A guide to visiting the lavender fields of Provence
It had been my dream to see the lavender fields of Provence since I moved to France in 2020 and I finally realised it this summer. This trip did not disappoint! Stepping into the picturesque village of Lavensole in the heart of the South of France is like entering a dreamy realm where vibrant hues of purple spread across the landscape. It is no coincidence so many famous artists lived in this area painting the landscapes. In this blog post, I'll walk you through my journey, share the best time to visit, and shed light on an enchanting sunset tour that truly enhanced my experience.
My shadow in the Lavender fields at Golden Hour.
How to Visit:
There are a number of ways to explore the lavender fields of Provence, but I would recommend these two ways. By car or on a guided tour. I looked into public transport as I left the planning last minute. It looked very complicated as even if you make it to Valensole most of the fields would not be walking distance. I live in Paris and was staying in Marseille for 5 days so I booked an evening trip from Marseille. I was adamant I wanted to be there for sunset. I would definitely book this in advance as the places are limited and sell out. You can book trips from cities and towns such as Aix-en-Provence and Marseille and I went with this company.
https://bonjourprovencetours.com/
The tour cost €85 euro and lasted around 6 hours. The tour is in english and full of instagrammable spots with ample time to take photos. Even if you are not interested in taking photos you can just enjoy being in nature taking in the views.
Lavender fields against a blue sky.
Best Time to Visit:
Lavensole's lavender fields are in full bloom from mid June to mid August, making this the prime time to visit. During this period, the fields are a sea of purple, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that's worth the journey. Additionally, the weather is generally warm and sunny during these months, making it a great time to visit the area.
The tour company I used runs from around the 15th of June to the 20th of July as once the fields have been harvested in Valensole, they change the tour to focus on the area around Sault in the Mont Ventoux area. Here, the harvesting of the fields takes place until the middle of August.
Sunset Tour:
I was travelling solo for this part of my trip so thankfully the group was small and everyone was super friendly. Within minutes of being in the minivan there was a group of women from the UK sharing their bottle of rosé in paper cups with everyone at the back. A few different people offered to take photos of me in the fields too so it wasn’t all selfies!
… but still quite a few selfies.
It is called the sunset tour but actually begins in the late afternoon so we were able to take photos with vivid blue skies as well as the later sunset photos.
One of the highlights of my visit was that this tour was offered by a local guide. He changes the tour on a daily basis based on which fields are looking the most beautiful and timed everything perfectly.
The tour guide shared insightful information about the history of lavender cultivation in the region and the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. We began at a local distillery where we were given an overview of the plants, mainly the difference between lavandin and lavender and their different properties. Lavandin and lavender are both commonly associated with soothing fragrances and various therapeutic uses, but they possess distinct characteristics. Lavandin is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender. Lavandin generally has a stronger, more intense scent compared to true lavender and is often cultivated for its higher oil yield, making it a popular choice in the fragrance and essential oil industries. Lavandin's flowers are larger and typically a shade of light purple, while true lavender tends to have smaller, pale purple flowers.
True lavender is known for its calming and relaxing qualities, often used in aromatherapy and skincare, while lavandin is favoured for its more invigorating aroma and potential applications in cleaning products and perfumes. The distillery also had a beautiful shop where you can purchase different lavender oils, soaps etc and enjoy a drink. They also grow their own almonds and olives.
Valensole
After stopping at a few fields along the way, with plenty of time for photos we made our way to Valensole. Known primarily for its sprawling lavender fields, this idyllic destination offers a sensory journey unlike any other. The sight of neatly lined lavender rows stretching towards the horizon is a photographer's dream. After a quick bite to eat in Valensole we were back on the road for the finale. Saving the best until last. Golden Hour over the lavender fields of Provence is truly breathtaking. The soft, warm light during the golden hours of sunset is perfect for capturing the lavender fields in their full glory. The gentle sunlight enhances the purple hues and creates a dreamy atmosphere.
This tour provided an opportunity to witness the lavender fields bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, casting a magical glow over the landscape. As this was the peak of the tour it was also the busiest area with people scattered throughout the field taking photos. It was also the time to have a proper camera and a tripod. I had to make do with my iphone which did not do justice to the range of colours!
The lavender fields of Provence offer a sensory delight that words (and possibly my photos for that matter) can hardly capture. They are an enchanting destination that invites you to step into a world of vibrant colours and soothing fragrances. Whether you're a photography enthusiast seeking stunning shots or a traveller in search of natural beauty, Lavensole's lavender fields are a must-visit. With the best time to visit being during the peak bloom months of June to August and the option of a captivating sunset tour, your experience in this lavender haven will be nothing short of magical.
