Top Lavender Fields to Visit
1. Valensole Lavender Fields
Blooming Period: Mid-June to late July (harvest around July 20th)
Valensole is one of the most popular lavender destinations, and it has become the epitome of the “Provence dream,” especially for many visitors. The area mostly grows hybrid lavender, which is known for its large size, dense flower spikes, and strong visual appeal. The fields are vast, creating a stunning purple sea from a distance. The sight is visually breathtaking and perfect for photography.
The best time to visit is during the first two weeks of July, as the lavender’s color deepens as the season progresses. If you arrive too early, you may only see green stems, and if you go too late, you might encounter faded, overripe lavender. Besides lavender, local farmers often plant barley or sunflowers, creating a beautiful contrast of golden wheat fields within the purple landscape. If you’re lucky, you may even see the sunflower fields swaying in the breeze.
2. Sault Lavender Fields
Blooming Period: Late June to August
Sault is the largest producer of wild lavender in Europe. Due to its higher altitude (over 1,000 meters), the temperature here is cooler, which extends the lavender season. So if you miss the lavender fields of Valensole in July, don’t worry, as Sault’s lavender continues to bloom into August.
Compared to Valensole, Sault is less crowded and offers a more authentic lavender experience. The wild lavender here has a purer shade of purple, a stronger fragrance, and larger, softer blooms. Being in the mountains, the fields have a more undulating, delicate appearance, creating a heart-stirring atmosphere quite different from the vast plains of Valensole.
3. Sénanque Abbey Lavender Fields
Blooming Period: Mid-June to late July
Sénanque Abbey is often featured on postcards from France and serves as the backdrop for stories like Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. The abbey became famous for its lavender fields, which monks have cultivated for centuries to support their beekeeping and other activities. The contrast between the purple lavender fields and the white stone of the abbey creates a stunning scene, making it one of the iconic lavender spots in the region.
Lavender-Themed Itinerary Suggestions
Most common lavender tours start from Avignon, especially with the added attraction of the Avignon Theatre Festival in July. However, some tours also depart from Aix-en-Provence or Nice. If you’re driving, it offers more flexibility. Whether you’re on a group tour or self-driving, the following routes combine lavender fields with charming towns and scenic spots, providing a comprehensive Provence experience.
1. Avignon — Gordes (Stone Town) — Sénanque Abbey — Roussillon (Ochre Town) — Valensole Lavender Fields — Avignon
2. Avignon — Valensole Lavender Fields — Lake Sainte-Croix & Gorges du Verdon — Avignon
3. Avignon — Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (Water Spring Town) — Sénanque Abbey — Gordes (Stone Town) — Roussillon (Ochre Town) — Sault Lavender Fields — Avignon
4. Aix-en-Provence — Valensole Lavender Fields — Lake Sainte-Croix & Gorges du Verdon — Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Ceramic Town) — Aix-en-Provence
5. Nice — Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Ceramic Town) — Lake Sainte-Croix & Gorges du Verdon — Valensole Lavender Fields — Nice
Tips for Visiting Lavender Fields
Beware that lavender fields are full of bees, and the sun can be quite strong, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen and be cautious around the bees—bees can be aggressive, and getting stung is a possibility!