provence lavender fields tour

Quick Guide to the Lavender Fields, Provence [2024]

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Get Ready for the Best Lavender Fields in France!

Do you want to see the most beautiful lavender fields France has to offer? Then head to Provence this summer. Nicknamed ‘the blue gold,’ a tour around the lavender fields of Provence is one of the best things to do in France !

The lavender blooming period is, for us, the best time to visit Provence , but this is a trip that cannot be improvised because the flowering season only lasts a few weeks, and it is different depending on the area.

If you want to visit the Provence lavender fields, you must plan the trip carefully. It is essential to figure out when is the lavender season in Provence, the best places to see lavender in Provence, and the flowering period for each area. Because the tour around these lavender fields in France is a very seasonal activity, you also need to book accommodation, car hire, or guided tours well in advance.

There are many ways to enjoy the lavender fields in Provence, and this quick guide will give you information and the best tips to plan a memorable trip around them. From the must-see Plateau of Valensole to Vaucluse and the Drôme Provençale, follow our guide!

Different Types of Lavender in Provence

There are three lavender types worldwide: fine lavender, spike lavender, and lavandine. However, there are only two different types of lavender in Provence: fine lavender and lavandine .

FINE LAVENDER ( lavandula angustifolia ) is the typical lavender of Provence; you won’t find fine lavender anywhere else in the world! The fine lavender grows above an altitude of 800 m, and it is a small plant with a single flower per stem.

Traditionally used for medicinal properties, fine lavender became the region’s ‘blue gold’ when the great perfume makers in Provence started using it for their best perfumes.

You need 130 kg of fine lavender to obtain 1 liter of essential oil by distilling process. A 1 Ha plantation of fine lavender can produce up to 25 liters of essential oil in a good year, that’s why fine lavender is so special!

LAVANDINE (lavandula hybrida) is found all over the world, at altitudes of 0 to 800 m. It is a tall plant with two ramifications, and it grows in large round clumps. As its Latin name suggests, it is a hybrid plant, a crossing between the lavender of Provence (fine lavender) and spike lavender which is little used in France.

The lavandine is less subtle, has a stronger smell than fine lavender, and cannot be used for medicinal properties. The lavandine fields are very photogenic, but lavandine is less precious and definitely less interesting for lavender producers.

You need 40 kg of lavandine to obtain 1 liter of essential lavandine oil. The lavandine is used for cleaning products and souvenirs for tourists.

Lavender Season in Provence

The lavender season in Provence is short, usually between mid-June and mid-July until the end of July and the beginning of August.

There are many beautiful places to see lavender fields in Provence, but the blooming window is different for each area. You can be at the perfect lavender spot for the perfect picture, but if it is not the perfect time (too early or, like in the picture below, too late), it does not work!

Check out our quick guide to the lavender season in Provence by region .

Map of the Best Lavender Fields, Provence

Where to see lavender fields in Provence? We have grouped the best places to see lavender in Provence into four areas. For each area, we will tell you the types of lavender, the lavender season, things to see and do, and our best travel tips.

• Plateau de Valensole Lavender Fields (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
• Pays de Sault (Vaucluse)
• Luberon Lavender Fields (Vaucluse)
• Drôme Provençale (Drôme)

Best Way to Visit the Provence Lavender Fields

The best way to explore the best lavender fields in Provence is by car. A self-drive holiday in Provence gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful lavender fields, the picturesque villages in Provence , and off-the-beaten-path châteaux at your own pace. With your car, you’re not restricted to set timetables, so you can stay longer if you like a place!

When we need to rent a car, we use and recommend  Discover Cars .  This site is excellent because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and more, and compares prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work. If this is your first trip to France, check out our best tips for renting a car in France and our quick guide to France by car .

Click here to rent your car in France with Discover Cars

BY GUIDED TOUR

The Provence lavender fields are the best lavender fields France has to offer, so you will find many lavender tours with transportation starting from the major cities in the region. These guided tours come with a local guide and are a good option if you are short on time or don’t want to drive in France. Here’s the list of the best-rated lavender tours, starting from different locations:

• From Aix-en-Provence: full-day lavender tour to Valensole
• From Avignon: full-day lavender tour
• From Nice: Gorges du Verdon and Valensole lavender fields
• From Marseille: full-day Valensole lavender fields

Best Lavender Fields in Provence

Where to see lavender in Provence? Here’s the list of the best lavender fields Provence has to offer. For a total Provençal experience, we also recommend you the most charming places to stay and other interesting things to see and do nearby.

1. Plateau de Valensole Lavender Fields (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

The Plateau de Valensole , in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is where you will find the most photogenic Provence lavender fields. For many tourists, this is the best place to see lavender fields in Provence, which means that you won’t be alone.

A few years ago, nobody knew about the Valensole lavender fields or the town of Valensole. Thanks to a Chinese TV show and a couple of Instagrammers hanging around, now tourists from all over the world flock to Valensole during the lavender season in Provence.

The Valensole Plateau is located at a low altitude (<600 m), so you will only find lavandine , and it is more impressive. To see these lavender fields, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille are two good places from where you can start a road trip or take a lavender tour.

We love Valensole’s beautiful landscapes and the feeling of swimming in a violet sea. Next to the Valensole lavender fields, the sunflower and wheat fields are perfect for making beautiful photo compositions. The combination of lavender fields in bloom with harvested lavender fields is beautiful too.

When to visit the Valensole Plateau

Visit the Valensole lavender fields from mid-June to the first week of July.

Where to sleep in the Plateau de Valensole

• Le Jardin de Celina
• Château du Grand Jardin
• Les Terrasses de Valensole
• Villa Borghese (13km from Valensole)

Things to do near the Valensole lavender fields

• Musée de la Lavande (free)
• Valensole Lavender Festival 2024 (Sunday, 21 July 2024)
• Kayak, electric boat at Gorges du Verdon
• Lazy day + dip at Lake Sainte Croix-de-Verdon
• Visit the hilltop villages of Aiguines and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
• Full-day Valensole lavender tour from Aix-en-Provence

With some more time available, take this road trip to Valensole – Gorges du Verdon , one of the best road trips in France !

GOOD TO KNOW: In the Valensole lavender fields, mass tourism and disrespectful people are an issue to the point that some lavender farmers have fenced their fields, and they are ready to call the police. Drones, jumping people, big guided tours, and people picking up lavender everywhere can spoil your lavender experience.

2. Pays de Sault (Vaucluse)

The Pays de Sault is the capital of fine lavender . Less touristy than other Provence lavender fields, Pays de Sault is a good place to see the real Provençal lavender without the crowds.

For us, this is the best place to see lavender fields in Provence. Here, you will find some bories (traditional stone huts which served as a barn, stable, or a seasonal dwelling in the XIXth century), and they look great in the middle of the lavender fields. The combination of lavender fields and hilltop villages is very photogenic too.

The Pays de Sault is near the Mont Ventoux (1,909m), and it is surrounded by picturesque villages (Sault, Aurel, Ferrasières). Don’t miss all these beautiful places when visiting the Pays de Sault!

To see these lavender fields, Avignon is a good place from where you can start a road trip or take a lavender tour. Located at a higher altitude (800-900 m), summers are not as hot as in other places in Provence, like Valensole.

When to visit the Pays de Sault

Visit these Provence lavender fields in July, ideally around mid-July, when they are in full bloom.

Where to sleep in Pays de Sault

• La Bastide des Bourguets
• Hostellerie du Val de Sault
• Château de la Gabelle (in Ferrasières)

Things to see and do in Pays de Sault

• Visit the villages of Sault, Aurel, Monieux
• Ferrassières Lavender Festival 2024 (Sunday, 7 July 2024)
• Biking, hiking, or paragliding at Mont Ventoux
• From Avignon, lavender tour of Sault

This Provence lavender route by car explores the best lavender fields in Pays de Sault and Luberon.

GOOD TO KNOW: when looking for accommodation in Provence, you will find many bastides . In Occitanie, a bastide is the name of a type of medieval village designed with a regular plan (e.g., the village of Mirepoix, in the Cathar Country). A bastide in Provence, instead, is a stone construction, usually magnificent private houses surrounded by beautiful grounds. In Provence, there are many bastides proposing bed & breakfast accommodation. Other types of housing in Provence are mas, clos, and domaine.

3. Luberon Lavender Fields (Vaucluse)

The Massif du Luberon , near Avignon, boasts some of the best lavender fields in Provence. Located in the department of Vaucluse, the also known as “Avignon lavender fields” are beautiful to see, with the oh-so-pretty hilltop villages and the famous Sénanque Abbey.

The lavender fields near Avignon are at an altitude of 350-700 m, mainly with lavandine .

From the top of the road from Gordes (D177), the view of the lavender fields surrounding Sénanque Abbey is spectacular. However, this is a popular place, so be sure to visit early in the morning (ideally before 8 am).

If you want to explore these lavender fields, Avignon is a good starting point. This Luberon road trip starts and ends in Avignon and explores some of the best lavender fields near Avignon.

When to visit the Luberon

These lavender fields, Provence, are best explored at the beginning of July.

