Where to Stay by Valensole’s Lavender Fields
We’re coming into that time of year when the weather’s getting warmer ~ meaning lavender season is right around the corner! The country most associated with lavender is France. Specifically: the Provence region. And there, the star of the show is a little town called Valensole, which sits on a hill overlooking a valley filled with lavender….from June through August. This is a wonderful area to stay in, as it’s also close to the magnificent Gorge du Verdon. So let’s find out where to stay by Valensole’s lavender fields!
You can get this exact photo in Valensole’s lavender fields!
Are There 4 or 5-Star Hotels by the Lavender Fields? Yes, there are: just not right in Valensole. It’s mainly 3-star accommodations in Valensole. You’ll need to venture a little further out for more luxury, to places like Villa Castellane Hotel & Spa, located in nearby Greoux-Les Bains.
Best Hotels by Valensole Lavender Fields:
| If You Want… | Best Hotel |
|---|---|
| Closest to Lavender Fields | Château du Grand Jardin ($179) |
| Most Romantic Stay | Villa Castellane ($156+) |
| 5-Star Luxury Hotel | Domaine Ribiera ($275+) |
| Adults-only B&B | Les Terrasses de Valensole ($130+) |
| Families & Groups | L’Auguste Maison d’Hotes ($162+) |
| Last-Minute Rooms! | Hotels in Gréoux-les-Bains |
Important: Valensole has very few hotels, & the ones they have are quite small. Peak lavender season (late June–mid July) often sells out months ahead. If you’re coming into town last-minute: it may be necessary to expand your hotel search to Gréoux-les-Bains or Niozelles.
The good news is: there are larger, more luxurious properties in both cities, & a greater hotel selection. If your dates are available, I recommend booking immediately, since most reservations can be canceled later.
Overview of Hotels in Valensole
Closest Hotels to Valensole Lavender Fields
Chateau du Grand Jardin is the closest hotel to Valensole’s lavender fields.
- Chateau du Grand Jardin ($$) = Elegant Castle Just 6-Minutes from Lavender Fields: Set in a former 18th-century castle, this beautiful B&B is just 4-minutes to the Lavender Museum, & 6-minutes to the Plateau de Valensole lavender fields. This is as close as you can get to lavender viewing. High ceilings, chandeliers, & canopy beds take you back in time…while free Wi-Fi allows you to enjoy the present. Book well in advance here.
- Le Jardin de Celina ($$) = Known for Excellent Cuisine + Beautiful Setting: This is a restaurant, B&B, & spa all-in-one. More modern than the Chateau, you can enjoy amazing dining here, lay by their gorgeous outdoor pool, or sip from their renowned wine cellar. All while being just a 6-minute drive to the lavender fields. Perfect for a romantic weekend…
- L’Auguste Maison d’Hotes ($$) = Beautiful Family Home with Pool & Gardens: This is an intimate hotel stay, where you’ll feel more like family. There are just 3 rooms, plus two cottages that fit 4-6 people. The grounds & pool are lovely, & this is a great place to stay for a few days ~ especially if you prefer staying in a cottage.
- Les Terrasses de Valensole ($$) = Adult’s-Only Relaxed Guesthouse with Stunning Pool: With just three rooms, you need to book very far in advance here! Take a dip in their heated outdoor pool, relax on the sundeck, & enjoy breakfast ~ which is included. Laurent & Astrid are your charming hosts, & will take good care of you here.
Gorgeous pool at Les Terrasses de Valensole. Photo: Les Terrasses.
A Little Further Out….
- Hotel Spa Villa Castellane ($$) = Romantic, Modern Hotel with Spa & Large Rooms: Located in nearby Greoux-les-Bains, about a 15-minute drive from Valensole, this gorgeous hotel is perfect for couples or families. Rooms are larger than average; they have a beautiful outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, sauna, & balconies. This is where I would stay!
Why I’d Stay at Villa Castellane:
- A true luxury hotel experience with a spa, pool, and upscale rooms.
- Better amenities after a day of sightseeing than the small hotels in Valensole.
- A great base for exploring Provence, including Valensole, Gorge du Verdon, & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
- Located in a charming spa town with restaurants, cafés, & a great evening atmosphere.
- More overall value if you want both lavender fields & a relaxing resort-style stay.
