Lavender fields in Provence, France – when and where to go
Seeing the Provence lavender fields in bloom should definitely be on your bucket list! You need to do some planning to make it happen, but if we’ve done it with two kids in tow, so can you!
Where: Provence, south of France. The region can be reached by flying into the Marseille or Nice airports. You can also take the high speed train from Paris to Marseille, covering more than 800km in a little more than 3 hours.
How to reach the Provence lavender fields. The best lavender fields are in the center and north of Provence. It is not practical to attempt to use public transport to get there. So, get a car or join an organized daytrip. We highly recommend renting your own car. You will then be able to stop by the side of country roads whenever you choose. Trust us, you will stop a lot! The sights, smells and sounds of Provence lavender fields are unique!
When to go. Go late June- early July, if you can. This is the absolute best time. You will find lavender in bloom starting with the middle of June to about early August. The higher the altitude, the later the blooming occurs. Tip: if you go during the last 7-10 days of June, you avoid peak season but still get the best of blooming Provence lavender fields. We have taken the photos you see here in the last week of June and first week of July, so judge for yourself.
Valensole plateau area – a must see
One of the best areas to see the lavender fields in Provence is the Valensole plateau. If your base is around Aix-en-Provence, Valensole is about one hour drive away. We chose to stay in the Gorges du Verdon area, close to Montagnac-Montpezat, and that cut our drive to the lavender fields in Valensole to about 30 minutes.
Whenever you feel like stopping for photos, try to safely pull over by the side of the roads. Most of the time, you will not find proper parking lots. The roads are narrow and some locals get slightly annoyed by enthusiastic tourists like us breaking without notice and stopping on the only lane available :).
Tip: avoid the high noon if you can. It can get rather hot outside, and the sunlight is harsher and not as good for taking photos. If you can, go to the fields (or remain in the area) during late afternoon and early evening – the colors and atmosphere are so much better. We still vividly remember one evening by the side of a lavender field we discovered by chance, on a small country road!
Another tip: Look for sage and sunflower fields as well. It’s their season, too, and you can find a sage or a sunflower field right next to a lavender one sometimes!
The Luberon area – lavender and the good life
Lavender or not, you should visit the Luberon area and its charming villages anyway. But going during lavender season, that’s what we call a double win! You will find one of the most beautiful lavender fields in Provence around the villages of Lacoste, Bonnieux and Menerbes. From the scenic hilltop village of Gordes, drive to the Abbaye de Senanque (Senanque Abbey) and its own Instagram-worthy lavender filled yard.
After taking those perfect lavender field photos, slow down and taste life in the Luberon villages. Let the kids have a sirop and enjoy your glass of wine. While exploring the area, make sure to make reservations for lunch or dinner. Don’t count of finding a free table on the spot. Most of the restaurants in the villages will close in the afternoon, and will be opened for lunch for a limited period of time during the day.
So…what are you waiting for?
There’s still time for you to see the amazing Provence lavender fields this year! For us, it was an experience we will never forget!
(PS: If, however, you have not yet made your final choice between France and Italy, we understand! So, here’s a post about lovely Tuscany!)