Where to Sleep in the Luberon

• Hotellerie Notre Dame des Lumières (in Goult)
• Lou Amourie (in Roussillon)
• Le Clos de la Glycine (in Roussillon)
• Les Oursillons (in Roussillon)

Things to see and do in the Luberon

• Visit the villages of the Luberon
• Sentier des Ochres in Roussillon
• Village des Bories
• Musée de la Lavande at Coustellet
• Abbey of Sénanque
• Half-day lavender tour of Luberon from Avignon
• Spend one day in Avignon

4. Drôme Provençale (Drôme)

Drôme is a department that belongs to the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes . However, this area is known as Drôme Provençale because of its geographical, cultural, historical, and climatic proximity to Provence. You are technically out of Provence, but with all those lavender fields and hilltop villages, you won’t realize it 😉

The best lavender fields in the Drôme Provençale are around the villages of Grignan , Nyons to Vinsobres , Mévouillon (capital of fine lavender), and from Drôme Valley to Diois (lavender fields at higher altitude, far from the main roads).

When to visit the Drôme Provençale

Here, the lavender blooms from mid-June until the end of July.

Where to Sleep in the Drôme Provençale

• Le Clair de la Plume (in Grignan)
• La Ferme Chapouton (in Grignan)
• Le Clos de la Tuilière (in Grignan)

Things to see and do in the Drôme Provençale

• Hilltop village of Grignan and Château de Sévigné
• Visit one of the lavander distilleries in Nyons, Chamaloc,..

And there you have it, the guide to the best lavender fields Provence has to offer and how to get the most out of this beautiful area of Provence. Enjoy!

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Complete Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence

Visiting the lavender fields in Provence was one of my biggest dreams ever since I saw the picture-perfect purple rows of lavenders all over Instagram.

I finally had the chance to visit in 2020 and let me tell you something: the lavender fields are even more beautiful in real life than in the pictures!

If you’re also dreaming of visiting Provence, you are in the right place! In this guide, I gathered all the important information that you need to know before visiting the lavender fields in Provence including tips about where to stay, how to get there, and where to find the most beautiful fields.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit the Lavender Fields in Provence

The lavender fields in Provence are truly one of the best dream destinations in the world but if you want to see the lavenders in their full glory, you need to be well aware of your timing.

So let’s start with the most important thing: when is the best time to visit Provence to see the lavender fields? As the lavenders only bloom for a short period of time, your timing is really crucial as it can make or break your whole trip.

The general rule of thumb is that the lavender fields usually bloom between mid-June and mid-July. Of course, it can vary a bit based on the weather conditions so the timing of the full bloom can be slightly different every year.

It’s best to do a little research before your trip just to be on the safe side, but generally, the best time to visit the lavender fields in Provence is the last week of June or the first week of July.

The school holidays in France usually start after the first week of July so if you’re planning to visit after, you will find more tourists in the area as the locals also like spending their summer vacation in Provence.

Although lavenders can technically bloom until August, most of the fields are being harvested in the middle of July so the farmers can extract the lavender oil. That being said, it’s still possible to find some lavender fields in August but bear in mind that the most beautiful ones will be already gone by this time.

Based on all this, we decided to visit in the first week of July (specifically from 1st July to 5th July) and it was a perfect time. The lavender fields were already in full bloom and we could also find blooming sage fields and sunflower fields as well. It was also perfect weather-wise as it didn’t rain and every day was sunny and hot.

What is the Weather Like in Provence During the Lavender Season

Just like the other Mediterranean areas, Provence is usually hot and sunny in the summer with little to no rainfall. As the lavender season falls between mid-June and mid-July, be prepared for scorching hot days with an average temperature of 27-30ºC (80-86ºF).

However, the mornings and evenings tend to be a lot colder, especially when the weather is windy. Therefore it’s important to pack a sweater or a light jacket as well – trust me, you’re gonna need it!

As there are practically no shades on the lavender fields, make sure to protect yourself from the sun during the day by wearing sunglasses and hats and applying sunscreen both on your face and body. It’s also important to have plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration.

How to Get to Provence

The closest airport to the lavender fields in Provence is located in Marseille so if you’re planning to arrive from another country, this is your best option. The most beautiful lavender fields are located around Valensole and it takes around 1 hour to get there from Marseille by car.

Another option is to fly to Nice, from there it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Valensole. Although it’s a longer ride, if you can find cheaper tickets to Nice it can still be a great option for you.

Especially if you’re planning to visit the Cote d’Azur region anyways! If you’re planning to do so, you might be interested in this one day in Nice itinerary or the best day trips from Nice as well.

You can also visit Provence from Paris , but bear in mind that it’s going to be a really long ride. It takes around 7.5 hours to reach Valensole by car without any stops. So in reality, it will be more than 8 hours and on top of that, you will need to pay a lot for the toll fees as well.

Another option is to take the train from Paris but since there is no direct route, first you need to take the TGV to Aix-en-Provence and then change to another train to Manosque-Gréoux-les-Bains. The whole journey takes around 5 hours in total and it costs between €70-100 per person.

How to Get Around in Provence

Having a car in Provence is a MUST (yes, with capital letters!). Seriously, there are basically no other options for getting around as there is no public transportation in the area.

The fields and villages are quite far from each other, it takes anywhere between 10 minutes and 1 hour to get there by car depending on your location and where you want to go, so walking is not an option.

If you’re flying to France, you will need to rent a car at the airport to be able to get around. Unfortunately car rental is pretty expensive in France.

For instance, it costs around €250-300 to rent a small car at Marseille Airport for 5 days (of course prices can vary based on your preferences, this rate is based on my independent research at the time of writing and I can not guarantee this rate in any way).

On top of that, you will need to pay for fuel and toll fees but luckily most of the roads are free to use in Provence.

On the bright side, parking is free almost everywhere and since the lavender fields are located near the roads, you can basically stop anywhere without paying for parking. That being said, if you’re planning to visit the nearby towns, always check the signs if there are any parking fees or not because it always depends on the location.

Bring your own car

If you live in one of the neighboring countries, it might make sense to visit Provence in your own car to save some money. Of course, it depends on your individual situation, so it’s worth doing a calculation before your trip whether it’s worth taking your own car or not.

As an advantage, you don’t need to pay for flight tickets and car rental, but on the other hand, it might be expensive to get there due to the tolls and you need to calculate the time of driving as well.

Organized tours

It’s possible to visit the lavender fields with an organized tour as well but the options are very limited. I would still recommend having your own car but if you don’t drive, organized tours can be a great option for you.

Keep in mind that most tours depart from bigger cities like Avignon, Aix-en Provence, or Nice so you will need to stay in one of these cities to be able to attend a tour.

Below you can find some of the most recommended tours, they all have amazing ratings and they usually cost between €80-150 per person depending on the activities and the duration.

Where to Stay in Provence

Although you can find lavender fields basically all over Provence, the most beautiful (hence most popular) fields are located around Valensole so if you’re planning to visit Provence (especially for the first time), it’s worth staying in the nearby area. The three best options to stay in are Valensole, Manosque, and Riez.

It’s important to keep in mind that Provence is really popular in the lavender season so you should book your accommodation way in advance to avoid higher prices or lack of places to stay in. It’s worth taking a look at your options at least 6 months in advance!

Since the best fields are scattered around Valensole it would make sense to stay there but since it’s a really small town, I wouldn’t recommend it.

First of all, there are very limited options to choose from when it comes to accommodation and on top of that, you will not find that many restaurants or things to do in the town either.

The only advantage is that since it’s close to the fields, it only takes around 5-20 minutes to get there by car, depending on which field you’re planning to visit. You can check all the available accommodations in Valensole here !

Manosque is one of the best places to stay if you’re planning to visit the lavender fields in Provence. Since it’s one of the biggest towns in the area you will find many accommodation options for any budget and there are many great restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets in Manosque as well.

Not to mention that the town is super cute, you can also spend half a day wandering around the cobbled streets in the old town. We also stayed there and absolutely loved it!

The only disadvantage is that it’s a bit further away from the fields since it’s located 20 km (12.5 miles) west of Valensole (around 20-25 minutes by car).

This means that you will need to drive around 20-40 minutes to reach the fields from Manosque which might seem a bit too much, but in reality, it was not an issue for us.

On the bright side, if you’re planning to visit other towns in Provence like Roussillon on Gordes (more about them later), Manosque is closer to them than Valensole! You can check all the accommodations in Manosque here .

Riez is another great option if you want to stay close to the lavender fields. It’s located 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Valensole (20 minutes by car) but since there are many lavender fields between the two cities, you don’t need to drive around that much.

Keep in mind that Riez is also a little town just like Valensole, so you will not find so many hotels or restaurants there either. You can check all the accommodations in Riez here !

Where to Find the Best Lavender Fields in Provence

If you’ve been reading the previous sections of this post, you already know that the best lavender fields in Provence are located near Valensole. Basically, you can find lavender fields everywhere, seriously, you can’t really drive for 5 minutes without spotting another lavender field.

The best roads to follow is D6 (Route de Manosque) which coming from Manosque to Riez and D8 (Route de Départementale) from Valensole to Puimoisson but you can also spot pretty lavender fields along D953 between Puimoisson and Riez.

