My Honest Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence, France

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Where Can You Find Lavender in Provence?

I’ll be honest that before this trip, I thought lavender fields were abundant everywhere in Provence.

This just isn’t the case. I remember driving on the back roads to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and even along the highway making my way to Provence, and was kind of sad I didn’t see a single lavender field.

That’s because there are 4 main areas to check out for lavender fields in Provence. Yes, there are probably other spots to check out too, but these are the main areas of Provence where you’ll see a higher concentration of lavender fields. 

1. Sault (Pays de Sault).

This is a lovely area to visit that is a little more off-the-beaten-path compared to the Luberon Valley and Valensole. It is located about an hour from Avignon and is north of the Luberon. This area is known for many fields, great viewpoints over fields, and a later harvest. 

There is even a hike you can enjoy here called Le Chemin des Lavandes that is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km), where you can see many fields!

2. The Luberon.

The Luberon has some stunning and even famous lavender fields, particularly the field in front of Senanque Abbey. 

Located about 45 minutes from Avignon, this area is known for its hilltop villages and charming markets. You can spot cute towns like Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Cucuron, LaCoste, etc. 

3. Valensole Plateau.

If you’ve pictured an idyllic lavender field at sunrise, this is the place. Thanks to Instagram, you’ve probably seen the famous lavender field with a hut in the middle and the mountains in the background. That can be found here.

This area around the town of Valensole is stacked with lavender fields. This place also has some famous lavender companies like Lavandes Angelvin and Teraroma that are quite popular. 

Of the places I visited, Valensole was the busiest, but also the most beautiful so I get it. 

This is located about halfway between Avignon and Nice and east of the Luberon. 

4. Drôme.

Likely the least visited lavender area, this place boasts stunning fields and a later growing season too. You can find it around an hour or more from Avignon. 

When to Visit the Lavender Fields in Provence

This is probably the most important question when it comes to visiting the lavender fields in Provence, France!

I’ll be honest, I was under the impression that the lavender fields would be growing through the end of July based on what I was reading online a year ago. 

But, sadly, thanks to global warming, this just isn’t the case anymore. The lavender season feels shorter than it normally would be. 

I’m not saying it is impossible to see fields in late July and even into August, but they will be much more sparse. 

The main thing to note is that there are several areas of Provence to see the lavender fields, and depending on where they’re at, this determines the growing period. So let’s break it down.

1. Sault (Pays de Sault).

This is one of the areas of Provence that is further north and has a higher elevation. This means that the lavender typically blooms a little later (likely late June) and is harvested later. 

That being said, when I went on July 15, 2024, there were already a few fields being harvested. So aiming for early-mid-July is best for Sault lavender fields. 

Now, Sault has a later lavender festival, which is on August 15, so they will leave a few fields unharvested for that. So if you can’t visit until August, Sault is your best bet to find some fields before the festival. 

2. The Luberon Valley.

This area will likely be the first to harvest their lavender. The growing season here is again in June and starts to get harvested around mid-July (and earlier). 

I’ll be honest, when I was there last year, I originally was just going to visit here on July 15. After being warned by my hotel that most of the fields will likely have been cut down, I opted for Sault instead. 

I did explore the Luberon after, and, although I wasn’t actively seeking lavender, I didn’t see many fields. There were still some that I saw driving around, and the famous Senanque Abbey was still in full bloom, but many were harvested earlier. 

Le Thor in the nearby area has a lavender festival called Lavandissima that takes place on the 2nd Saturday in July, so they’ll leave some fields up for that, though!

3. Valensole Plateau.

This area blooms and is harvested before Sault, meaning if you want to see these fields in all their glory, aim for early July. Basically, before mid-July. Lavender starts blooming here in June as well. When I visited here on July 17, 2024, a good chunk of the fields were already harvested.

Trust me, I was devastated to go here for an early sunrise to find the famous lavender field with the hut in the middle and mountains in the background already harvested. No matter, there were SO many epic fields still up. 

So it isn’t the end of the world if you come mid-July, just know many fields may be harvested by then. That being said, the Valensole Lavender Festival is on the 3rd Sunday in July. So there will still be some fields for that. 

4. Drôme. 

This area also tends to bloom a little later. So later June through mid-July are best here again. That being said, there are some higher elevation areas that can bloom into the end of July (like in Vinsobres and Montbrun-les-Bains).

