Guide to visiting the Provence lavender fields in France
21.07.2023 - 07:28
/ roughguides.com
/ Boris Stroujko
With quaint villages and rolling vineyards, Provence is perhaps the best place in the world to see fields upon fields of lavender. This charming region is known for being stunningly beautiful. It is also known for its cuisine that incorporates lavender into its oils, honey and delicious sorbets. Here's everything you need to know when visiting the lavender fields in Provence, France.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to France , your essential guide for visiting France .
The Valensole Plateau's lavender fields are perhaps the most famous and photographed in not only Provence but in the world. The area is filled with fields, deep blue lakes and picturesque villages.
Most famous is Valensole itself, situated above the plateau with the 11th century St Blaise church as a focal point. Here and in the pretty village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, there's plenty to explore.
You'll find fields of lavender framed by sunflowers, making this a spectacularly beautiful place to see. One field definitely worth seeking out is at Lavandes Angelvin – uninterrupted views of lavender with seemingly perfectly placed trees. You might even recognise the view as this is one of the most photographed spots in Provence. The best way to explore the Valensole region is by car.
Lavender in Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France © Shutterstock
The Luberon Valley is the locals’ favourite, with its hilltop villages and beautiful scenery. If you want a dose of authentic Provence as a side to your lavender fields, then Luberon Valley is a good choice.
Because the essence of the Luberon Valley is more about the whimsical streets and picturesque villages, lavender fields are naturally less concentrated here than in Valensole and Sault. That’s not to say it won’t still be easy to find them or that they’re any less beautiful, though. Tucked between vineyards and olive groves, you’ll find plenty of Provence lavender fields on a drive.
Some highlights are:
Visiting the chateau itself is only possible by organised tour, and only in early July. The trip is well worth it for the finer fragrance of its fields, thanks to its higher elevation compared to most other Provence lavender fields in France.
Provence lavender fields at Senanque Abbey, Gordes, Provence, France © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock
The village of Sault sits on a ridge with forest on one side and a rolling valley on the other. Its well-preserved medieval streets are a pleasure to walk through. Even approaching Sault is a spectacle – the road leading up to this village offers views of the plateau full of lavender.
As it’s more concentrated than the lavender fields of Valensole Plateau, you can easily explore these fields by foot or bike and will never be far