Each location offers a unique lavender experience:
1. Valensole Lavender Fields
• Features: Dominated by hybrid lavender (a crossbreed of two varieties), these large, dense lavender plants are often cultivated in expansive fields, creating stunning landscapes.
• Blooming Season: Mid-June to early August, as the low-altitude terrain leads to an earlier bloom.
• Special Tip: From June to July, you can also spot nearby sunflower fields, adding golden hues to the purple landscapes.
2. Sault Lavender Fields
• Features: Primarily grows true lavender, also known as English lavender, renowned for its superior quality. Often used in high-end perfumes and fragrances, these fields are smaller and planted in plots.
• Blooming Season: Early July to late August, as the higher altitude delays the flowering.
3. Abbaye de Sénanque
• Features: Nestled in a serene valley, the Abbey is surrounded by a smaller-scale lavender field with true lavender. It is one of the most photogenic spots in France, often featured on postcards.
• Special Tip: The tranquil setting combined with the historical Abbey makes this a must-visit for both lavender lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Starting Points for Lavender Tours
Most lavender fields are located in remote areas with little to no public transport access. The best options are to carpool, rent a car, or join a tour group. From May to September, local agencies organize one-day or multi-day trips departing from these cities:
1. Avignon
• Why Avignon: A perfect starting point for lavender tours due to its proximity to the fields. It was also the residence of the Popes in the 14th century and boasts landmarks like palaces, churches, and the iconic broken bridge.
• Travel Tips:
• If coming from Paris, take a high-speed train to Avignon (~3 hours).
• Join a one-day lavender tour or consider staying overnight, but book accommodations early as they fill up quickly during the June–August peak season.
2. Marseille
• Why Marseille: As France’s second-largest city, Marseille offers excellent transport options, including frequent flights and convenient rail links to Nice, Italy, Spain, and Paris.
3. Aix-en-Provence
• Why Aix: Known for its cosmopolitan charm, Aix-en-Provence was the cultural and intellectual center of Provence and is the birthplace of artist Paul Cézanne. Summer accommodations here are often relatively affordable.
4. Arles
• Why Arles: Often called the “Little Rome of Gaul,” Arles is rich in Roman heritage and was home to Van Gogh, who painted the area’s iconic sunflower fields in June–July.
5. Nice
• Why Nice: Famous for its French Riviera coastline, Nice combines breathtaking sea views with vibrant floral streetscapes, making it a great starting point for lavender tours.
Alternative Tips:
• If Avignon accommodations are full, consider Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, or Arles as alternatives. Travel times to Avignon by car:
• Marseille: ~1 hour 15 minutes.
• Aix-en-Provence: ~1 hour.
• Arles: ~45 minutes.
Popular Lavender Viewing Itineraries
1. One-Day Tour Options
Ideal for travelers short on time, these tours depart and return on the same day from Avignon, Marseille, or Aix.
• Provence Lavender and Classic Villages Tour
• Route: Abbaye de Sénanque → Gordes (Stone Village) → Roussillon (Red Ochre Village) → Lavender Museum → Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (Water Spring Town).
• Highlights: See Sault’s or Sénanque’s lavender fields and explore multiple charming Provençal villages.
• Provence Lavender and Verdon Gorge Tour
• Route: Valensole → Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Ceramic Village) → Sainte-Croix Lake (Verdon Gorge).
• Highlights: Visit Valensole’s vast lavender fields and enjoy boating on the turquoise waters of Sainte-Croix Lake.
• Special Tip: For those starting from Nice, this route is the most efficient for a same-day return.
2. Two-Day Tour Options
Ideal for a more immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore both lavender fields and Provençal culture:
• Provence Lavender Deep Dive (2 Days)
• Day 1: Visit villages and lavender fields on the Classic Villages Route.
• Day 2: Explore the Valensole and Verdon Gorge Route.
• Starting Points: Avignon, Marseille, or Aix-en-Provence.
• Provence Lavender and Côte d’Azur (2 Days)
• Day 1: Choose a lavender itinerary.
• Day 2: Travel to Nice to explore its coastal beauty. This plan seamlessly combines lavender fields with the Mediterranean’s azure charm.
Conclusion
Whether you’re walking through endless purple fields, soaking in the tranquility of mountain villages, or gliding over the waters of Sainte-Croix Lake, Provence offers an unforgettable lavender experience.