Provence Travel Guide (Part 1)

When you visit the south of France, Provence, you’ll truly experience a leisurely lifestyle. Here, there’s none of the hustle and bustle of big cities—no crowds, no traffic. You can admire the breathtaking lavender fields, leisurely wander around the charming towns, and spend an entire afternoon enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. “You can skip Paris, but you can’t miss Provence.” Wondering how to make the most of your time in Provence? This guide will show you how!

Admire the Lavender

Every summer, the lavender fields in southern France bloom in vast expanses, filling the air with their delicate fragrance. Lavender represents waiting for love, and when you visit Provence, you simply cannot miss this unforgettable symbol of romance.

Valensole

Valensole is one of the world’s largest lavender-growing regions and has been featured in films like Perfume, Lavender, and Another Dreamy Curtain. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful places to admire lavender, and it’s worth mentioning that, in addition to the lavender fields, you can also see beautiful sunflower fields here. Every third Sunday of July, Valensole hosts a Lavender Festival.

• Blooming Period: June 15 - July 25

Abbaye de Sénanque

The lavender here blooms a bit later than in other areas, presenting a soft blue hue. Nestled in a peaceful valley, the abbey was also the setting for the book The Year of the French (La Saison des Rêves). Many iconic lavender photos circulating online are actually taken in front of the lavender fields near Sénanque Abbey. This place is known as “the most beautiful valley in France,” and many postcards are shot here.

• Blooming Period: June 15 - Late July

Sault

Sault is known as the “Lavender Capital,” and it’s a small town about 400 meters above sea level with a population of only about 1,000. The entire town is surrounded by fields of lavender. Unlike the plains of Valensole, the lavender here grows in the mountains, where the terrain is more rugged and the peaks are steep. Due to factors like temperature and humidity, the lavender blooms here later than in Valensole. While Valensole’s lavender starts blooming in mid-June, Sault’s lavender usually blooms in early July.

• Blooming Period: June 25 - August 25

Tips:

1. When visiting lavender fields, be cautious of bees. Always walk along the paths and avoid stepping on the lavender. Light-colored clothing, especially white, looks best in photos.

2. The lavender bloom in Valensole generally lasts from late June to mid-August, while the bloom in Sault starts later, around mid-July. If you’d like to experience both, it’s best to visit around mid-July.

3. Since these locations are outside city centers, personal travel may not be convenient. It’s recommended to drive or join a tour.