I need to make one BIG caveat, though. The harvesting of fields is the decision of the farmer. And as this is their livelihood, they’re likely to harvest at peak in order to distill the lavender and make products from it. 

Peak bloom is when about half the buds are open on the plant. 

I also need to point out that weather patterns can either create an earlier or later growing season, so it isn’t an exact science each year-these are just guidelines.

However, these days, I’d opt for early July (before July 10 or so) to have your best chances of catching the lavender at its most vibrant and before being cut down. 

How to Visit the Lavender Fields of Provence

The easiest and most fun way to get around for the Provence lavender fields has to be to rent a car. You can go at your own pace, really soak in all the magic of the lavender fields, etc. I cannot recommend renting a car and seeing it for yourself enough. 

I like Auto Europe for finding good rental cars!

That being said, if you don’t like to rent a car, there are tours that you can take of the lavender fields around Provence. You’d want to base yourself in either Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or even Nice (although that’s a stretch) to see them via a guided tour. 

Here are some great options from Avigonon:

• Lavender Villages Full Day Tour (This goes to Sault or Roussillon depending on flower stage)
• Full-Day E-Bike Tour of the Luberon (Chance to catch some fields)
• Lavender Fields and Luberon Village Guided Tour
• Half-Day Lavender Tour of the Luberon

Here are some great options from Aix-en-Provence:

• Lavender Half-Day Tour (This goes to Valensole)
• Sunset Lavender Tour of Valensole
• Full Day Valensole Tour

Here are great options from Nice:

• Full-Day Provence and Lavender Tour
• Verdon Gorge Full-Day Tour
• Verdon Gorge and Fields of Lavender Tour

Best Lavender Fields in Each Destinations + GPS Coordinates

I have 2 well-written and very thorough guides on lavender fields for both Sault and Valensole. Those are the two that I visited the most extensively. 

However, I’ll list out at least 3 amazing lavender fields to check out in each destination for your list! 

Best Lavender Fields in Sault

Here are the top lavender fields you’ll love in Sault. For all of my favorite lavender fields in Sault (and GPS coordinates of each), check out my Sault lavender guide.

1. Lavender Field With Mountain in the Background.

GPS: 44.01101° N, 5.40129° E

This turned out to be my favorite lavender field in Sault. It is on a slope and has views of Mont Ventoux. 

It’s seriously stunning! I spent a lot of time here frolicking in the fields, snapping photos, and just admiring the view.

The farmer had even showed up to harvest some of the fields and got to work. I was fascinated watching how the harvest worked so I continued to take photos. 

I made sure to stay out of his way and keep to the paths, and he wasn’t bothered that I was there. 

It was so beautiful. I cannot recommend this field enough. 10/10 lavender field in Sault.

2. Surround Yourself With Lavender Fields.

GPS: 44.12708° N, 5.41104° E

This was easily the coolest area because you had rolling hills, and lavender in every direction! Just pull over and admire the views of the lavender fields waving in the wind. 

3. Lavender Field With a Tree.

GPS: 44.13305° N, 5.42456° E

This place had a charming farmhouse in the background and a tree in the middle of the field. This was such a cute spot to take some photos! 

It was also the most crowded. But in Sault, that meant like a handful of people were there. 

Bonus: Le Chemin des Lavandes

GPS: 44.11912º N, 5.41109º E

If you’re in Sault, you can hike Le Chemin des Lavandes. This is a hiking trail that goes past many lavender fields. It’s only about 3.3 miles (5.3 km). It’s a quick and easy hike! You can also visit nearby Vallon des Lavandes distillery before or afterward.

Bonus: Belvédère de Saint-Jean

GPS: 44.05701º N, 5.39535º E

You simply have to check out this viewpoint overlooking the lavender fields below while near Sault!

Best Lavender Fields in Sault Map

Best Lavender Fields in the Luberon

Here are some of the best lavender fields in the Luberon you’ll want to add to your list.

1. Senanque Abbey.

GPS: 43.9280° N, 5.1867° E

If there is one iconic and beautiful place to visit for lavender fields in the Luberon, it is Senanque Abbey. This abbey is still a working monastery and you can go inside to check it out too!

