in my eBook, Paris for the Curious Stroller.
France Tips: Here are all my articles about visiting different regions of France.
If you are interested in Normandy, there are plenty of Normandy tips here.
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The Loire Valley in France is dotted with magnificent châteaux (castles). Chaumont-sur-Loire is a great one to add to your itinerary.
And these 9 towns in the Dordogne are unforgettable!
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Love the pictures, they are absolutely breathtaking!!
Thank you! It is a stunning part of France.
Very nice selection and lovely images! 🙂 And thanks for the comment about respecting lavender fields as someone else’s property! At some fields, people behave awfully…
Such gorgeous photos!!! This is at the top of my bucket list!!
Good choice. Provence and the lavender fields are stunning!
Haha I love that you start off with a warning for the large number of images! 😀
And your images are beautiful!
Thank you! The lavender is fun to photograph!
Definitely saved this for my future visit come summer 2020 since it’s been a bucket-just item of mine!