Where to Find the Best Valensole Lavender Fields
Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by April Nicole
Are you looking for the best Valensole lavender fields? This guide has you covered! Keep reading…
France is known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and world-renowned cuisine. But did you know that the country is also home to some of the most beautiful lavender fields in the world? If you’re planning a trip to France anytime soon, a visit to these lavender fields in Provence France should definitely be on your itinerary.
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through the stunning lavender fields of Provence. We’ll explore where they are located and when is the best time to visit them. I’ll also offer tips on how to fully experience their beauty and fragrance, from taking a scenic drive through the fields to picking your own fresh lavender. So get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of these purple-hued fields and make unforgettable memories during your trip to France!
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If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best Valensole lavender fields:
Why Valensole is known for its lavender fields
Valensole, a commune in the south of France, is known for its stunning lavender fields. The plant has been grown in the region for centuries, and is an important part of Provencal culture and identity. The climate and soil conditions in Provence are ideal for growing lavender, which requires plenty of sunlight and dry air to thrive. The region’s rolling hills and valleys are also perfect for cultivating the plant, as they provide excellent drainage and prevent water from pooling around the roots.
In addition to its natural advantages, Valensole has a rich history of lavender cultivation and production. Today, visitors from all over the world flock to Valensole to see the breathtaking fields of purple blooms, visit lavender farms and distilleries, and purchase handmade soaps, perfumes, and other products made with locally-grown lavender.
How should I get around the Valensole lavender fields?
If there is one piece of advice you take from this post: rent a car! This allows you to stop at different fields and really take in the beauty of the area.
You can also take a bus or train, but these can be quite crowded during peak tourist season. If you are only visiting for a short time, consider renting a car so that you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Renting a Car
You’ll need to rent a car in order to fully explore this gorgeous area of Provence. It’s a good idea to reserve your rental car well in advance, particularly during busy travel times. For your Provence adventures, I usually recommend going with a smaller vehicle. The narrow rural streets are perfect for driving smaller vehicles.
You could assume that some of the roads in Provence just have one lane, but you’ll soon find out they have more than one. Additionally, it is simpler to scoot by the smaller your car is. Just be careful not to overpack so that you can fit all of your bags into the car.
Rules of the Road
Make sure you are aware with the driving traditions and regulations in France. Driving is done on the right side of the road in France. Additionally, keep in mind that at crossroads free of traffic lights or signs, vehicles approaching from the right are given priority. The speed limits on Provence’s roadways are extremely restrictive. There are also covert speed cameras, even on dirt highways and in tiny villages.
Additionally, if you exceed the speed limit by even 10 kilometers, you will be fined! There is no getting around these fines after your travel because they will be mailed to you at home. Consequently, you should always pay attention to these speed limitations. Some vehicles include a GPS system that notifies you when the speed limits change. You can also use Waze to get alerts when a speed camera is active.
Going By Guided Tour
Although I always advise renting a car and traveling at your own leisure, there are several options available if you prefer to relax and let a guide take the wheel. These guided tours include pit stops at farms and producers while incorporating a day trip with a visit to well-known neighboring towns like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Sainte Croix du Verdon.
Where to Find the Lavender Fields in Valensole
Drive along Route de Manosque D6, which is surrounded by fields of these stunning purple flowers.
Your first stop following your exit from the A51 at Manosque will be field Terraoma if you are traveling from Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, or Avignon.
The drive to the lavender fields via Provence is not difficult. I advise using Google Maps and entering the precise field’s coordinates for your visit. Once you arrive, you really simply need to keep driving down the same road until you come across several lavender fields. Feel free to stop by any of them, but the most popular ones are on the main road, where you will see a lot of photographers and vehicles parked on the side of the road shooting pictures.
Lavender Season in Provence
The best time to see lavender in Provence is from late June to early August. This is when the lavender is in full bloom and the fields are a sea of purple. The lavender season is relatively short, so if you’re planning a trip to see the fields, make sure to time it right.
Provence Lavender Fields in June
- By late June most Lavender in Provence is in bloom.
- Luberon is typically the first, closely followed by the Valensole lavender fields.
- The fine lavender grown in the highest altitudes of Provence is the latest to bloom.
