When to See the Lavender Fields in Provence!
Sooo…you want to know when to see the lavender fields in Provence??! Well, I won’t keep you in suspense: I’ll tell you right here in the opening paragraph ~ then we’ll dig into everything else you need to know below! If you’re visiting Provence specifically to see the lavender fields, then you’ll want to visit between the end of June to the beginning of August. But the lavender is usually at its peak in early July! Keep reading for more photos of the lavender fields & tips on where to stay…
Best Time to See Lavender in Provence = Late June thru early August, but peak bloom is typically in early July! Sunflowers bloom in July AND August…
Sunset over the lavender fields in Valensole, France.
Quick Facts About Lavender Fields
- Closest Airport(s) to Provence = The closest international airports to Provence are Marseilles-Provence (1 hour) & Nice-Cote d’Azur (2 hours). There is also a regional airport in Avignon.
- When to See the Lavender Fields in Provence = The bloom can range anywhere from mid-June to mid-August, depending on rainfall & location. But early to mid-July is typically peak season.
- Best Towns to Stay in for Lavender Viewing = Valensole, Gordes, Sault, & Digne.
- Best Way to Get Around Provence = Rent a car at the Marseilles-Provence Airport, or in Provence. Check for special deals on rental cars in France here.
Best Places to See Lavender in Provence
On the map below, you’ll find a few of the major “hubs” for viewing lavender in Provence. Because of the size of this region, I HIGHLY recommend renting a car for your visit. It’s the best way to get around, & to find hidden, lesser-known lavender & sunflower fields.
- Valensole: Meaning “Valley of the Sun,” this picturesque, medieval town is one of the top places for viewing lavender, as its “Plateau of Valensole” is the largest lavender-growing area in France. Peak Bloom: Mid-June to mid-August, depending on rainfall. Lavender Festival in Valensole: Held the 3rd Sunday of July.
- Gordes: The town of Gordes is home to two important lavender landmarks, the Museum of Lavender & Semanque Abbey, a working monastery known for its iconic surrounding lavender fields.
- Sault: Nearby Sault, you can hike the “Lavender Trail,” which has you traipsing through the countryside amidst a sea of purple. Later Blooms: Early July to mid-August.
Semanque Abbey, a present-day, working monastery in Gordes, France, is one of the most famous (& busy) places to see lavender in Provence.
Valensole
Senanque Abbey in Gordes
Sault (Later Blooms)
Museum of Lavender
Digne
When to See the Lavender Fields in Provence!
To get you inspired, here are some photos of the lavender fields in southern France, in & around Provence ~ which is also referred to as the Luberon region.
Lavender as far as the eye can wander…
Rows upon rows…
Try & stay until sunset if you can. Photo taken in Valensole, France.
Where to Stay in Provence
There’s no shortage of gorgeous hotels in Provence, & during lavender-viewing season they’re on the pricier side ~ but I’ve found a few great options that will feel like a splurge without killing your budget.
If you wish to stay near Valensole & the Plateau de Valensole, try staying at the refined La Bastide Saint Georges Hotel & Spa ($244+/night). Enjoy breakfast on the terrace or a relaxing massage at this lovely boutique hotel, set in the heart of lavender country.
Refined, understated elegance is the style at La Bastide Saint Georges, in Valensole.
Just outside of Gordes & Semanque Abbey, is the beautiful Hotel Le Petit Palais d’Aglae ($204+/night). With stately rooms, a stone facade, & commanding views of the countryside from its mountaintop perch, this is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the countryside.
The stunning grounds of the Hotel Le Petit Palais d’Aglae, just outside of Gordes, France.
When to See the Lavender Fields in Provence!
I hope this guide on “When to See the Lavender Fields in Provence” helps you plan a wonderful getaway in the South of France, one of my favorite regions in the country! Know that if you’re in Valensole, you’re very close to the “French Grand Canyon” ~ the stunning Gorge du Verdon. It’s definitely worth the detour!
xoxo Noelia
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My friend and I were just talking about the lavender fields in France, and wondering when they bloomed – so perfect timing with this article! The photos are so lovely too. If we want to visit the lavender fields AND the Gorge du Verdon, is renting a car the only way to do this? Thanks!
Hi Simone! It may not be the ONLY way to do it (you could probably figure out bus schedules??), but I definitely think renting a car in this region is by FAR the BEST way to do it. It will give you so much more flexibility & the ability to see EXactly what you want. Hope that helps! xoxo Noelia