You can’t go to Provence without visiting lavender fields. And even though the Valensole plateau is easy to find, it’s not easy to find just the right lavender field.
Before going on any trip, I always do some research – it gives me a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Our stop to see the lavender was a part of a 10-day road trip in France. Before the road trip, I listed things I wanted to see. The lavender fields on Valensole Plateau in Provence were one of those things. We missed our planned hikes and plane tours over the Alps in Annecy. We wasted our time in the Palace of Versailles, so I was hoping the lavender fields of Valensole Plateau would be the saviour of my road trip.
I dreamt of seeing the beautiful purple fields as far as the eye could see. I dreamt of the air filled with a lovely scent of lavender. I imagined being a model in my photoshoot. I saw myself “running” through the fields wearing a beautiful long summer dress, wind in my hair, and my husband patient enough, taking hundreds of shots to get that perfect one. Every time I think back to that day, I always smile.
The location of the Lavender fields in Provence
Lavender fields in France are located in Provence, on the Valensole Plateau, which stretches over 800 km2 and is covered with beautiful purple flowers. The Plateau is south of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and near the Verdon Gorges – France’s Grand Canyon. There are several charming villages you can visit on a day trip while visiting lavender fields. If you stay in the South of France in Aix-en-Provence, you will have the perfect base for exploring Provence, Lavender Fields, and Gorges du Verdon. Aix-en-Provence is only 45 miles (70 km) from the fields. You can reach Aix-en-Provence by car or train from Paris, or fly into Marseille.
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The main lavender fields of Provence are centred on and to the north of Luberon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille and the east of Avignon.
I was so excited to see the lavender fields and had such high hopes. Finding useful information on the field’s exact location was difficult. We set our GPS on Valensole and set off from Annecy and over the Alps. We drove for about 4 hours, including one quick stop in bad weather. Visiting the Alps down to Provence and seeing sunshine made me feel like a little kid before her birthday. We didn’t know where we would end up, but I thought we would figure it out when we arrived. I knew we would find some fields because we were in Provence during the blooming season.
On this map (which took me a looot of time to make), I marked positions of some of the most Instagramable spots on the Valensole Plateau.
Best time to visit the lavender fields in France
The blooming season of lavender fields in France is from June to August. The best time to see these purple, endless lavender fields blossom will vary slightly from year to year, depending on rainfall and temperature. Word of caution: it is the hottest and most crowded season. I recommend visiting the fields just after the bloomings start, towards the end of June, and just before the end of the season, beginning of August.
There are many lavender festivals in Provence during the blooming period. Most of them are one-day events. The theme is lavender, and there’ll be many locally produced lavender products to sample and buy, but you will also experience local traditions like food, folk music, and arts & crafts.
Provence is known as the most beautiful region of France. You can visit many charming villages, the national park Gorges du Verdon (among several) – the French Grand Canyon, lavender fields, sunflower fields, and an active monastery. The charming small medieval villages “hanging off” the mountain cliffs scream for your attention. The purple and yellow colours of blooming lavender and sunflowers will take your breath away. National parks with mountain lakes, viewpoints, and breathtaking natural beauty will leave you in awe. I hope you set aside a few extra days to explore Provence because you will either regret not doing so or have to return.
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When I researched, I found many beautiful images on Instagram of the lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau. I had my camera ready, and I was almost excited as we approached the destination. I imagined all the beautiful pictures I would take and show my friends, family, and followers when I got home.
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Since we didn’t have the exact location of these Instagram-worthy fields, we stopped at the first field we saw. There were no people, no scent of lavender, no tree and cottage, no beautiful sunset. The missing sunset was our fault since we were there during the day. It was nothing like I had seen on social media. It was hot and dusty, and I was super naive to think those pictures were real. I mean, they are real, but they are a work of art by excellent photographers, and they screw up the reality.
On the field, it was us and one Asian couple who were having their own “photoshoot.” I am not a model and didn’t practice at home; my chance of running in the fields with my hair blowing in the wind was pretty slight. There was no wind either, so my hair wouldn’t flutter anyway. My hubby is not a photographer, so I didn’t bother trying to pose. I took a few snaps of the field, went into the store, and bought lavender soap. Then we were off to Aix-en-Provence to continue our road trip towards Normandie. I might sound bitter, but I am not. I love this experience and always think of it with a smile.
But don’t let my honesty stop you from making your own experience because it doesn’t have to be like mine. I believe lavender fields are beautiful; I just had to do more research and planning. I hope you continue reading because Provence is such a lovely place, and there are many things to see and do in the surrounding countryside. Have a base in one of the beautiful villages around the Valensole Plateau, Aix-en-Provence, or Avignon, and visit the Valensole Plateau as your day trip or even an afternoon trip to get these fantastic sunset shots. Or you can go on a guided day trip to see lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence. Did you know that Provence is the oldest wine region in France?
You can also book a day trip from Avignon to the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau.
Things to do and villages to stay in around the Plateau of Valensole, Provence
You can visit the Lavender Museum in Cabrrères-D’avignont – Le Musée de la Lavande and buy lavender products in their shop. However, there are several shops around the Valensole Plateau where you can get soaps in all shapes, sizes, and forms, as well as dried lavender.
In the village of Riez, an ancient Roman town, a colourful two-day Renaissance festival takes place every July, with processions in traditional costumes, dancing, a local product market, a ball, and many shows.
Visit the beautiful Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey – a community of Cistercian Monks. The beauty of the architecture and of the valley where the Abbey lies is supposed to be stunning. The Abbey is closed on Sunday mornings and special religious days. They offer one-hour guided tours in French each week. The Abbey is located near the village of Gordes.
If you want to visit Valensole Plateau on a day trip, you can stay in Aix-en-Provence, just 45 miles (70 km) south of Valensole, Avignon, or Marseilles. Marseille Provence Airport is an international airport located 27 km northwest of Marseille. If you plan to tour, you can pick up your rental car at the airport and leave for Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.
Gordes village – Cobbled streets and golden stone houses wind their way around a mountaintop, ending at the majestic 16th-century château. The town has been home to several celebrated French painters, including Marc Chagall. With the sun-baked greenery and jagged rocks surrounding it, it is easy to see how it could inspire. Highlights of the village are the Pol Mara Museum, the ancient, preserved settlements known as ‘bories’, and the joyful summer music festival. Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey is located outside the village. Read more about the town of Gordes in Provence.
Roussillon village – Along with Gordes, it is the most famous village in the Luberon area of Provence. Situated in the heart of one of the most significant ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is renowned for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. There are several art galleries and studios, and some excellent restaurants where you can appreciate the talent of chefs well-known throughout the region. Read more about Roussillon village in Provence.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence village – The town has sun-soaked medieval walls, ornate fountains, and one of the oldest Arcs de Triomphe in the country, and it can also claim to be the place that inspired some of Van Gogh’s most celebrated works. Surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, its ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored old houses, old fountains, shady squares, picturesque restaurants, and elegant boutiques. Read more about the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence village in Provence.
Sault, France – All around the city lie large blue fields alternating with wheat fields for as far as you can see. Activities here vary significantly, from tasting the local products (nougat, macaroons, and lavender honey) to climbing Mont Ventoux. Read more about the village of Sault in Provence.
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