Provence Lavender Fields in July
- Early July is the best time to visit lavender fields in Provence. The entire region is peppered with vibrant purple fields. And, if you get in before the school holidays (which normally start after the first week of July), you’re more likely to beat the crowds.
- From mid-July lavender fields start to be harvested in the Valensole plateau.
- The upper Luberon lavender fields and the Château du Bois fine lavender are generally harvested around the 15th of July.
- The lower Luberon (around Lourmarin), the Valensole lavender fields and those around Sisteron are harvested later in July, typically around the 25th of July.
Provence Lavender Fields in August
- If you’re visiting Provence in August you may be worried about missing out on seeing the lavender fields at all, but there are still a few lavender fields in bloom in August.
- Aim for the Sault lavender fields or around Banon to find lavender in bloom until the 10th of August.
Best Places to find Lavender in Provence, France
Some of the best places to find lavender in Provence are the Valensole Plateau, the Sault Plateau, and the Luberon Massif.
In the Valensole Plateau, there are several lavender farms that offer tours and allow visitors to experience the harvest.
The Sault Plateau is home to the Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon, which has several lavender fields. The Luberon Massif is a popular destination for lavender lovers, as there are many lavender farms and walks through the lavender fields.
Plateau de Valensole: the largest and most famous lavender field in Provence
The Valensole Plateau in Provence France is home to some of the most beautiful lavender fields in the world. The lavender fields on the plateau span for miles and the colors are simply stunning. If you are looking for the best lavender fields in Provence France, the Valensole Plateau is definitely the place to go.
The Valensole Plateau is located in the Haute-Provence region of Provence France. The plateau is home to numerous lavender fields, as well as other types of flowers. The lavender fields on the plateau are open from late June to early August. During this time, the fields are in full bloom and the colors are simply gorgeous.
If you are visiting the Valensole Plateau, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, the best time to visit the plateau is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is when the light is the best and the colors are the most vibrant. Second, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. Third, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks with you as there are not many places to buy food on the plateau.
Overall, the Valensole Plateau is an incredible place to see lavender fields. The colors are simply stunning and the experience is one that you will never forget.
Best Valensole Lavender Fields
The most popular route is the D6, which takes you through the heart of the lavender fields. This route takes you past some of the most famous lavender fields in the area, including the Valensole Plateau and the Sault Plateau.
Another popular route is the D9, which takes you through the mountains and valleys of the Provence region. This route offers stunning views of the lavender fields, and is a great option for those who want to see more of the Provence region.
Terraroma
GPS: 43.8191, 5.93266
Best time to go: Since the sunset is at roughly 8.30 PM local time, but all the best sites are already crowded with tourists, I would advise leaving by 6.30 PM local time.
The fields here have been owned by the Jaubert family for four generations. They take great pleasure in their goods as a pillar of the community. Their products range from Provencal almonds to honey, but their lavender-based cosmetics are the most well-known.
There are face creams, shampoos, body lotions, and even eau-de-toilette available here, unlike many touristy businesses that just sell essential oils or soap. Their almond oil is combined with many of their lavender items. A hand cream with the most opulent aroma is created by combining almond oil, one of the best ingredients for skin moisturization, with lavender.
The fact that Terraroma grows sunflowers in addition to lavender is another fantastic benefit of going there. Additionally, these fields make for stunning photographs! The contrast between the tight cluster of purple blooms and the vivid yellow flowers is quite stunning.
Lavandes Angelvin
GPS: 43.82374, 5.93828
Best time to go: Like Terraroma, recommend leaving by 6.30 PM local time because sunset is at 8.30 PM, but all the prime locations are already crowded with tourists. You can perform this and the area above together.
Lavandes Angelvin is a family-owned lavender farm located in the heart of Provence, France. The farm has been operating for over 60 years and is known for its high-quality lavender products, including essential oils, soaps, and lotions. Lavender is harvested by hand in mid-July when the flowers are in full bloom, and then carefully dried to preserve their aroma and therapeutic properties.