It’s completely free to visit the lavender fields so whenever you find one you like, just park by the road and enjoy the view!

Although all fields are beautiful, there are some lavender fields in particular that are incredibly picturesque. I will share my favorites below with their exact locations!

UPDATE 2023: It looks like due to crop rotation, the below fields are now wheat fields in the 2023 season. Don’t worry though, you can still find many amazing lavender fields in Provence, and who knows, maybe these fields will be lavender fields once again next year!

Lavandes Angelevin

Coordinates on Google Maps: 43.822054 5.937107

The field called Lavandes Angelevin is one of the most popular ones in the area and it’s also famous for the heart-shaped tree on the hillside. It’s located 5 km (3.1 miles) from Valensole in the direction of Manosque along the D6 road.

Since the rows of lavenders are located on a hill, it’s really picturesque – no wonder why it’s one of the most beloved locations for photographers.

There is a big parking lot on the other side of the road and the parking is free. Since it’s one of the most beautiful lavender fields be prepared for the crowds, especially during the day.

However, since the field is huge there is plenty of room for everyone! There is bigger space between the rows so it’s really easy to walk between the lavenders.

The best time to visit this field is at sunset, as the sun is setting right behind the hill and the trees. Sunrise is another great time for visiting, especially because you will have the field all to yourself!

We visited this field three times during our stay, once for sunrise and twice for sunset – that’s how much we loved it!

Bonus tip: You can also find a sunflower field right next to the lavender field so it’s worth taking some pictures there as well! Unfortunately, there is a big gap between the lavenders and the sunflowers so it’s not that perfect, but I loved taking photos just with the sunflowers too.

Tiny house in the valley

Coordinates on Google Maps: 43.893751 6.116192

This field is located 15 km (9.3 miles) from Valensole in the direction of Puimoisson, you just simply need to follow the D8 road until you reach the above coordinates.

You will find a tiny house in the middle of the field but since it’s in a valley, you will barely see its top from the road. We almost missed it because of this so trust me, the house is there, even if you can barely see it!

The lavender field is huge and the tiny house is located almost in the middle so, in order to get closer, you need to walk a lot between the flowers.

This field is really different from Lavandes Angelevin as the rows are much closer to each other and the bushes are bigger, therefore it’s much harder to walk between the rows. Please be really careful where you step and don’t damage the lavenders!

Although you can visit this field basically any time of the day, I recommend going there for sunrise! It’s incredible to see how fast the colors are changing once the sun hits the lavenders, coming from blue to pink and then vibrant purple.

If you’re lucky, you can even spot hot air balloons in the sky! Usually, the balloons depart from Riez but their routes are not always the same and they are not flying every day either.

We arrived at the field around 6 am and spotted the balloons around 7 am. I didn’t want to believe my eyes first and when I noticed that they are flying in our direction I was jumping out of my skin!

Bonus tip: If you’re ready to leave this beautiful field, continue driving on the D6 road in the direction of Puimoisson. Right after the lavender field ends, you will find a sage field in its place. It’s really beautiful and the two fields are really close to each other so it’s perfect for taking some photos as well.

Stone house with mountains in the background

Coordinates on Google Maps: 43.851485 6.110340

You will find another stone house in the middle of this lavender field but it’s completely different than the previous one. The field is located 20 km (12.5 miles) from Valensole, along the D953 road between Puimoisson and Riez.

If you’re coming from Valensole, you simply need to follow the D8 road (same direction as to the tiny house in the valley) then take a right turn to the D953 road and stop at the coordinates I gave you above.

If you’re an early bird, the best time to visit this field is at sunrise as the sun is rising behind the stone house and the mountains.

The lavender rows are not so close to each other so it’s easy to walk between them and since this field is not so popular and quite far away from Valensole (let alone Manosque), chances are high that you will have it all to yourself!

Tips for Taking Photos in the Lavender Fields

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, I’m sure you will feel the urge to take a million photos at the lavender fields. Trust me, nobody will blame you, it’s just so picture perfect! I will share with you a few important tips below regarding taking photos in the lavender fields.

How to take photos on the lavender fields

As I mentioned before, you will find many lavender fields around Valensole and they are free to visit so whenever you find a field where you would like to take some photos, just park nearby and walk to the field.

It’s quite easy to walk inside the fields because the lavenders are organized in rows and you can easily walk between them.

Please make sure not to damage the lavender while you’re in the field! Try to walk only between the rows and do not step on the lavender. The surface between the rows is rocky so forget about your high heels and only wear flats for your own safety.

I hope it goes without saying, but do not pick any lavenders from the field! If you want to have a bouquet of lavender as a prop for your photos, you can buy it in basically any shop near the fields or in the towns (it usually costs around €3).

Everything you need to know about bees and spiders

Since you’re basically visiting a huge flower field, be prepared to share it with millions of bees! Yes, they are really everywhere but since they’re busy collecting pollen from the lavenders, they will not bother you (if you don’t bother them). So as a general rule of thumb, try to leave them alone and you will be fine.

However, accidents can still happen so if you’re allergic to bee stings make sure to have proper medication with you! Even if you’re not allergic, it’s best to be prepared.

My boyfriend (who is not allergic to bee stings) also got stung by bees on his ankle one evening. First, we thought it was a mosquito sting but the next morning his ankles were already swollen and he could barely walk.

Of course, you can find many pharmacies in the area as well so if it happens to you and you don’t have any medication with you, go there immediately!

If you’re afraid of bees, the best thing you can do is to visit the lavender fields early in the morning or late in the evening when the bees are not active. You will still need to face a few spiders and other insects but since they are there during the day as well, it doesn’t make any difference.

Best time to take photos on the lavender fields

If you want to take some epic photos on the lavender fields, you need to be aware of your timing. It’s quite hard to shoot there during the day because the weather is usually really hot, the light is harsh, not to mention the million other tourists flocking to the fields. So what can you do? Wake up for sunrise!

I know it sounds mad to wake up at the crack of dawn on your vacation but believe me, it’s so worth it! You need to experience it at least once while you’re visiting the lavender fields in Provence.

The sunrise is around 6 am and I recommend being on the fields at least 15 minutes before that. The light is changing really quickly and you don’t want to miss that!

You will not only have the perfect lights but you will have the fields all to yourself (except a few other photographers) and the bees are still not active in the morning so that’s another big advantage!

Another great time for shooting is sunset. The lighting is beautiful as well, but there will be a lot more other people on the fields so it’s not always easy to shoot. The sun is setting around 9.20 pm and if you don’t want to miss the golden hour, you will need to be at the fields around 8 pm.

Best camera equipment to take photos on the lavender fields

If you have a professional camera, definitely bring it to the lavender fields! But don’t worry, even if you don’t have a camera you will be able to take amazing pictures with your phone as well.

Although I mainly use my camera for taking photos, I also took a few shots with my phone and they turned out amazing. Just look at these photos below, they were all taken on my iPhone XS and edited on the free Lightroom mobile app on my phone.

Back to the camera, if you have a normal everyday zoom lens, that will be perfect for the job.

However, if you have a telephoto lens, definitely put it in your camera bag! We just purchased our Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens a few weeks before visiting the lavender fields in Provence and we ended up using it 90% of the time.

Below you can see two of my favorite photos we shot with this lens! If you want to read more about what is in our camera bag, check out my detailed post about our travel photography gear .

How to use a drone on the lavender fields

You can also use your drone on the lavender fields but there is only one little problem with that: bees don’t like drones and they will attack it the second you start flying.

Of course, they can’t really do any damage to your drone but on the other hand, the propellers can hurt the poor bees so please try to avoid that. The bees are not active early in the morning and late in the evening so if you want to fly your drone, this is the perfect time for that.

Best Places to Visit in Provence Other than the Lavender Fields

If you’re visiting Provence in the lavender season, you will probably spend most of your time in the fields. However, if you need a change of scenery, Provence has many more to offer!

There are many cute towns and other natural wonders near the lavender fields so if you have some extra time, try to visit a few of them on your trip.

Situated in Luberon, near the foothills of Monts de Vaucluse, the small town of Roussillon looks like a real-life fairytale village and it is undoubtedly one of the best small towns in France .

Although it’s quite far away from Valensole (it takes around 1.5 hours to get there by car), it’s well worth the detour!

The town features many pastel-colored houses and lively squares so you can easily spend a full day in Roussillon wandering through its charming streets and enjoying the small-town vibes. Roussillon is surrounded by beautiful countryside and it’s also famous for its huge red cliffs and ochre quarries.

Gordes is another fairytale town close to Roussillon. Since it only takes 15 minutes to reach Gordes from Roussillon, it makes sense to visit both on the same day. If you don’t have time to properly explore Gordes, you can also just visit the ‘ Town View Point Gordes ‘ where you can have a panoramic view over the town and the surrounding area.

Sénanque Abbey

If you have more time after visiting Roussillon and Gordes, you can also pay a visit to the Sénanque Abbey which is located 10 minutes from Gordes.

The abbey is surrounded by lavender fields so it’s really picturesque and you can also go inside the abbey as well. An adult ticket costs €8.50 per person for a guided tour and €9.50 per person for a non-guided tour.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is part of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon and it’s listed as one of the most beautiful village of France. The town is really charming and since it’s located only 35 minutes from Valensole by car, it’s absolutely worth visiting!

Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon

If you’re already visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, it’s worth taking a detour on your way back to Valensole and driving by the gorgeous lake of St. Croix.

You will find a cute little village called Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon nestled on a hillside on the shores, it looks so picturesque! There are many beaches on the shores so you can take a dip in the lake as well.

If you’re traveling with your family, visiting Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is definitely one of the best things to do in Provence with kids !

Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon is the deepest gorge in France and it’s an amazing place to visit for outdoor lovers. You can swim in the crystal clear waters, rent a boat or a kayak or just enjoy a picnic on the shores.

Salin de Giraud

Did you know that you can find pink lakes in France? Yes, plural! Salins D’Auiges Mortes is the most famous one but it can only be visited by train and it’s usually very crowded. Thanks to Hanna from  @solarpowerblonde we found out that there is another hidden pink lake in the area called Salin de Giraud.

It takes more than 2 hours to reach it by car from Valensole so it’s quite far away but it’s so worth the time! Personally, we visited it right after arriving at the airport in Marseille and went to Valensole after that.

The pink lakes are basically man-made salt pans and the pink color is caused by a certain type of algae. They are scattered around a huge area and I’ve heard stories from other people that they couldn’t visit the lakes because a security guard didn’t allow them to enter.

We didn’t have any problems like this at the lake we visited, we just simply parked the car and walked 5-10 minutes to reach the lakes. These are the exact coordinates if you want to visit the same place: 43.400981 4.723459

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Provence

In the below map you can find all the best places to visit in Provence that were covered in this article. You can easily save it to your phone by clicking on the bracket in the upper right corner and the map will open up in your Google Maps app. Super convenient, right?

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52 thoughts on “Complete Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence”

Such an awesome and detailed guide. Thanks for all the tips and recommendations.

You’re so welcome! I’m so glad you liked it!

I would love to visit the Lavender fields one day. Your photos are beautiful!! Great guide, thank you for sharing!

Thank you Fiona! I’m so happy you liked it!

Wow your pictures are stunning! I’ve always planned to visit Provence soon for the wine (Provence rosé is my favourite wine in the world) but I’ll be visiting for the lavender fields now!

Thank you so much Nell! Yeah, Provence has so many things to offer! 🙂

I loooove Provence and it was such a pleasure to meet you there again Kriszti! This area is so dreamy and you gave all the good tips! Great article!

It was really amazing to meet you Ophélie! Hope to see you soon somewhere in the world! 🙂

I only been to a lavender field once in London, but I would love to visit the lavender fields of France! Thank you for sharing this guide! Btw, your photos are amazing!

Thank you so much Elina! I can really recommend visiting the lavender fields in Provence, it’s such a dream!

Wow these pics are stunning, and you go to lucky with the hot air balloons!

I know! Still can’t believe we actually saw hot air balloons over the lavender fields, feels like a dream! 🙂

Your photos are so beautiful. I always to visit lavender or tulip fields. I find them very beautiful and fascinating. Hope I can visit them post this pandamic.

I hope you will be able to visit next year! The tulip fields are still on my bucket list, maybe next year 🙂

So pretty- love your photos!

Thank you Alex!

I have always wanted to visit the lavender fields! Thanks for all the info on where to stay and how to see everything 🙂

You’re welcome Sara! I’m really glad you liked it 🙂

Looks surreal! I’m dying to visit one of those!

I can only recommend it! Felt so unreal to actually be there in person 🙂

Such pretty photos! Makes me inspired to visit next year when its safer to travel! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Zoe! Hope you will be able to visit next year!

I honestly love this blog post, so helpful and the photos are just stunning!! I want to go there now! Thanks for all of the tips!

Thank you so much Rachel! I can only recommend visiting Provence in the lavender season!

I’m seriously DYING to visit these fields. They look soooo beautiful!

I had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure it’s all real! It was such an amazing experience 🙂

Love all of your photos – they are so beautiful. Also this is the most detailed and useful guide that I have seen about visiting the lavender fields in Provence. They have been on my bucket list forever. Hopefully one day soon. Pinning this for future reference! thank you for sharing this.

Aww thank you so much Polly! I’m so so happy you liked it and I hope you will be able to visit the lavender fields soon! 🙂

Saved this, straight to my bucket list! It is so amazing beautiful. Great and complete guide, illustrate with the perfect photogrpahy – where else could I find the best guide? You are great, thanks for sharing this.

You are so sweet Paula, thank you so much!! ☺️

This was a gorgeous journey through the lavender fields. I didn’t realize the season was so specific. I’ll keep that in mind in visiting. I’m wanted to bicycle through Provence so seeing the lavender fields would make it more wonderful.

Oh wow biking through Provence sounds wonderful! ? Yeah you really need to pay attention to the dates as the lavender season only lasts for 3-4 weeks!

Omg love this so much Kriszti! So many details, saving this for my trip to the fields one day! The Photos are stunning!

Thank you so much Talia! ❤️

what a great post! I want to head to France NOW! I can’t believe you were able to get both lavender and sunflowers together – absolutely stunning photos!

Yeah we were really lucky with our timing! The lavenders were already in full bloom and there were so many sunflower and sage fields around as well, loved it so much! ☺️

Great article and beautiful pictures! It’s very detailed. Thanks for your recommendations! What was the aperture setting that you used to take pictures of the lavender field? Also, where can I get the preset for your edits? The colors are beautiful.

Thank you so much Jaslyn, I’m so happy you liked it! The aperture is different for every picture, mostly between f/2.8 and f/10. I’m using my own custom made preset but they are not for sale at the moment. But I’m already thinking about it so I will let you know once I start selling them ☺️

I’ve alwayssss wanted to visit the lavender fields, and this post just made that desire so much stronger! I’m so jealous and pinning this post for later, thank you!

I can absolutely recommend it, it was such a dream come true for me! The lavender fields are insanely beautiful!

Thank You for this complete itinerary of the lavender fields. It will really help me figuring out our itinerary for mid July 2021. I had real concerns because we are also doing a river cruise that will end in Arles. However, I really wanted to see the area around the fields. This will make planning so much easier. Thanks again Bev

I’m so happy that I was able to help with your planning Bev! The lavender fields are so magical and I hope you will have an amazing trip there!

Super!!! It’s a complete guide for visiting the lavender fields! Thank you very much!

You’re very welcome Esther!

Thank you so much for this information! How long would you recommend staying in this area to see most of these places?

I think 2-3 days would be enough but if you would like to explore more of Provence, you can easily do 4-5 days as well.

Hey great photos and info!! I’m going in two weeks!!! I think I could spend every day in the fields but my friends are not photographers. (We are taking a balloon ride though.) Which field was the photo with the balloon in it? That was amazing!!! Lorraine.

Hey! I included a Google Maps link for each location under the “Where to Find the Best Lavender Fields in Provence” section 🙂 The field with the hot air balloon is the second one, “Tiny house in the valley”. Hope you’ll have the best time!

Thank you Kriszti for a well covered article on lavender visits In Provence. I feel better now as I couldn’t book any lavender field tours this time and you mentioned that it’s everywhere in Valensole. At least we could park the car by roadside and take some pictures; not the best but should be satisfactory since we didn’t plan properly. Wishing you a million readers on your posts ! Thank you !

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! Yeah, if you have a car you don’t need to join any tours, you can just visit the fields I mentioned in the blog post anytime 🙂 Wishing you an amazing trip!

Because of your details information on your blog my trip to the Lavender Field with my daughter was a dream come true. But, So sad that the Tiny house didn’t have Lavender field around it this year. But we still got some great pictures because of all your tips. Thank you so much for your contribution. You had made many people life time dream come true.

Hi Patty, I’m so glad you had an amazing trip to the lavender fields in Provence! Yeah, I’ve also just heard from a friend that due to crop rotation, now many fields that used to be lavender are wheat. Hopefully they will change it back once again next year but I’m sure there are many other gorgeous lavender fields in the area 🙂

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Guide to visiting the Provence lavender fields in France

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written by Kirsten Powley

updated 10.07.2023

With quaint villages and rolling vineyards, Provence is perhaps the best place in the world to see fields upon fields of lavender. This charming region is known for being stunningly beautiful . It is also known for its cuisine that incorporates lavender into its oils, honey and delicious sorbets. Here's everything you need to know when visiting the lavender fields in Provence, France.

Plateau de Valensole lavender fields

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The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to France , your essential guide for visiting France .

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Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

Start your tour in the coastal city of Marseille, exploring Cassis on the way. Around the Alpilles in Provence, you will be provided with detailed walking materials to explore the area on foot, from both Les Baux and St Remy. End your tour in famous Avignon.

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The Valensole Plateau's lavender fields are perhaps the most famous and photographed in not only Provence but in the world. The area is filled with fields, deep blue lakes and picturesque villages.

Most famous is Valensole itself, situated above the plateau with the 11th century St Blaise church as a focal point. Here and in the pretty village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, there's plenty to explore.