Villa Castellane is a great choice for couples. Photo: Tripadvisor.
- Domaine Ribiera, Hotel 5 Etoiles ($$$) = The Most Luxurious Hotel by Valensole’s Lavender Fields: For true luxury, you need to drive about 30 minutes to the pretty town of Niozelles. Here, you’ll find Domaine Ribiera: whih has a golf course, two swimming pools, a popular restaurant, pretty gardens (with lavender of their own!), & spacious, light-filled rooms. This is another great choice for couples!
Why Couples Love Domaine Ribiera:
- Peaceful countryside setting, perfect for a romantic Provence escape.
- Beautiful views and elegant surroundings that feel far from the crowds.
- Relax by the pool with a glass of local wine after a day exploring lavender fields.
- Convenient location for visiting Valensole, charming hill towns, and the Verdon region.
Domaine Ribiera is the only true, five-star property located by Valensole. Photo: Domaine Ribiera.
In a Rush? Here are the Top Hotels by Valensole:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Domaine Ribiera – Hotel 5 Etoiles (in Niozelles) – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel & Spa Villa Castellane (in Greoux Les-Bains) – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ L’Auguste Maison d’Hotes (in Valensole) – Click here for rates & availability
Map of Valensole Hotels
Hotel Distances to Lavender Fields:
| Hotel | Distance to Lavender Fields |
|---|---|
| Château du Grand Jardin | 6 minutes |
| L’Auguste Maison | 6 minutes |
| Villa Castellane | 15-20 minutes |
| Domaine Ribiera | 30 minutes |
Photo of Le Jardin de Celina
Le Jardin de Celina has one of the area’s best restaurants….& their “Wine & Champagne Cellar” is a must-visit…
Check rates at Le Jardin de Celina on Booking.com.
Photo of Gite L’Auguste Maison d’Hotes
With just 5 rooms (including 2 cottages), L’Auguste Maison is an amazing place for an intimate family stay! Click on photo for pricing.
Can’t Find Availability in Valensole?
Try:
- Gréoux-les-Bains (best + closest alternative)
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (great if also visiting the Gorge du Verdon!)
- Manosque
A shot I took at sunset in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, after visiting the Gorge du Verdon. This is the prettiest town!!
The Perfect 2-Day Lavender Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Check into Château du Grand Jardin or Villa Castellane (or your hotel)
- Sunset lavender photography
- Enjoy dinner at your hotel or in town
Day 2:
- Sunrise in the fields
- Visit Gorge du Verdon (only 45 minutes from Valensole)
- Have lunch in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening/another great meal
The Gorge du Verdon is one of my FAVORITE places in France! If you have the chance: GO!!!
That’s me….swimming under a waterfall in the Gorge du Verdon!
Quick Facts About Lavender Fields
- Closest Airport(s) to Valensole = The closest international airports are Marseilles-Provence (1 hour) & Nice-Cote d’Azur (2 hours).
- When to See the Lavender Fields in Valensole = The lavender blooms in Valensole from mid-June to mid-August, dependent on rainfall. But “peak bloom” is typically in early to mid-July.
- Why is Valensole So Popular for Lavender Viewing? Valensole means “Valley of the Sun,” & what makes this medieval town one of the best places for lavender viewing is its “Plateau de Valensole,” which is the largest lavender-growing area in France. It’s just a short drive from town; for the most flexibility, renting a car is the way to go. Provence’s country roads are easy to navigate, & there are other sights nearby worth a visit, such as the stunning Gorge du Verdon (one of my favorite places in France)!
- Best Way to Get Around Provence = If you’re flying into the region, I’d rent a car at the Marseilles-Provence Airport, or in Nice. The hardest parts of the drive will be right in each city, so have Google Maps ready. But once you get out in the country, you’ll find the driving much more relaxed, & the scenery stunning.
Check for special deals on rental cars in France here.
Rent a classic car & live out your “To Catch a Thief” fantasies! Photo: Provene Classics.
Goodbye…Valensole!
Where I Would Stay:
If I were visiting Valensole for the first time, I’d DEFINITELY want to visit the Gorge du Verdon too: so I’d stay at Villa Castellane in Greoux-les-Bains ~ which gives me a cuter town, & a nice, easy drive to the Gorge du Verdon!
xoxo Noelia
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