Nothing quite compares to the endless fields of lavender in Provence, France as well as crossing an item off your Bucket List. The sight of rolling purple hills, their intoxicating scent in the warm summer breeze, the constant buzzing of bees doing their important work was a dream come true for me and many other travelers. From mid-June to late July, the countryside of Provence transforms into a sea of violet, with the regions of Luberon, Sault, and Valensole offering some of the most spectacular displays of lavender in full bloom. If you’re planning a trip to experience this breathtaking phenomenon, here’s everything you need to know about navigating the region, respecting the fields, and choosing the best home base.
Best Time to Visit
The lavender season in Provence varies slightly each year depending on altitude and weather conditions, but typically, the best time to visit is between mid-June and late July. Lower altitude areas like Valensole bloom first, usually in June, while higher elevations such as Sault may have flowers up to August. If you want to witness the largest lavender offerings, aim for mid to late July, just before many farmers begin cutting the fields. (All spots highlighted are on the Google map below.)
Where to See the Best Lavender Fields
Please know that the areas in the descriptions and in the maps below are all accurate for the time I was there. However, farmers rotate their fields with lavender, so a beautiful field with thousands of photos may not be lavender planted the year you are there. This will happen, but it is part of the hunt, just drive to the next field, and more than likely, you’ll be surprised with a field on no one’s map!
1. Valensole: The Iconic Lavender Destination
Valensole is perhaps the most famous lavender-growing region in Provence, and for that reason, it is also the most crowded with tourists. Located on a plateau, it offers incredible views of lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see. The area is dotted with charming farmhouses, and fields are often interspersed with golden wheat or sunflower fields, adding to the picture-perfect scenery. Be warned that by midday the traffic picks up with lots of tour buses. Still, it is more than worth it to go here. This lavender is what is used for soaps and other uses, the most utilitarian of lavender.
Top Spots in Valensole:
- Lavandes Angelvin: One of the most photographed fields in Provence, this family-owned farm welcomes visitors. Route D6, that this on, has dozens of fields or Champs as the French say. Plus shops to purchase everything lavender.
- Puimoisson: Just a short drive east from Valensole, Puimoisson offers fewer crowds and equally stunning fields. The fields are just more spread out and often you need to travel dirt roads to find them, thus no buses and no bus-size crowds. NOTE: there are many fields both north and south of the city, see map.
- Route de Manosque: Again Route D6 scenic drive showcasing some of the best lavender vistas, goes west to east and connects Valensole and Puimoisson.
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Luberon: Lavender Among Hilltop Villages
Luberon valley is a dream for those who want to experience lavender fields alongside some of Provence’s most charming villages. The region is known for its well-preserved medieval towns, vineyards, and the photo-famous Abbey of Senanque, where lavender fields surround an ancient monastery. Many of the fields are off Route D900 which goes through the center of the valley.
- Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque: A must-visit location where lavender blooms against the backdrop of a 12th-century whitish abbey. Go early in the morning, or you will have to deal with the most crowds of all fields. There is a parking lot that is difficult to get into and out of, also, many cars line the road making it hard to drive — especially when the buses show up.
- Bonnieux and Gordes: Stunning villages with surrounding lavender fields and panoramic views. Great places for lunch or a coffee.
- Lacoste: A lesser-known area with lavender fields in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, they are north and east of the city and next to Bonnieux. Again, see the map below.
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Sault: Lavender at High Altitudes
Sault, located at a higher elevation, is known as the “lavender capital” of Provence. Because of its altitude, lavender fields here bloom slightly later than those in Valensole and Luberon, making it a great choice for visitors arriving toward the end of the season. Also, from what I understood, the lavender here is primarily the highest quality and used for perfumes and such. You will notice these plants and fields look just a little different than those in Luberon and Valensole.
Top Spots in Sault:
- Miellerie du Val de Sault: A honey farm among the lavender fields. It was a nice change to visit.