You'll find fields of lavender framed by sunflowers, making this a spectacularly beautiful place to see. One field definitely worth seeking out is at Lavandes Angelvin – uninterrupted views of lavender with seemingly perfectly placed trees. You might even recognise the view as this is one of the most photographed spots in Provence. The best way to explore the Valensole region is by car.

Lavender in Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France © Shutterstock

The Luberon Valley is the locals’ favourite, with its hilltop villages and beautiful scenery. If you want a dose of authentic Provence as a side to your lavender fields, then Luberon Valley is a good choice.

Because the essence of the Luberon Valley is more about the whimsical streets and picturesque villages, lavender fields are naturally less concentrated here than in Valensole and Sault. That’s not to say it won’t still be easy to find them or that they’re any less beautiful, though. Tucked between vineyards and olive groves, you’ll find plenty of Provence lavender fields on a drive.

Some highlights are:

• Senanque Abbey, where the monastery is a unique backdrop to the rows of purple lavender
• The midway point between Gordes, Lacoste and Bonnieux
• The petite village of Rustrel; and Chateaux du Bois

Visiting the chateau itself is only possible by organised tour, and only in early July. The trip is well worth it for the finer fragrance of its fields, thanks to its higher elevation compared to most other Provence lavender fields in France.

Provence lavender fields at Senanque Abbey, Gordes, Provence, France © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

The village of Sault sits on a ridge with forest on one side and a rolling valley on the other. Its well-preserved medieval streets are a pleasure to walk through. Even approaching Sault is a spectacle – the road leading up to this village offers views of the plateau full of lavender.

As it’s more concentrated than the lavender fields of Valensole Plateau, you can easily explore these fields by foot or bike and will never be far away from your next field.

It's easy to seek out the best lavender fields in Sault – there's a 5km lavender path through the finest fields. You can park at the public car park close to the Vallon des Lavandes distillery and walk the path.

One highlight is the field opposite La Bastide des Bourguets, which offers a backdrop of mountains and a charming stone hut which will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Provence lavender fields are a major draw for keen artists and photographers © S.R.Lee Photo Traveller/Shutterstock

The Drome Provencale region also ranks among the best Provence lavender fields. Lavender gardens here usually burst into bloom from mid-June to early August, with the highest season occurring in July. This is when the fields transform into a sea of vivid purple flowers, creating a spectacular sight.

While visiting the Drome Provencale, you can take leisurely walks on foot or by bicycle through the countryside and enjoy the beautiful views of the lavender fields. There are also a number of farms and distilleries, many of which are open to the public and offer insights into lavender growing, harvesting, and lavender oil production.

Towns and villages in the region organise various festivals, including markets, parades, music and dance performances to celebrate the lavender harvest. The Drome Provencale is also famous for its scenic routes, known as 'Routes de la Lavande', which lead through the most beautiful Provance lavender fields and picturesque villages.

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Lavender season in Provence sadly isn't a year-round affair. The best time to see the plants in bloom is from the last week of June to the beginning of August. Peak bloom is around mid-July – although this may vary from year to year depending on the rainfall.

Provence lavender fields are often found next door to sunny sunflower fields which are also best to enjoy in July and August, so if you want the best of both worlds, that's when to go.

While September is no doubt a lovely time to visit the Provence region, with fewer crowds and cooler weather, all of the lavender will have been harvested. Even in late August, you may cut it fine. So if your plan is to avoid the most crowds, your best bet is to go in July before the school's break for the summer holidays.

Like many things, it's best to be flexible if possible. So if you're thinking of heading to France for the lavender season next year, try to give yourself a couple of weeks so you can be sure to witness the fields at the peak of their beauty.

Thinking of visiting France? We can help! See our Colors or Provence trip and start your holiday!

Lavender field summer sunset landscape near Valensole © emperorcosar/Shutterstock

Although the beauty of the Provence lavender fields is stunning, there are some rules and precautions to keep in mind when visiting them:

• It is important to be respectful of the local environment. Stay on designated walking paths and do not trample on plants. Be mindful of private property and follow any signs or instructions from local farmers.
• Resist the temptation to pick a few lavender flowers as a memento. It is highly discouraged to pick flowers in the fields, as this disturbs the natural beauty of the fields and interferes with the growth of the lavender. Appreciate the natural beauty of the flowers and take plenty of photos as a memento.
• Lavender fields are a haven for bees, attracted by the scent of the flowers. Although bees are usually not aggressive, you should be mindful of their presence when walking and be respectful. It is advisable to keep a safe distance from bees, not to brush them off or disturb them. If you have allergies or a fear of bees, take the necessary safety precautions.
• Provence is famous for its sunny weather, so take the necessary sun protection measures before walking through the lavender fields. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. You should also keep an eye on your water balance, so make sure to bring plenty of water with you.

Hotels in Provence , as in the rest of France, are graded with zero to five stars. The price more or less corresponds to the number of stars. Though, the system is a little haphazard, having more to do with ratios of bathrooms per guest than genuine quality; ungraded and single-star hotels are often very good.

Many family-run hotels close for two or three weeks a year in the low season. In smaller towns and villages they may also shut up shop for one or two nights a week, usually Sunday or Monday. As dates change from year to year and as some places may decide to close for a few days in the low season if they have no bookings, it’s always wise to call ahead to check.

Some great accommodations for seeing the Provence lavender fields are:

• For Plateau de Valensole lavender fields: Château du Grand Jardin
• For Luberon lavender fields: Le Vieux Portail
• For Pays de Sault lavender fields: Le Mas des Lavandes
• For Drome Provencale lavender fields: La Roseraie-Drôme

The Rough Guides to France and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Explore the variety of accommodation options to stay in Provence. And if you want your stay in France to blend in with exploring the stunning surroundings and various outdoor activities, check out our list of the best campsites in France .

Lavender Fields, Aix En Provence © Shutterstock

Gorges du Verdon

The breathtaking beauty and majesty of the Gorges du Verdon, also known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon, almost match its American counterpart. Peppered with spectacular viewpoints, plunging crevices up to 700m deep, and glorious azure-blue lakes, the area is absolutely irresistible. A visit here is one of the best things to do in France.

The river falls from Rougon at the top of the gorge. It then disappears into tunnels, decelerating for shallow, languid moments and finally exiting in full, steady flow at the Pont du Galetas at the western end of the canyon.

Alongside is the huge artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix, which is great for swimming when the water levels are high. Otherwise, the beach becomes a bit sludgy. With so many hairpin bends and twisting narrow roads, it takes a full, rather exhausting day to drive right around the Gorges.

Although Nice is not technically part of Provence, a city break in the capital of the French Riviera is a nice addition to your trip. Far too large to be considered simply a beach resort, it has all the advantages and disadvantages of a major city.

Nice reached its zenith in the belle époque of the late nineteenth century and has retained its historical styles almost intact. For example, the medieval rabbit warren of Vieux Nice, and the Italianate facades of modern Nice. Or the rich exuberance of fin-de-siècle residences dating from when the city was Europe’s most fashionable winter retreat.

It has mementoes from its time as a Roman regional capital, and earlier still, when the Greeks founded the city. The museums are a treat for art lovers, and though its politics are conservative Nice doesn’t feel stuffy. It has a highly visible LGBT community and spirited nightlife.

Place Massena in Nice, France © Shutterstock

• Aix-en-Provence

Were it not for the great metropolis of Marseille, just 30km south, Aix-en-Provence would be the dominant city of central Provence. Historically, culturally and socially, the two cities are moons apart, and for visitors, the tendency is to love one and hate the other.

Aix is more immediately attractive. The tangle of medieval lanes at the city’s heart, known as Vieil Aix, is a great monument in its entirety. You'll find here an enchanting ensemble that’s far more compelling than any individual building or museum it contains.

Aix-en-Provence is a fantastic place to explore. The streets are alive with people. While here, take the chance to explore the many tempting restaurants, cafés and shops. With the backdrop of architectural treats from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it’s easy to while away days enjoying the pleasures of this city.

Capital of the Catholic Church during the early Middle Ages and for centuries a major artistic centre, Avignon remains an unmissable destination. During the Festival d’Avignon in July, it becomes the place to be in Provence.

Low medieval walls still encircle Avignon’s old centre, as it nestles up against a ninety-degree bend in the Rhône river. Their gates and towers restored, the ramparts dramatically mark the historic core off from the formless sprawl of the modern city beyond.

Avignon can be dauntingly crowded, and stiflingly hot, in summer. But it’s worth persevering, not simply for the colossal Palais des Papes (home to the medieval popes, and its fine crop of museums and ancient churches), but also for the sheer energy that pulses through its lanes and alleyways.

This tailor-made tour out of the way in France starts with an in-depth introduction to France in Paris: several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life. Afterwards, continue south to start a few days' walking journey through Southern France before ending around Avignon.

Cathedral and Papal Palace (Palais des Papes) in Avignon, Provence, France © Shutterstock

With its sun-kissed golden stone and small-town feel, Arles ranks high among southern France’s loveliest cities. It’s also one of the oldest, with the extraordinary Roman amphitheatre at its heart, Les Arènes, simply the most famous of several magnificent monuments.