I will say, though, that this area is really busy during lavender season. Parking can be a challenge so get here early or be patient. But the views are stunning. 

Most of the fields are blocked off to visitors, including the field in front of the abbey. This is great because you won’t get anyone in the photos. There are a couple of small fields they do allow visitors to walk through too.

2. In Front of Saigon.

GPS: 43.86244, 5.42641

In front of the village of Saigon, you can find a dreamy lavender field. It makes for lovely photos with the hilltop town in the background. 

3. Field Near Bonnieux.

GPS: 43.841634, 5.288720

This lovely field has a village in the distance as well and is a lovely addition to your drive through the Luberon villages! 

Map of Best Luberon Lavender Fields

Best Lavender Fields in Valensole

These are my favorite lavender fields in Valensole. For all the details and fields to check out, plus GPS coordinates, and an itinerary, check out my Valensole lavender guide.

1. Spot Cabane Pour Lavandes

GPS: 43.892340º N, 6.116290º E

This is the Instagram famous field with the hut and mountains in the background at sunrise. 

Did I high-tail it to this spot to catch it at sunrise only to be met with a harvested filed? Yes, and it was devastating. But that ended up being a good thing because I found another stunning field where I got more unique photos!

But I need to make it back here when this field is in bloom so I can see it. 

2. Sloping Lavender Field With Mountains and Tree.

GPS: 43.86912° N, 6.01066° E

This is where I ended up taking photos of sunrise, and it did not disappoint. This field slopes down with a tree in the background and mountains even further in the distance. 

It was a peaceful spot to take photos, enjoy the soft sunrise lighting, and even have breakfast in my car nearby. I highly recommend this beautiful field.

3. Two-Story Hut in the Field + Surprise Field Across the Street

GPS: 43.85215° N, 6.11437° E

This field is like a 2-for-1 special. For starters, it has an adorable 2-story hut in it. Then you go across the street and there is another field to enjoy!

Bonus: Terraroma Lavande Amandes 

GPS: 43.81983° N, 5.93387° E

I’m sorry- I need a bonus or two in Valensole too! This is a famous lavender distiller, so this field will likely be busy. But I LOVED the contrast of the lavender field and sunflower field right next to each other! 

Bonus: Surprise Sunflower Field

GPS: 43.83370° N, 5.95433° E

Did you know that it is sunflower season too? At least in July! So check out a fun field if you’re coming in July!

Best Valensole Lavender Fields Map

Best Lavender Fields in Drôme

Now I’m least familiar with Drôme, but I did actually go to a field while I was exploring Sault! Here are some fields to check out when you’re chasing lavender in Drôme.

1. Borie in a Lavender Field.

GPS: 44.12757° N, 5.47652° E

This sweet field has a borie in it, which is an old farming hut. It’s a lovely field with rolling hills in the background and worth a visit.

2. Couple Bories in a Lavender Field.

GPS: 44.13841º N, 5.46998º E

Having bories or huts in the middle of a field does give it more character. This is true with this field that has a couple of bories in it! I sadly didn’t have time to stop here on my recent visit, but I hope to come back one day!

3. Near Venterol.

I can’t find exact GPS coordinates, but there is a lavender field off Rte de la Gare that is nice to check out. For more details, I recommend checking out this page.

Map of the Best Provence Lavender Fields in Drôme

Lavender Festivals in Provence

One of the coolest things I did, other than Valensole at sunrise and exploring Sault itself, is attend a lavender festival. It has such a fun, local feel with traditional music, dancing, lavender competitions, demonstrations, lavender field tours, parades, and more, depending on the festival! 

Here are some great lavender festivals to catch while you’re in Provence!

1. Valensole Lavender Festival: 3rd Sunday in July
2. Sault Lavender Festival: August 15
3. Le Tour Lavandissima: 2nd Saturday in July
4. Digne-les-Bains Corso de la Lavande: First weekend of August

I happened to be staying in nearby Saint-Remy-de-Provence on the 2nd Saturday of July, so I made sure to visit Le Thor for its festival and it was incredible! Everything was so charming. I highly recommend going to a festival if you’re in town. 