- Distilleries and Farms: Many farms in Sault offer lavender distillery tours where you can see how essential oils are made.
- Sault Lavender Festival: Held in mid-August, this festival celebrates the lavender harvest with markets, demonstrations, and local food. (Note: I did not attend, but was told repeatedly about it, just in case you go in August I am including it.)
Tips for Driving the Narrow Roads of Provence
Many of the best lavender fields are accessible only by small country roads, which can be narrow, winding, and busy during peak season, especially with buses. Here are some essential driving tips:
- Drive Slowly and Cautiously: Many roads are single-lane, and you will need to pull over to allow oncoming traffic to pass. Please be polite, you are the guest here.
- Watch for Cyclists and Pedestrians: The region is popular among cyclists and tourists stopping to take photos. Also, I saw many times people walk across a road without even looking to see another field. Don’t do this!
- Rent a Small Car: A compact vehicle is easier to navigate through tight turns and village streets. (Also if you need an automatic, make your reservation early, the do sell out)
- Use a GPS but Don’t Rely on It Fully: Some remote fields might not be listed on GPS, so keep an eye out for signs or ask locals for directions. I added all the locations above to My Maps in Google. Visit this article to see how.
Lavender Field Etiquette
To ensure that lavender farms remain beautiful for generations to come, it’s crucial to respect the fields and farmers who cultivate them. If you see a farmer, always ask permission to photograph and if you can go into the field. Most will give you permission, just don’t be a turd and walk on the plants.
- Do Not Walk Between Rows: Stepping on the plants damages them and affects the farmers’ livelihood. Go up the path or down until there is a break in the plants to cross.
- Do Not Pick the Lavender: While it’s tempting to take a souvenir, always buy lavender from farm shops instead.
- Respect Private Property: Most fields are on private land. Look for designated visitor-friendly locations.
- Take Photos Respectfully: Avoid blocking paths, damaging plants, or disrupting farm operations. Pull off the road for God’s sake, this behavior was very prevalent and always ended up with several car horns.
- Be careful of snakes and bees: I was on my tenth field and had gotten used to the bees being all around, however, when I ran across a sign that said to be wary of snakes, I did take a lot more care in my walking.
Where to Have a Home Base
Choosing the right home base will enhance your experience, giving you easy access to lavender fields while allowing you to explore other attractions in Provence. I wanted to be central to Valensole and Luberon, and did not need to be in a bigger city like Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, though I did visit these and encourage you to do so as well. I also stumbled upon an amazing art installation just north of Saint Remy called Carrieres de Lumieres and wrote an article on it separately here.
- Aix-en-Provence
A lively and beautiful town with excellent restaurants, shopping (several of the locally started Maison L’Occitane en Provence that are ubiquitous in American malls), and easy access to Luberon and Valensole.
- Avignon
Perfect for those who want to explore both Luberon and Sault. It also offers fantastic historical sites like the Palais des Papes.
- Gordes or Roussillon
Charming villages in the heart of Luberon, ideal for those who want a picturesque and quiet stay. There are many B&B’s in these areas.
- Sault
A great option for travelers visiting later in the season, with direct access to high-altitude lavender fields.
- Pertuis
Charming village just north of Aix-en-Provence and halfway between Luberon and Valensole valleys. This was my choice and I adored being there.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Provence during the lavender season is an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning purple hills, fragrant air, and charming villages. By planning your visit carefully, respecting the fields, and choosing the right base, you’ll have a trip filled with beauty and memories to last a lifetime.
I did a lot of research on this trip because it was on my bucket list for years. There are several bloggers that I read and want to recommend to you. But don’t stop with these, keep researching!
lelongweekend.com This is a great site and well written, many of my first fields came from this blog.
provenceholidays.com Lots of in-depth articles on Provence.
travelfrancebucketlist.com Great guide to all things France and good Provence information.
bemytravelmuse.com Has a great blog on Provence and lavender, and specializes in solo travel by women.