Arles is pleasantly laidback – at its liveliest on Saturdays when Camargue farmers come in for the weekly market – and a delightful place simply to stroll around. Its compact central core, tucked into a ninety-degree curve in the river, is small enough to cross on foot in a few minutes. While ancient ruins are scattered everywhere, the heart of the Roman city, the Place du Forum, remains the hub of popular life.

The aerial view of Arles in France © Shutterstock

Seeing the Provence lavender fields is for many a bucket-list travel activity. Ready for your trip to France? Check out The Rough Guide to France or The Rough Guide to Provence & the Cote d'Azur .

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A Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence

I have dreamed about a road trip around Provence to visit the beautiful lavender fields for YEARS! This past summer, I finally planned a trip back to France and I knew I had to visit for the 2022 lavender season! The region of Provence is known for its lavender fields and you won’t have to look hard to find them in June and July. If you are planning a trip to Provence, keep reading as I will be sharing everything you need to know including, when to visit, where to stay, where exactly to find the lavender fields and more!

Where are the Lavender Fields?

The majority of the lavender fields of Provence are centered around the Luberon and Verdon plateaus to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and to the east of Avignon. If you’d like to visit the fields, I would recommend renting a car to get around. We made Marseille, France our home base while we were in Provence, and from there we planned a day trip in search of Lavender. You could also base yourself in Aix-en-Provence, which I would recommend over Marseille.

Like wheat or sunflower fields (which you can also find in the region), lavender fields are found bordering the roads. So just drive around the region and stop whenever you see a field that you fancy!

When to Visit the Lavender Fields?

Lavender starts to bloom around mid to end June until it is harvested end July to mid-August. The lavender blooming depends on the weather conditions, the variety and elevation. Generally speaking though, the best time to go to the Provence to experience the lavender in full, glorious scented bloom is between end-June and end-July.

If you don’t like the crowds and you want your lavender exploring to seem exotic, go before mid-July. True, the prime blooming for the lavender starts mid-July but that doesn’t mean you don’t get purple and blue hews earlier.

My recommendation for a “typical” year visiting lavender in the Provence would be the last part of June – right before the French are on holiday and most tourists arrive for high season. If you are interested in capturing sunflowers and lavender together, you will need to go mid to late July.

How to Get to the Lavender Fields?

The best way to plan your journey from Aix-en-Provence, Marseille or Avignon is by renting a car. It will give you the flexibility you need to visit the fields at your own pace. We rented a car from Avis , which is conveniently located in the Marseille Railway Station. If you plan to stay in Aix-en-Provence, there is also an Avis located at the TGV station.

Once you arrive at any of the lavender field locations, you can easily park on the street or in a nearby area to visit the fields. I would not recommend taking public transportation, but instead book a tour if you don’t feel comfortable renting a car. Check out the tours I have linked below.

• Full Day Lavender Tour from Aix-en-Provence
• Full Day Lavender Tour from Marseille
• Fully Day Lavender Tour from Avignon

You’ll be traveling through more rural parts of Provence and public transport isn’t that frequent and won’t stop directly in front of the fields, meaning you’ll probably have some walking/hiking to do and won’t be able to cover multiple fields in a day trip.

Where to Stay in Provence?

We stayed in Marseille at the AC Hotel Marseille Prado Veldrome . The hotel is in a great location and was perfect for our 2 night stay in Marseille. Unfortunately, although the hotel was great, we were highly underwhelmed by the city of Marseille and additionally, found it to be very dirty overall.

After spending half a day in Aix-en-Provence on our way to visit the lavender fields, I would highly recommend staying there instead. Aix-en-Provence is a quaint, small town filled with charming streets and endless amounts of things to do. It is easily accessible by train from Paris, if you fly to Paris first and spend a few days there. The Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is the perfect spot to spend your time in Aix-en-Provence and visit the lavender fields.

It may also be helpful to pick a home base depending on your travel time to the lavender fields from each area.

• Marseille to Valensole Lavender Fields is about 1.5 hours
• Aix-en-Provence to Valensole Lavender Fields is about a 1 hour
• Avignon to Valensole Lavender Fields is about 1.5 hours

Where to Find the Lavender Fields in Provence

Drive through  D6 (Route de Manosque)  where the road is literally teeming with fields of these beautiful purple flowers.

If you’re coming from Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, or Avignon – your first stop after exiting the A51 motorway at Manosque will be field Terraoma.

It’s quite easy to drive through Provence to the lavender fields. I suggest using Google maps and type in the coordinates of the exact field you want to visit. Once you’re there you essentially just keep driving down the same road and you will see multiple lavender fields, feel free to stop by any but the most popular ones are on the main road and you’ll see plenty of photographers and cars parked on the side of the road taking pictures.

Here are the Lavender Fields I visited:

GPS: 43.8191, 5.93266

These stunning fields at Terraroma are a more recent development. The rolling hills here are prime for photos, and there’s plenty of space for everyone to get their shot. You can’t miss the Terraroma sign smack in the middle of the field, but it’s easy enough to work around it with angles, cropping, or just walking towards the far end of the field if you don’t want it in your shot.

The Terraroma distillery is across the road, where you’ll park. So pop in and pick up some honey, soap, essential oils, or a bunch of dried lavender for your photoshoot while you’re there!

From here, the fields merge into your next lavender spot, Lavandes Angelvin.

Lavandes Angelvin

GPS: 43.82374, 5.93828

If you’ve visited Terraroma next door, you can just walk across to these fields.

If you’re coming by car, there’s a small car park on your right as you approach. Park your car there and pick up some tasty treats from the roadside stall selling lavender-infused goodies. Opposite this car park is where you’ll find the most photographed lavender field in Provence, with its iconic trees.

Pit Stop: Valensole Village

GPS: 43.837623, 5.987164

You can bypass Valensole Village and go straight through to your next lavender field, or pop into this charming village for an al fresco lunch or lavender flavored ice cream on your way. It’s a petite village, so a quick stop won’t take up too much of your time. It’s a great spot if you’re in need of water, food, snacks and even lavender for your photoshoot.

We decided to stop and explore the area and have some lavender ice cream, which was perfect on a hot summer day!

Gently Sloping Lavender Field

GPS: 43.88628, 6.05534

On the right-hand side of the road, as you drive away from Valensole and towards Puimoisson, you’ll find this expansive lavender field with a gentle incline at one end.

For some reason, this lavender field in Valensole is quieter than most, so it’s a good one to take portraits or family photographs – without having to worry about anyone getting in your shot.

Stone hut lavender field s

GPS: 43.89574, 6.11351

You may not notice the little stone hut when you first pull over. But it’s there, hiding just past a little dip in the lavender.

GPS: 43.85181, 6.11049

This field is known for its tiny stone hut in the distance. You can get some beautiful photos here as well without a ton of tourists.

Quiet lavender field among the trees

GPS: 43.84535, 6.15548

Continue on towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and you’ll find this vibrant field surrounded by luscious green vegetation. Again, it’s the natural swell of the earth that makes this one of the best lavender fields in Valensole.

That concludes my tour of the Valensole lavender fields! This isn’t an exhaustive list, as I believe it’s best to leave a little room for discoveries along the way, but it gives first time visitors an overview of the area.

If you plan on completing this route in one day, I’d suggest starting early so you’ll have time to take in the villages and views as you go.

But, if you are on a short time frame, it’s possible to complete this lavender route (and have time for photographs) within 5 hours. You just won’t have adequate time to add on the village visits or make stops along the way.

Tips for Visiting the Lavender Fields

• Bring plenty of water
• Make sure to offline your route and maps of the area in case your connection is poor and you loose signal. This happened to us a few times during our drive through the South of France.
• Eat in the town you’re coming from or bring snacks or a picnic for your drive. If you’re planning on visiting the villages on this Valensole lavender fields itinerary, you’ll struggle to find somewhere to eat outside of regular meal times
• Beware of the bees! You will hear the bees buzzing away in the lavender fields and they are for the most part harmless, unless you’re allergic to bees of course.
• Don’t stomp on the lavender. You will see there are trails in between the lavender. Make sure to walk on these trails and be mindful of where you are stepping.
• The best time for photos is in the early morning or sunset when the sun isn’t so harsh.

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Hi – thanks for the helpful tips. Do you think mid July is too late for the lavender in valensole — like July 8-12? Can I ask what time of year you visited/took these beautiful pics?

Hi Jillian, I visited towards the end of June. Every year the dates of when the lavender fields bloom vary, but typically its between June and July. I suggest contacting some of the lavender fields directly through Instagram or email so they can provide more accurate information.

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provence lavender tour

Join us for a fascinating journey through the lavender cloaked hills of Provence as we visit stunning villages, savour fine food and wines, enjoy colourful markets and explore the culture and beauty of this glorious region.

"Given my dreams of Provence, I must say that you exceeded all my expectations and provided an experience of Provence that I could not possibly have done on my own. So many little touches showed the great thought that was put into planning for our pleasure in seeing the real Provence. You are special and delightful people and I cannot thank you enough." - Judy Cassel Secaucus USA "Absolutely one of the most fabulous experiences of our lives the food , the wine, the countryside, the lavender and the companionship. The peace and the tranquillity will always be in our hearts. Thank you." - Nan and Mac Long, Athens USA "What can I say? It's the biggest lavender field I've ever experienced! From the very first sniff of lavender my journey with you in Provence has been delightful." - Sue Morrow, Elwood Australia

Please visit the links below to enjoy more photos of our Provence Lavender Tour: Provence Lavender Tour Photos #1 Provence Lavender Tour Photos #2

2024 Provence Lavender Tours

2024 Lavender Season Tour Dates in Provence!

Join us for lavender season in exquisite provence, france.