The farm uses traditional distillation methods to extract the essential oil from the lavender, ensuring a pure and potent product. In addition to its use in aromatherapy and cosmetics, lavender is also used in cooking and as a natural insect repellent. Overall, Lavandes Angelvin is a true treasure of Provence and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the beauty and benefits of lavender.
Pit Stop: Valensole Village
GPS: 43.837623, 5.987164
You can skip Valensole Village and go on to the next lavender field, or you can stop in this quaint village en route for an outdoor meal or some ice cream with lavender flavoring. Since the settlement is small, stopping there for a short while won’t take up much of your time. If you need food, drinks, snacks, or even lavender for your photo session, this is a perfect location.
Walk along Boulevard Frédéric Mistral after parking on Avenue Segond or in the “Parking Valensole” garage. You may discover shops, the charming town hall, a gorgeous fountain, and an old washhouse in this area.
Stone hut lavender field
GPS: 43.892514, 6.116406
Best time to go: It’s great to visit this field at any time of day because the lavender field appears differently depending on the light. The mountains extend around the valley.
Welcome to Provence’s lavender field that I love the best! The small stone cottage can go unnoticed when you first pull over. But it’s there, tucked away just past a small lavender dip.
To obtain a nice picture of the hut, you do need to stroll through the lavender fields on the way down. So please be careful not to step on the lavender.
Of all the lavender fields in Valensole, this is my favorite location!
The lavender fields with sunflowers
GPS: 43.860220, 5.990040
Best time to go: Early August is the ideal time to go because that is when the sunflowers are in bloom.
There are two of my favorite flower fields nearby. Although this is extremely beautiful to view, the sunflowers weren’t fully in bloom when I visited in the first week of July. However, this is one of the famous locations that can be seen in Valensole and is a must-see location when the sunflowers and lavender are in full bloom on Instagram.
Lavender field with hot air Balloons in the background
GPS: 43.836132, 6.118174
Best time to go: Depending on when the sun rises locally in the summer, get to the location by sunrise, which is typically about 5 a.m.
Another iconic, must-see photo is one with lavender fields and hot air balloons in the background. However, getting this photograph can be challenging because you need to know the day the hot air balloons are ready to take off the day before. And to acquire a photo, get up early to catch the sunrise.
Tips for visiting Valensole lavender fields
Check the blooming status before planning a trip
The blooming season for lavender in Provence typically runs from mid-June to mid-July. However, the exact timing can vary from year to year depending on the weather. If you’re planning a trip for early or late in the season, it’s a good idea to check the blooming status beforehand so you know what to expect.
There are a few different ways to check the blooming status of the lavender fields in Provence. One is to keep an eye on the weather forecast in the lead up to your trip. If it’s looking like it’s going to be a hot, dry summer, the chances are good that the lavender will be in bloom. Conversely, if it looks like it’s going to be a cooler, wet summer, the bloom may be delayed or not as full.
Another way to check the bloom status is to look for updates from lavender farmers in the Provence region. Many of them have social media accounts or websites where they post regular updates on the state of their fields. This can be a great way to get real-time information on what’s happening with the lavender.
Dress appropriately for walking through the fields
When you are walking through the lavender fields in Provence, you want to make sure that you are dressed appropriately. The reason for this is because the lavender can get quite high and you don’t want to end up with your clothes covered in the lavender oil. Also, the weather in Provence can be quite warm, so you want to make sure that you are wearing light and airy clothing.
Some people like to wear flowy skirts and dresses when they are walking through the lavender fields. If you are not someone who likes to wear skirts or dresses, then you can opt for a pair of trousers or shorts. Again, you want to make sure that they are light and airy so that you don’t get too hot. A lot of people also like to wear loose fitting shirts so that they can stay cool.
One final thing to remember is to wear sunscreen and a hat. The sun can be quite strong in Provence and you don’t want to end up with sunburn. A hat will help to protect your face from the sun and keep you cool at the same time.
How to navigate the countryside roads and find the best spots
When driving in Provence, you will find that the roads are often winding and rural. To get to the best lavender fields, you will need to navigate these countryside roads. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Be prepared for winding roads. The roads in Provence are often winding and narrow. This can be challenging to drive on, so be prepared for it.
