The rolling hills filled with Lavender Fields in Provence are a dream come true. First you are stopping by for a quick minute to take a snap a picture of the beautiful blur of purple then before you’ve realized it, you’ve spent the entire day exploring the stunning Lavender Fields dotted around Provence.
Whether you are dying to get the perfect Instagram snap or not, you will want to make sure your camera (or phone) batteries are fully charged. Be prepared to be captivated by the beauty of the Lavender Fields.
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When to visit the Lavender Fields
So, no one likes to hear the answer, it depends but unfortunately, it really does depend. When to see the Lavender in full bloom depends on the region you are visiting and whether the rains comes early or late in the year you visit.
However, below is a rough guide that might help you decide when you should see the Lavender in Provence.
In June most of the lavender in the region should be in bloom and early July the entire region should be covered in Lavender but it is also high season for the tourists.
The lavender in Provence is harvested around the 15th of July, however, if you visit the lower Luberon region they begin harvesting in late July.
By the end of July into August we have reached the tail of the lavender season, however, if you are lucky you can still see some lavender around but it will be more sparse.
In terms of the time of day to visit the Provence Lavender Fields, you will want to visit either at sunrise or sunset. Sunrise and sunset are the best time to takes photos as the light is softer and more golden. Even if you are not into taking photos, the lavender fields are less busy early in the morning or late in the evening.
How to get around Provence
Without a doubt, the best way to get around Provence is to hire a car. There is limited transportation options to see the Lavender fields.
Many of the roads are small so allow plenty of time so you are not rushing around the small roads. In Europe, many of the hire cars are manual, if you are not comfortable driving a manual make sure you hire an automatic.
The Best Tours of the Lavender in Provence
If you would rather take an organized tour you can take day trips from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon or Marseille. Depending on the tour you take, you will have the opportunity to visit some museums or wineries. All of the tours take the whole day so make sure you allow time in your itinerary.
The best Lavender fields in Provence
Valensole Plateau
Ophelie, Limitless Secrets
The Valensole Plateau features some of the most beautiful lavender fields in France! Located around the village of Valensole in Provence, this area is definitely one of the most famous ones to see the lavender in bloom!
The best moment to visit the Valensole Plateau is at the end of June and the beginning of July, when the lavender is in full bloom. The best way to get there is by car, as the fields are not easily accessible by public transport.
You can reach the region of Provence with the train from Paris. The closest train station is Manosque- Gréoux les Bain, but you can also stop in Aix-en-Provence. From those cities it’s possible to rent a car.
This will allow you to wander around as there are many places to visit on top of the lavender fields in this area!
Here are some photography tips for the lavender fields: take your photos at sunrise or sunset if you want to avoid the harsh light, the heat and the bees during the day. And if you want to avoid the crowd, it’s even better at sunrise!
There are a few lavender fields close to Valensole. And you will find them also round the towns of Riez, Puimoisson and Gréoux les Bains.
Here are some of the other things you do in this area. You can visit all the villages: they are all charming and typical! Valensole is a pretty medieval village and Riez features some Roman ruins. If you like hiking, swimming and nature you can go to the Gorges du Verdon and the Lac de Sainte Croix.
A great place to stay in Valensole is the Château du Grand Jardin. This romantic Chateau from the 19th century has been transformed in a bed and breakfast.
Sénanque Abbey
Elisa, Travel France Bucket List
Exploring the lavender fields of Provence is one of the top things to do in France. There are various areas with lavender fields in Provence, and the blooming season will depend on the area and the weather conditions during the previous months.
One of the top places to see the lavender fields in Provence is the Abbey of Sénanque. This is a cute Romanesque building located in the Luberon, not far from famous hilltop towns like Gordes or Roussillon.
The best way to visit theThe Sénanque Abbey was built in the 12th century and still today is inhabited by Cistercian monks. The monks spend most of the time praying, and they grow lavender around the building for their livelihood.
Today, it is possible to visit the public parts of the abbey on a guided visit. The abbey also has an extensive shop selling different lavender-based products and other souvenirs related to Provence.
Most of the visitors, however, come to Sénanque Abbey only to see the lavender fields. These are the most picturesque lavender fields in the region because of the abbey in the background.
The best way to visit the Sénanque Abbey is by car or on a guided tour from Avignon. Avignon has a wide choice of hotels for all budgets.
Gorge du Verdon
Izzy & Phil, The Gap Decaders
The iconic lavender fields of France assault your senses with their vivid colour and fragrant smell. Seemingly stretching for mile upon mile of bee covered neatly trimmed rows, the lavender here is some of the best in the world.
Grown for culinary purposes and to provide fragrance for many different products, lavender is the life blood of Provence and ensures the incomes of many. The distinctive shrub blooms between mid-June and mid-July, and If you are road tripping in France at the right time of year, you’ll be surrounded by it!
Stretching north from the Gorge du Verdon, across the beautiful Valensole plateau are field upon field of lavender. If you prefer to travel off the beaten path in France, then stick to the fields close to Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon as they are a lot less visited than those closer to the town of Valensole. Alongside the dusky lavender, you’ll also find fields of sunflowers and wheat, surrounded by the picture-perfect villages of the region.
If you don’t mind crowds, head for Lavandes Angelvin. Uninterrupted views of lavender with perfectly shaped and positioned trees make this is one of the most photographed places in Provence. Wherever you go lavender hunting, get there early in the morning for the best light, fewer people and the chance of the best images.
Stay at the gorgeous Le Mas de La Crémaillère in Greoux-les-Bains for easy access to both Valensole and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. You’ll find a warm welcome, simple and stylish comfortable rooms, plus a pool for those hot Provencal afternoons.
Luberon
Kat, Wandering Bird
Talk to anyone about seeing the lavender fields in France, and they’ll talk to you about Provence.
One of the best places in Provence for lavender fields is Valensole.
Valensole have some of the most popular lavender fields, which means you need to get there really early to avoid the worst of the crowds.
There’s plenty of parking available at Valensole, even if you’re in a larger vehicle like a camper van. Expect to spend an hour or so wandering the fields (and taking way too many photos for Instagram!)
When you’re done, try and visit a lavender producer to see how the oil is manufactured- it’s a fascinating process.
The fields are at their best anytime between the end of June and the middle of August. Each year is a little different as it depends on weather and heat- mid July is always a safe bet.
If you’re in the area in June and July, there’s plenty to do. If you want to avoid the crowds on the beaches, head inland and explore the breath-taking Gorges du Verdon and the surrounding lakes. There are plenty of cute BnBs and hotels in the area to stay at- try the Villa Borghese for beautiful surroundings and a great pool.
Drôme Provençale
Fiona, Travelling Thirties
The Drôme Provençale is a hidden when it comes to the Lavender Fields in Provence.
The Drôme Provençale is surrounded by mountains, cliffs and picturesque villages, it is also filled with Lavender.
If you are interested in learning more about Lavender this is the place to bee. There are many museums, distilleries and farms where you can stop to learn more about the Lavender, how it used for medicinal purposes, the honey that is made and the floral aspects of Lavender.
Don’t forget to taste (and purchase) the local goods that are made from these beautiful Lavender fields.
Where to stay in Provence
To get the best of the Provence region and to experience what life is like in this part of France, I recommend staying in an airbnb or even with the locals at a bed and breakfast.
If you would rather a hotel check out Aquabella Hôtel & Spa in Aix-en-Provence, Villa des Roses in Luberon or Les Jardins de Baracan in Avignon
What is you top tip for visiting the Provence Lavender Fields? Let me know in the comments below
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