Lavender flowering season remains one of the most popular times of the year to discover and explore Provence, France. You’ll witness mother nature’s talent in action from mid-June to the end of July. The gradual metamorphosis from buds to vivid, deep purple flowers transforms the already spectacular, neutral-colored rolling hills and valleys of the Luberon, Sault, and Valensole plateau into a magical tapestry of contrasting colors. Majestically scented aromas of fresh lavender accompany nature’s canvas of brilliant colors.

Lavender has been a significant part of Provence’s history and culture for centuries, with various traditional uses in the region. Some of the traditional uses of lavender in Provence include:

• Perfume and Aromatherapy: Lavender has been used for its fragrance and therapeutic properties. Ancient Egyptians used it as a perfume base, while the Romans used the oils for cooking, bathing, and perfuming soaps. In Provence, lavender was historically used by “Les Lavandières,” female workers who washed clothes with lavender-scented soap. The fragrance of blooming lavender fields is also a major attraction.
• Medicinal Purposes: Lavender is known for its medicinal qualities.  Due to its disinfectant and healing properties, it is used to relieve headaches, migraines, insect bites, and sunburns.
• Culinary Use: The Romans used lavender oils for cooking, and it continues to be used in Provencal cuisine for flavoring and aromatizing dishes.
• Repelling Insects: Lavender is valued for its ability to repel certain insects, which has been a traditional use in the region.
• Aesthetic and Decorative Purposes: The beauty of the lavender fields has been a source of inspiration and admiration, contributing to the region’s renown. The fields of blooming lavender are a sight to behold, attracting visitors from around the world.

These traditional uses have contributed to the significance of lavender in Provence’s cultural and economic landscape, making it a symbol of the region’s natural beauty and heritage. Our small group Provence lavender season tour  experience will leave you breathless and wanting more!

Review the Detailed Provence Tour Itinerary

Check out our 2024 Provence lavender season tour dates below.

• June 11-16 – Full
• July 16-21 – Full
• July 23-28 – Full

• Our Provence lavender season tours maximum group size = 16 guests per tour date
• Contact us at [email protected] to request space availability and/or ask questions, or click here to review ALL of our available 2024 Provence Tour dates .
• All of our France tours depart weekly from April to November

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The best Lavender Tour of Provence

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People often ask, “when is the best time to visit the lavender fields in Provence?” It might seem odd, but it’s not as easy as you might think to get the dates spot on. Generally speaking, visit between the last week of June and the first week of August and you’re pretty much guaranteed perfect lavender field scenes.

While seeing the gorgeous lavender fields might be No. 1 on your tour of Provence – there’s so much more to fall in love with in southern France…

Lavender fields in bloom in Provence

Emily Durand, expert tour guide in Provence, recommends you visit Provence for the lavender fields in the last week of June if you want to miss the crowds. “High tourism starts at the beginning of July, so you’ll miss the crowds by going just that little bit earlier”. But, she says, don’t go too early, if you go before 18 th June, you may well be disappointed if there’s been a late start to spring or heavy spring rainfall which can delay the lavender blooming. And if you want to see the lavender at its very best then the last week of June through July are the optimal times to go.  Her tours include meeting local growers and exploring the lavender fields that are off the beaten path, no crowds, just you – and the lavender, its heady aroma filling your senses.

The best of Provence

All around the lavender fields are picture perfect little villages just waiting to be discovered and Provence is also about gastronomy and wine. There are fabulous restaurants  and vineyards where you can taste the wine in its home environment plus meet the makers.Emily recommends cookery lessons and a truffle hunting tour “sheer joy”.  On her lavender field tours , as well as seeking out truffles – and sampling truffled hors-d’oeuves and Champagne – you’ll also visit an olive oil mill and enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard. And you can’t go to Provence and not visit that least one of the gorgeous street markets, gorgeous Gordes is a great choice.

The countryside is perfect for picnics, sitting in the sun, the scent of lavender in the air. It’s a little bit of paradise on earth, especially with Emily as your guide and driver, showing you the most beautiful parts of Provence that most visitors miss.

Culture and Lavender

Explore ravishing Roussillon and lovely Lourmarin. Discover Menerbes, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book, a year in Provence, and of course Gordes, the quintessential Provence town. Les Baux de Provence is also a must-see with its wonderful digital art centre the Carrieres de Lumiere, immersing you into the heart of great paintings. Sating Remy de Provence and the asylum where Van Gogh stayed in 1889, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the antiques capital of Provence are unmissable…

Lavender fans will adore visiting a distillery (the scent is unforgettable) and learn about the cutting and processing of lavender. And you’ll visit the legendary Abbaye de Senanque where monks grow lavender in the walled gardens – it’s a sight you’ll always remember.

A brilliant base for your lavender tour of Provence

Emily has chosen a beautiful Provencal Mas, a traditional building, as your base, located between beautiful Bonnieux and Lacoste. Surrounded by the magic of hilltop villages lit up at night and the cicadas singing during the day .

Find out more about wonderful lavender tours at Your Private Provence

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Lavender Tour

FRANCE PRIVATE TOURS

Price Per Vehicle

Group Size: 4 to 8 passengers aboard a Luxury Mercedes Minivan

VIP Lavender Tour

Valensole, the luberon, or sault.

With Your Private Licensed Guide

Explore Provence on a private day trip to the area’s highlights and hidden gems, from secluded areas in the Luberon to iconic lavender fields.  Your private Tour Guide will ensure the day’s itinerary customized to your interests. Learn about the history of lavender production and the different varieties which grow in Provence. From the plateaux of Vaucluse to the most inclusive lavender fields in Valensole, delve into the most spectacular scenery of purple Provence.

To welcome you and introduce you to lavender production in all its varieties, your private local guide will select producers, distilleries, museums & most representative manufactures.

Tour Details 

• Pick-up at your hotel
• *Valensole, Sault or the Luberon fields: from the Durance valley to the legendary plateau of Valensole, see Provence’s famous lavender fields. Snap your most iconic pictures. And shop for artisan lavender oils and flowers during the lavender season (until early August). Outside the lavender blooming season, a tour may be offered to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie , the cradle of faience.
• Lunch at a nearby restaurant (gourmet summer salad at a garden restaurant near the town Valensole)
• Stop at the worldwide known Occitane original factory (optional) and learn about how it all started… Delve into the bewildering boutique and bring back your favorite Occitane ingredients.
• Drive back on the panoramic road of the Luberon villages to your hotel. Stop along the way.

*Tours can either be offered at Valensole, the Luberon fields, or Sault. Tell us about your favorite destination.

Included:   

√  Private Licensed Tour Guide & Driver

√   Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off

√   Transportation, Tolls & Parking s

    Not included:

  ×  Monuments and Museums 

  ×  Lunch and Beverages

I would highly recommend Florence for a tour in Provence. She was informative and showed us the best lavender fields away from the busy spots. We had a splendid day with her, great lunch recommendation, excellent guide!

Description of the Sunset Lavender Tour

Pick up in Aix-en-Provence at 4:45pm / 90€ pp

Special prices for students and children

Pick-up in Marseille at 4pm / 95€ pp

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Excursions to the lavender fields

• Visit Provence
• Lavender fields visit​s

Lavender is an essential part of the culture of Provence. Excursions to the lavender fields in Provence take place every year from June to August and allow you to discover breathtaking landscapes! The lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see and are a delight for photography enthusiasts, but not only!

Lavender flowers grow in the south of France and are used mainly to make essential oil. The “Huile essentielle de lavande de Haute-Provence” (lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence) has the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (protected designation of origin). However, the flowering show only lasts 2 months in the year, so you have to plan ahead to attend!

Where to see the lavender fields in Provence?

The valensole plateau, the must-see.

The lavender fields of the Valensole plateau are the most famous in Provence. This plateau, dedicated to the cultivation of cereals, olive trees and lavender, extends over 800 km² and offers a sumptuous panorama of the Provencal countryside. Not far away are the Verdon gorges, the largest canyon in Europe, with steep cliffs and turquoise water. Discover all of our excursions to the Valensole plateau.

The Claparèdes plateau in the Luberon

These lavender fields are located on beautiful country roads that wind between the various perched villages of Provence. The Abbey of Sénanque is not to be missed on a trip to this area. Excursions allow you to appreciate the beauty of the Luberon villages such as Gordes, with stops in the lavender fields.

The Albion plateau

Situated a little further north, it is around the perched village of Sault that the lavender fields stretch out. Several circuits in the lavender fields are proposed to discover the different villages and the surrounding fields.

Best time to see the lavender fields in flower

The best time to see the lavender in bloom is between mid-June and early August. Lavender is harvested around July 15th on the Valensole plateau. The lavender harvest is later in the northern areas of the Luberon and Drôme, until mid-August around Sault.