Where to Stay Near the Lavender in Provence

If you’re exploring the lavender fields near Sault or the Luberon (and likely even Drôme), you can either stay in Avignon or Gordes because both not too far away:

Avignon Hotels:

• This Airbnb. This is where I stayed on my first visit to Avignon, and it’s great! It’s in a great area for exploring Avignon, and has a kitchen and laundry.
• Aux Augustins. This is a boutique guesthouse is in the city center and built on a former Augustinian monastery. 
• La Mirande. This 5-star hotel is stunning and where I stayed last time. It has great restaurants, a cute bar, and has classic decor that feels like stepping back in time. 

Gordes Hotels:

• Le Verger. This guesthouse is where I stayed on my recent visit and it’s great! It’s about 10 minutes from Gordes and has a pool that abuts an olive orchard. It’s so peaceful, and rooms either have a balcony or terrace.
• La Borie en Provence. Outside of Gordes, this place has a nice pool with a view.
• Airelles Gordes, La Bastide. This 5-star hotel is in Gordes and has so many amenities like a pool, a couple of restaurants, a bar, and a spa. 

If you’re exploring Valensole, you can consider these places. 

Nearby Valensole Hotels:

• Le Romulus. This is about 15 minutes away from the fields, making it great for catching the lavender at sunrise! However, this time of year they do have a 4-night stay requirement. However, you could opt to also explore nearby Gorges du Verdon. They have apartment-style rooms.
• Villa Castellane. This is about 20-30 minutes from the fields, and offers lovely rooms and apartments. It also has a Nuxe Spa and a pool.
• Domaine Ribiera. This 5-star hotel is about 25-35 minutes away from the fields and has a spa, pool, restaurant, and golf course.

Essential Tips For Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence

I mention these tips in both my guides to Sault and Valensole, but it is important to discuss them again. Here are things you need to know about visiting the lavender fields in Provence.

Want to hear more? Check out my podcast episode about visiting the lavender fields!

1. Do NOT Pick the Lavender.

This should go without saying, but while in Valensole, I saw someone picking.

These fields are free to explore and take photos of, and that is because farmers are kind enough to let us do it. Don’t ruin it by literally stealing their crop. 

Because yes, they grow the lavender to harvest and sell and/or distill to make lavender products. This is their livelihood. As such, picking lavender is stealing from them.

Don’t ruin it for us all. Just don’t touch the lavender.

2. It is Usually Okay to Walk Through the Fields.

BUT you must stick to the paths. 

Now some of the more popular fields are pretty well manicured because they know people will walk through them. And in Sault and Valensole, most farmers didn’t seem to care as long as you were respectful, stuck to the paths, and did not bother the lavender. 

Don’t walk on the plants. And regardless, ALWAYS obey posted signs. If a farm doesn’t allow you to walk in the fields, then you can’t walk in the fields.

While a lot of fields are fine to walk in at least in Sault and Valensole, I did notice that Senanque Abbey had blocked off fields and I’ve heard that in Drôme there are fields that aren’t really for walking in. 

Either way, obey any posted signs. And if you see someone who works there, it helps to ask if you can go in the fields. 

3. Download Offline Maps Ahead of Time.

Some places you’ll be traveling won’t always have cell service. So download Offline Google Maps ahead of time and save your GPS coordinates and have them on your maps before you leave your hotel to chase lavender.

Be sure to also have your end point in maps too! That way, if you lose service, you’ll still be able to get around. 

4. Lavender Fields Aren’t Picture-Perfect.

While some fields are perfectly manicured, most are not. The ones that are manicured typically have a lot of visitors and know they’re pretty popular. But most fields, especially in Sault and Drôme, aren’t huge productions and just let it grow.

Paths may be overgrown and there may be weeds and wheat growing in the field along with the lavender.

I typically stay out of the overgrown fields, especially when the paths are overgrown. 

While not social media-perfect, I love the contrast between the vibrant purple lavender and yellow wheat.

5. Know Your Lavender Types.

There are actually several types of lavender, but the 2 main ones in Provence are lavande and lavandin. 

Lavande is “true” lavender and lavandin is a hybrid.

Lavande produces less oil and flower for the same about of lavender, but it is higher quality and great for skincare, aromatherapy, and calming. It is also more expensive and grows at higher elevations.

Lavandin is less expensive, especially as it produces more oil and flowers than lavande. It has a stronger smell. This grows at lower elevations. 

In Sault, you’ll find both types, whereas in Valensole you’ll see more lavandin. The Luberon is also mostly lavandin Drôme produces both. 