- Drive slowly and carefully. Due to the narrow roads and winding nature of the roads, you will need to take your time when driving. Be sure to drive slowly and carefully.
- Be aware of other drivers. because of the narrow roads, you will need to be aware of other drivers. Be sure to give them plenty of space and be aware of their driving.
- Follow the signs. There are often signs pointing the way to the lavender fields. Be sure to follow these signs so that you can find your way.
- Enjoy the drive. Even though the roads can be challenging, they are also very scenic. Be sure to enjoy the drive and take in the beautiful scenery.
Respect private property and stay on designated paths
Some lavender farmers in Provence have put up fences surrounding part of their farms in an effort to thwart visitor numbers. If you enter any Lavender fields in Provence, please remember to be respectful! Or these temporary measures may have to become permanent. Tread lightly, only walk between the rows (not over them), and never pick the flowers.
Bring a camera and capture the stunning views of the lavender fields
A visit to the lavender fields in Provence is not complete without taking some photos of the stunning views. The best time to take photos is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too harsh. Here are some tips for taking great photos of the lavender fields:
- Get up early and head to the lavender fields as the sun is rising. The light at this time of day is beautiful and will add an extra element of magic to your photos.
- Choose a spot with a good view of the lavender fields. Make sure there are no obstacles in your way so you can get a clear shot.
- Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots of the lavender flowers. This will allow you to capture all the details and colors of the lavender.
- Experiment with different angles. Get down low for an interesting perspective, or climb up high to get a bird’s eye view of the fields.
- Take advantage of the beautiful light and colors by using a slow shutter speed. This will create a dreamy effect in your photos.
Where to Stay to Explore the Lavender Fields in Provence France
Provence is known for its stunning lavender fields, and there are several places to stay that offer easy access to these picturesque landscapes. One option is the town of Sault, located in the heart of the lavender region. Here, visitors can stay in a traditional Provençal guesthouse or bed and breakfast and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Another popular choice is the village of Valensole, which is home to some of the largest lavender fields in Provence. Visitors can rent a vacation home or stay at one of the charming hotels in the area and explore the local markets and restaurants. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are also several upscale hotels and resorts that offer spa treatments and other amenities.
No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to plan your visit during peak lavender season from June to August to experience the full beauty of this iconic Provencal landscape.
When to book accommodations and transportation
If you’re planning to explore the lavender fields in Provence, France, it’s important to book your accommodations and transportation well in advance. The peak season for visiting the lavender fields is typically from mid-June to early August, so it’s a good idea to start looking for accommodations at least six months in advance. Many of the best hotels and guesthouses can fill up quickly during this time, so it’s important to book early to ensure that you get the best selection of available options.
When it comes to transportation, renting a car is often the best option for exploring the lavender fields. However, it’s also important to book your rental car in advance, as demand can be high during peak season. You may also want to consider booking tours or excursions ahead of time, particularly if you’re hoping to visit some of the more popular lavender fields or attractions in the region.
Other activities and attractions to enjoy while visiting Provence
Provence isn’t just a place for lavender fields – there are plenty of other activities and attractions to enjoy while visiting the region. Here are some of the best:
- Visit a winery: Provence is home to some of the best wines in France, so be sure to visit a winery or two while you’re in the area. Many offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the region’s finest vintages.
- Go hiking or cycling in the countryside: Provence is famous for its stunning countryside, so get out and explore it! There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to follow, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the rolling hills and lavender fields.
- Visit a medieval town or village: Provence is full of history, and there are plenty of medieval towns and villages to explore. Visit Avignon, which was once the papal seat, or Aix-en-Provence, a beautiful and well-preserved town.
- Sample the local cuisine: Provence is known for its delicious food, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties. Try a classic dish like ratatouille, or try something more unusual like field mushrooms with garlic.
- Shop for local products: Provence is famous for its lavender, so be sure to buy some local products made with the fragrant herb. You’ll also find plenty of other local products to take home, from olive oil to honey.
Final thoughts on Valensole lavender fields
Visiting the Valensole lavender fields in Provence France is an incredible event that will leave you spellbound. Whichever of these lavender routes in Provence you decide to take, or indeed if you experience them all, you are sure to have an unforgettable time in Provence.