We advise you to contact the local tourist offices before going there to find out about the flowering of the fields. Don’t hesitate, book your excursion to the lavender fields and enjoy an unforgettable moment!

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Learn more about provence, provence: lavender fields, charming villages & wine paradise, escape to provence, a land of lavender-scented landscapes, charming hilltop villages, and a thriving wine culture..

Beyond the Purple Haze

1. Lavender Fields Bloom:  Immerse yourself in the fragrant magic of Provence's lavender fields . Witness rows of purple stretching towards the horizon, a truly unforgettable spectacle. We offer tours timed perfectly for peak bloom (usually July).

2. Charming Villages:  Explore the timeless beauty of Provence's perched villages . Wander cobbled streets adorned with colorful houses in Roussillon, Gordes, and Les Baux-de-Provence. Our small-group tours ensure a personalized experience.

3. Roman Wonders:  Discover the legacy of Rome in Provence. Marvel at the Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct, and explore historic towns like Arles and Orange with their ancient theaters.

A Feast for the Senses

1. Wine Tasting Tours:  Embark on a journey through Provence's renowned vineyards . From robust reds in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to refreshing rosés in Bandol, savor the region's diverse wines with our expert-guided tours.

2. Culinary Delights:  Provence is a haven for gourmands . Indulge in fresh, seasonal cuisine featuring olive oil, local cheeses, and fragrant herbs. Explore the region's culinary scene on our food tours.

3. Artistic Inspiration:  Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh and other artists who found inspiration in Provence's breathtaking beauty. Visit charming villages and studios that fueled their creativity.

Explore Provence Your Way

1. Aix-en-Provence & Marseille Departures:  Conveniently begin your exploration from Aix-en-Provence or Marseille . We offer private and shared tours, catering to different budgets and interests.

2. Full & Half-Day Adventures:  Choose from a variety of tours, ranging from half-day excursions to immersive full-day experiences. Explore historical sites, charming villages, or delve into the world of Provençal wines.

Plan Your Dream Provence Escape

Provence offers something for every traveler. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a wine connoisseur, our expertly-crafted tours ensure an unforgettable journey.

Contact us today and let us design the perfect Provence itinerary for you!

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Where to stay and go in provence france without a car, where to stay in provence for wine tours, where to stay in provence france, where to fly into provence france, where to find herbs de provence, where to eat in provence france, where to see lavender fields in france, explore our destinations in provence.

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Provence photo tour.

Our  Provence Lavender photo tour will be the perfect workshop to photograph the lavender fields during the full bloom. During this week we will photograph also the photogenic historical villages and landscapes around Valensole, France. A perfect trip to capture the beauty of the Provence region during the day and also the night.

During our travel, we will visit different places of the picturesque Provence, from small castle-shaped villages, medieval streets, olive groves, and endless landscapes . Enjoy the best season in Provence to capture colorful landscapes and catch the scent of lavender. 

A journey designed around locations that have already inspired masters such as Matisse, Van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, or Gaugin. Capture the blue-lavender blooms , lonely trees, and the small towns that inspired these timeless artists.

Open to all skill levels of photographers and accompanied by our photography guides, who will help you on-field to improve your photography skills. Composition, technique, and post-processing lessons during this 7-day photographic journey. Learn and travel at the same time to one of the dream destinations of all landscape photographers.

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Photos Provence Lavender Photo Tour

Itinerary Provence Lavender Photo Tour

Day 1 arrive in marseille.

We will meet at the Marseille airport, where our Provence photo tour and its lavender fields will begin. From here, we will go to our accommodation near Valensole. Once there, we will have time to refresh and rest before a short meeting and dinner.

Depending on the arrival time of this first day, we will explore the possibility of a first photo session during sunset or at night.

Days 2-6 Valensole

Over the next few days, we will visit the spectacular lavender fields just before sunrise. After that, we will have breakfast and take photography lessons that include composition, post-processing, and tips for upcoming sessions.

We will also have time to rest and visit the picturesque villages around Valensole during the day. And of course, before sunset, we will move to the different places that Provence offers us to capture the last lights of the day.

During the nights, especially the last nights according to the moon phase, we will visit the lavender fields to capture the Milky Way.

Day 7 End of the trip

We will drive to the Marseille airport, where we will end our Provence photo tour and its Lavender fields.

Destinations Map Provence

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I have been fascinated by the possibilities of photography since my trip to Iceland in Aug 2017. I grew up in Pamplona, a small city in the North of Spain. My parents always used to take me to explore nature, not far from my city. We have the incredible Pyrenees just an hour from home. But I never had a camera or a passion for photography till that trip to Iceland, where I bought my current camera. That country blew my mind and now I can’t live without photography. I think photography makes me connect to nature different from what I have ever experienced before. Nature is my inspiration, with all the beauty, variety of colors, sounds and compositions. Nature has made me travel and get to know places that I didn’t think before I would go.

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Keeping you safe during covid-19.

• Face masks required for travelers & guides in public areas
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Departure & Return Location

Marseille, France

Price Includes

• Accommodation in twin rooms in a hotel
• All transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Basic travel insurance

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• Anything not mention in "Price includes"

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• Wide angle lens (14-24mm as example)
• Standard lens (24-70mm as example)
• Telephoto lens (70-200mm as example)

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Travel expert’s 6 top places in france for a fabulous wine vacation.

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If you want to be part of that champagne-popping, sauvignon-sipping crowd, here are destination ... [+] recommendations from Ashley Hall, Senior TC for Europe at Scott Dunn.

Over a third of Americans are planning to vacation in France this year and a third of those are going specifically for the great wine, according to findings from luxury tour operator Scott Dunn . The company’s latest Travel Trends Report names France as the “place to be” when booking a trip in 2024. If you want to be part of that champagne-popping, sauvignon-sipping crowd, here are destination recommendations from Ashley Hall, senior travel consultant for Europe at the company.

1. Bordeaux

Bordeaux is home to the largest fine wine vineyards in the world, producing famed vintages of Saint-Emilion, Sauternes and Medoc. “One of the best ways to explore the vineyards of Bordeaux is on a river cruise, where you are guided by local experts and winegrowers as you sail from port-to-port,” says Hall. “When you’re not exploring the local vineyards, you can soak up the rich culture Bordeaux has to offer, including over 6,000 chateaux, historic villages, medieval cities, archaeological sites and ancient Roman churches.”

2. Provence

Provence lies along the Mediterranean coast of France , bordered by the Rhone River to the west and the Côte d’Azur to the east. “The name triggers thoughts of lavender fields, sunflowers, olive trees and of course wine. If you’re a rosé lover, this is the place for you, as Provence is the only wine-producing region of France to focus on rosé,” explains Hall.

Provence lies along the Mediterranean coast of France, bordered by the Rhone River to the west and ... [+] the Côte d’Azur to the east.

“In true Provence style, you will find a vineyard on every corner, as well as charming villages, castles and restaurants offering divine French cuisine. If you’re struggling for choice, the region Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a great place to start—a stunning village oozing with culture, and it even has its own wine museum.”

3. The Rhône Valley

The Rhône wine region sits in the southern part of France and stretches along the Rhône River to the Mediterranean Sea. “If you are partial to a glass of red, the Rhône region is the place to be; over 95% of the valley’s vineyards produce flavourful and aromatic red wines,” says Hall. “Tastes and flavours differ depending on the region, with Northern Rhône Reds being spicier and bolder in taste, with a more rigid structure, whereas the Southern Rhône Reds are warmer and fruitier in flavour.”

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Also known as Bourgogne, Burgundy is one of France’s most famous wine regions situated around two hours southeast of Paris. “It is renowned as the origin of ever-popular Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which dominates production, but the region is also home to Aligoté, Gamay and many other grapes too,” Hall says.

Also known as Bourgogne, Burgundy is one of France’s most famous wine regions situated around two ... [+] hours southeast of Paris.

“The quintessentially rural region is crisscrossed by a network of canals, luxury châteaux and grand hotels. From sensational food and wine, rolling hilltops and picture-perfect villages, it really has everything if you’re looking for an indulgent and cultural trip this summer.”

5. Champagne

Champagne refers to a specific fizzy white wine, made to specific standards within one specific area in France. The Champagne region surrounds Paris on the northeast, easily accessible from the nearby cities of Reims and Epernay. “The best time to go depends on what you want to do, but we’d recommend avoiding late summer, especially if you want to visit the smaller and independent vineyards. If you go in the fall, October and November, the harvest is over and the colours in the fields are changing from greens to reds and golds,” says Hall. “It’s worth planning ahead and booking an appointment if you want to visit specific tasting rooms as unlike some of the other regions, many Champagne vineyards operate by appointment only.”

6. Normandy

For those venturing towards the north of France, Normandy beckons with bucolic scenery and culinary-rich coastlines. It may not be famed for its wine production, but there’s another alcoholic drink visitors can indulge in. “The region supports more than 43,000 farms, most famous for its cider and calvados, due to the profusion of apple trees in the region,” adds Hall. “Travelers should be sure to take the official cider route in Normandy which welcomes guests all year round and involves all 16 producers offering tastings and personal tours of their facilities.”

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