One of the most famous images that people associate with Provence in France is endless fields of vibrant purple lavender. This sight is one of those things that many wish to take in for themselves and which makes it onto many a bucket list. If you are browsing our villas in Provence and thinking of planning a trip to see her famous lavender fields for yourself, then be sure to read on for our guide with all of the most important information you need to know when organising your visit...
When should I go?
The lavender fields of Provence begin blooming in the middle of June and, by the end of the month, a large chunk of the region has been blanketed by rich purple fields. By mid-July, the blooms have generally reached their peak and the harvesting begins soon after and, by the middle of August, the majority of the lavender will have been harvested. In order to take in the most impressive lavender-filled views across the French countryside in this region, you'll need to time your visit between the beginning of July, when the blooms have come out in force, and when harvesting begins. Specific areas of Provence, however, work according to slightly different schedules with those areas located at a higher altitude blooming and, therefore, being harvested later in the summer. For example, the lower Luberon (around Lourmarin), the Valensole, the Grasse and the Sisteron lavender fields are all harvested later in July, usually around the 25th of July. The Sault lavender fields and those around Banon, meanwhile, usually remain unharvested and in bloom until around the 10th of August.
The lavender fields of Provence begin blooming in the middle of June and, by the end of the month, a large chunk of the region has been blanketed by rich purple fields. By mid-July, the blooms have generally reached their peak and the harvesting begins soon after and, by the middle of August, the majority of the lavender will have been harvested. In order to take in the most impressive lavender-filled views across the French countryside in this region, you'll need to time your visit between the beginning of July, when the blooms have come out in force, and when harvesting begins. Specific areas of Provence, however, work according to slightly different schedules with those areas located at a higher altitude blooming and, therefore, being harvested later in the summer. For example, the lower Luberon (around Lourmarin), the Valensole, the Grasse and the Sisteron lavender fields are all harvested later in July, usually around the 25th of July. The Sault lavender fields and those around Banon, meanwhile, usually remain unharvested and in bloom until around the 10th of August.
Where should I go?
There are lots of options for those seeking out Provence's lavender fields. One of the most famous lavender-rich areas is the Valensole Plateau. This group of fields is located about an hour north of the town of Aix-en-Provence and can be best admired along the Route de Manosque, a road lined with fields. Just find a safe place to park and take in the stunning scent and sight of that endless sea of lavender. While you're in the area, be sure to also seek out and admire the golden fields of wheat and sunflowers, the rich blue lakes, and the pretty Provençal villages, including the lovely Valensole itself. A charming gem located in a raised position and taking in views over the surrounding area, Valensole is made up of winding little streets, pastel houses, hidden gardens, cafes clustered along the streets selling lavender-flavoured treats, and more.
Another popular and especially picturesque part of Provence is the Luberon valley. In addition to the rolling fields of lavender, you will discover historic hilltop villages, cobbled streets, red canyons, rich green forests, endless vineyards, and scenic roads from which you can stop to visit the lavender and take in views over this dramatic and impressive landscape.
Sault, meanwhile, is a fortified historic village atop mountains that is stuck in between a thick forest and an agricultural valley that unfolds on the other side. Well-preserved, this northern Provençal village is worth a wander for its pretty medieval streets, nougat factory, rows of pastel houses, and the views down over the Vaucluse area and the impressive sea of vineyards and purple blooms that are spread out below. On the 15th of August each year, this normally sleepy little town comes alive and hosts the most popular lavender festival in the region.
There are lots of options for those seeking out Provence's lavender fields. One of the most famous lavender-rich areas is the Valensole Plateau. This group of fields is located about an hour north of the town of Aix-en-Provence and can be best admired along the Route de Manosque, a road lined with fields. Just find a safe place to park and take in the stunning scent and sight of that endless sea of lavender. While you're in the area, be sure to also seek out and admire the golden fields of wheat and sunflowers, the rich blue lakes, and the pretty Provençal villages, including the lovely Valensole itself. A charming gem located in a raised position and taking in views over the surrounding area, Valensole is made up of winding little streets, pastel houses, hidden gardens, cafes clustered along the streets selling lavender-flavoured treats, and more.
Another popular and especially picturesque part of Provence is the Luberon valley. In addition to the rolling fields of lavender, you will discover historic hilltop villages, cobbled streets, red canyons, rich green forests, endless vineyards, and scenic roads from which you can stop to visit the lavender and take in views over this dramatic and impressive landscape.
Sault, meanwhile, is a fortified historic village atop mountains that is stuck in between a thick forest and an agricultural valley that unfolds on the other side. Well-preserved, this northern Provençal village is worth a wander for its pretty medieval streets, nougat factory, rows of pastel houses, and the views down over the Vaucluse area and the impressive sea of vineyards and purple blooms that are spread out below. On the 15th of August each year, this normally sleepy little town comes alive and hosts the most popular lavender festival in the region.
One of the most common images of lavender in Provence features the 12th century abbey of Notre-Dame de Senanque, which is surrounded by fields of the blooms. Located about 50 minutes from Sault (by car), this postcard-perfect spot is very popular during the peak months of the summer so plan to arrive early in the day if you want to beat the worst of the crowds.
If you want to avoid crowds almost entirely, then you should head to the area of Drôme, to the north of the region (it's around two and a half hours from Notre-Dame de Senanque by car). The village of Valaurie is a particularly good shout, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, sleepy, and pretty. Rent a bike and cycle through the fragrant fields around the area for the most magical experience.
What should I know?
The lavender is being farmed and it is people's livelihood. Please remember to be careful and respectful when visiting. Some farms have fences around them as farmers do not want visitors. Others, however, even offer tours. If you're just stopping randomly for pictures or a quick visit, be sure to avoid the farms that clearly don't want you there. If you want to do a proper tour, then you can readily look up nearby farms to where you're staying that are offering tours. No matter what option you are taking, be sure to remember to tread lightly, always walk between and not over the rows of flowers, and never pick them unless you have been given express permission to do so.
With all of this information in mind, you have all the details that you need to start planning that bucket list trip to see the famous lavender fields of Provence with your own eyes and to breathe in the heady scent of the blooms for yourself. Just browse our vacation rentals in Provence and get ready to come to this stunning part of the country on your next holiday in France...
If you want to avoid crowds almost entirely, then you should head to the area of Drôme, to the north of the region (it's around two and a half hours from Notre-Dame de Senanque by car). The village of Valaurie is a particularly good shout, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, sleepy, and pretty. Rent a bike and cycle through the fragrant fields around the area for the most magical experience.
What should I know?
The lavender is being farmed and it is people's livelihood. Please remember to be careful and respectful when visiting. Some farms have fences around them as farmers do not want visitors. Others, however, even offer tours. If you're just stopping randomly for pictures or a quick visit, be sure to avoid the farms that clearly don't want you there. If you want to do a proper tour, then you can readily look up nearby farms to where you're staying that are offering tours. No matter what option you are taking, be sure to remember to tread lightly, always walk between and not over the rows of flowers, and never pick them unless you have been given express permission to do so.
With all of this information in mind, you have all the details that you need to start planning that bucket list trip to see the famous lavender fields of Provence with your own eyes and to breathe in the heady scent of the blooms for yourself. Just browse our vacation rentals in Provence and get ready to come to this stunning part of the country on your next holiday in France...