6. First to the Fields…is a Spider Catcher!

Yes, this was an unpleasant finding while at Valensole at sunrise. 

While I didn’t notice a ton of spiders in Sault, Valensole had spider webs between almost every row in the morning. As the day went on, there were fewer that I found.

So yes, while you may be expecting bees in the fields, these are fields on a farm. So there will also be spiders. Big, scary spiders. So if you’re going for sunrise…maybe bring a stick to knock down the webs.

7. Don’t Forget the Sunflowers!

While here in July for lavender, you may even catch a sunflower field! They are so pretty to see! I didn’t see any while in Sault, but there were a couple in Valensole! 

8. Be Prepared for Dirt Roads.

Again, you’re in the countryside. There are a lot of dirt roads, and your car will get filthy. Also, while some of the bigger lavender producers in Valensole may have parking, most places won’t. So you just have to park off to the side of the road.

9. To Avoid a Huge Mess: Avoid Buying Lavender Bundles.

Yes, I know, they add to the aesthetic. And I fell for it too. When I was in Le Thor for the lavender festival, I got so caught up in the atmosphere that I purchased a bundle of lavender.

I thought it’d be a great prop while wandering through the fields!

And it honestly is really pretty to have a lavender bundle to hold in the fields and even put in my straw market bag.

BUT

The lavender sheds…EVERYWHERE!

It was all over my car, all over my hotel where I put it at night, and all over my straw market bag. It was a complete mess that I do not recommend getting a bundle.

Seriously, by the end of exploring the lavender fields, my rental car was dirty from the dirt roads and the interior was covered in lavender buds. I had to take it to a car wash to vacuum it out and clean it off before returning it.

Just don’t buy it.

10. Always Use Sun Protection…and Bring Water!

Most of these places do not have shade, so you’re in direct sunlight most of the day. While that is great for sunflower and lavender…that’s not so great for you.

So be sure to pack and wear plenty of sunscreen. You can bring some good sunscreen prior to your visit, or honestly, the French pharmacy carries amazing sunscreen. I love La Roche-Posay Anthelios.

Don’t forget a hat and/or sunglasses too!

And as you’ll be out and about in the heat of summer, you’ll want plenty of water.

11. What to Wear in the Lavender Fields of Provence.

Whatever you want really! I’d avoid impractical shoes, though. You’re going to be on rocky terrain and soil, so wearing open toe shoes and heels isn’t a great idea, as your feet will get gross.

I opted for my Adidas shoes, and it was perfectly fine. 

I also wore a different mid-length dress for both my days exploring lavender fields to look cute but also stay cool. 

However, flowy dresses can be really pretty too! Just be careful that it doesn’t get caught on the lavender!

But I saw people in anything from jeans/shorts and t-shirts to flowy dresses. 

And if you want pictures of yourself but don’t have someone to take them, don’t forget a good tripod!

12. Provence Lavender Fields are Never a Guarantee.

Yes, even though I just gave you GPS coordinates and recommended fields and areas to go for lavender, that doesn’t mean they’ll be there. 

These farms may opt to let the field go fallow or grow another crop. They have to do what is best for them at the end of the day. They may even harvest their lavender field earlier than other fields. You never know. 

Even while planning my trip last year, I had a couple of fields in mind that when I arrived were wheat fields that year. It happens.

So go into it with that mindset, know you’re still going to see so many great lavender fields, and you’ll be fine! 

I hope this guide really helped prepare you to chase lavender throughout Provence. It was such a highlight of my 2-week solo road trip around the South of France! Even though I was a little too late for some fields, it was epic to see what I did in Sault and Valensole.

So now you’re ready to get out there and explore the best lavender fields in Provence! 

Would you visit the lavender fields of Provence? Which are your favorite? Let me know in the comments! 

Want more South of France travel ideas? Check out these posts! 

• Luberon France Villages Guide
• Ochre Trail in Roussillon Guide
• How to Spend 1 Day in Nice
• Perfect South of France Road Trip in 1 Week
• 3 Days in Cannes
• 1 Day in Cannes
• Best Weekend in Saint-Tropez & Port Grimaud
• Best Things to Do in Grasse
• Ultimate 5-Day French Riviera Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Cassis
• France Bucket List

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