How to Visit the Lavender Fields of Valensole: Full Itinerary, Map, & GPS Coordinates of Fields!

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Planning to visit the lavender fields of Valensole? You’ve come to the right place!

After several visits to France (and living there for a time), I finally got the chance to visit the lavender fields in Provence last year, and it was nothing short of incredible. I was there at the end of the season, and all I can say is WOW! The sunrise at Valensole was worth the early morning alarm, and I can still smell the fragrant fields.

And now, I’m showing you how to visit Valensole’s lavender fields too, as someone who has actually been there and experienced it for herself.

In this guide, I’ve got all the Valensole lavender field tips including where to go (plus GPS coordinates), when to visit, how to visit, tours, and even an itinerary! 

Let’s get into it.

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Where to Find the Lavender Fields in Provence

During the lavender season, many just assume that lavender fields abound in Provence. Sadly, this isn’t so. There are a ton of fields, of course, but they are mostly concentrated to 4 main areas:

• Valensole Plateau: We’re discussing this in-depth today. But it is located east of the Luberon and kind of halfway between Avignon and Nice.
• Sault: Sault is a bit of a hidden gem lavender area of Provence compared to Valensole and the Luberon, which bring in more visitors. It is located north of the Luberon and about an hour from Avignon.
• Luberon Valley: The Luberon is a quaint area full of iconic towns like Gordes, Roussillon, and Oppede-le-Vieux. It’s full of weekly markets, and that typical Provence countryside vibe. This is where to find many beautiful fields including the famous lavender at Senanque Abbey outside of Gordes. This is about 45 minutes from Avignon.
• Drome: Probably the least visited of the lavender fields of Provence, this is located about 2 hours north of Avignon and is closer to Valence. Ironically, it actually isn’t in Provence, but rather the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (just north of the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur region).

Map of Lavender Fields in Valensole

Here is my map of lavender fields in Valensole. Most of the fields can be seen off of Route de Manosque and RD 8 (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), but you can find them all over around the Valensole area.

Best Lavender Fields in Valensole To Visit

Okay, I’ve given you a map above with the best lavender fields in Valensole, including most that I visited during my time there. Yes, I did get up super early, drive all the way to Valensole, and then drop GPS pins and save each location so you can find it for your own travels.

Worth it.

Okay, here are some amazing fields to see during your time in Valensole.

1. Spot Cabane Pour Lavandes

GPS: 43.892340º N, 6.116290º E

This is the famous field you’ve likely seen in photographs. It has the quaint hut resting in the field amongst the lavender with mountains in the background.

Guys, when I say I was rushing to get here before sunrise, I was rushing. It was July 17, 2024 and when I approached the field, it was already cut down for the year. 🙁

I didn’t even bother hiking a little to get to the hut area (it’s a little downhill). I spoke with a lady selling her lavender photos at the Gordes market the day before that and she told me it’d be a 50/50 shot going this late in the year.

She was right. It was already cut down. I’d say about half the fields were somewhat harvested by the time I got there, but SO many of the best lavender fields in Valensole were still there.

While I’m devastated I didn’t get to see this field in all its glory, I hope you can in your future travels. All the more reason to come back!

2. Field With Mountains in the Background 

GPS: 43.89530° N, 6.12257° E

While devastated by not getting to see the sunrise over the famous lavender field, it ended up being a blessing in disguise, because there are SO many other gorgeous fields you can enjoy at sunrise with fewer people before it’s harvested.

I wandered over to this field and enjoyed the views of the mountains in the background and the stunning lavender fields.

3. Little Field With Mountains in the Background

GPS: 43.89440° N, 6.07263° E

Again, it’s along the same road (RD8 Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) as the two above so the views are still great. Just pull off to the side of the road and enjoy this stunning view.

When I went, the lavender plants were pretty small but still cute!

4. Tree in the Field With Mountains in the Background

GPS: 43.86863° N, 6.01663° E

Just a little off the same road as the ones above, you can’t beat the stunning views. Although this field also has a tree in the field, giving it a unique and fun sight.

5. Sloping Lavender Field With Mountains and Tree

GPS: 43.86912° N, 6.01066° E

This turned out to be my favorite lavender field in Valensole! It’s just off RD8 and SO worth a stop. This field is absolutely stunning with a sloping field and trees and mountains in the background. 

It’s also where I set up camp after realizing the Spot Cabane pour Lavandes was already harvested. I did take a few photos at stop 4 above, and then came here.

It was incredible. I watched the sunrise while taking many photos thanks to my tripod. Then, I had a snack and hung out for a bit.

Now I will say that I wasn’t alone as there was a group that had come to take photos here as well. However, it was a large enough field that it was easy to find space to take epic photos and enjoy the sunrise.

The light at Valensole Plateau is honestly other-worldly, especially with the sun rising above the mountains and the purple lavender. It’s perfect. 

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

GPS: 43.85215° N, 6.11437° E

This sweet field has a gorgeous 2-story hut in the middle of the field. It’s such a cute little spot. Now this was a more unkempt field. Some lavender fields in Valensole (and in Provence in general) are perfect looking and look fantastic in photos.

But many are a bit overgrown with weeds and other things growing in the field. They’re still pretty, but just less perfect than some of the more manicured fields.

Honestly, I feel like it gave this field more character, and it was super charming to see.

Plus, across the street on the gravel road, there is a surprise lavender field too!

7. Smaller Lavender Field

GPS: 43.84628° N, 6.15245° E

For a cute little lavender field with smaller plants, this is an adorable field to check out with trees and rolling hills in the background. 

8. Hillside of Lavender

GPS: 43.84383° N, 6.15794° E

If you’re only picturing lavender fields as flat fields, then you’d be wrong. In the Valensole Plateau, there are fields with gentle slopes, fields in rolling hills, etc. This particular field is a hillside lavender field and it’s so pretty! There is also a mountain in the background! 

9. Gorgeous Flatter Field With Mountains in the Background

GPS: 43.82781° N, 5.94321° E

Now we’re moving on to the Rue de Manosque, with many famous lavender fields. This is where you’re going to see more people taking photos as well.

This field was gorgeous. It’s a flatter field with many rows of lavender and several mountains in the background. It is a great place to stop and take photos before moving on.

10. Lavandes Angelvin

GPS: 43.82374º N, 5.93828º E

Now we’re getting to the famous fields! This is Lavandes Angelvin, a famous lavender grower in Valensole.

The only downside is that you’re getting to the more popular fields, meaning you’ll have to fight some crowds to get a good shot. Now this largely depends on what time of day you go, but yea, it can get busy.

11. Pretty, Sloped Field With a Lavender Shop

GPS: 43.82188° N, 5.93726° E

This is a pretty, sloped field where you can take lovely photos. And, if you want to purchase some lavender products, there is a little stand. 

This place also has parking, which is pretty hard to find along the lavender fields. I think this may be a continuation of Lavandes Angelvin, but I’m not 100% sure.

12. Terraroma Lavande Amandes

GPS: 43.81983° N, 5.93387° E

These are some very famous fields…and they know you’re coming to take photos. So much so that they have a Terraroma sign in the middle of the field to take photos with.

Plus, there is a little sunflower field next to it. It’s fun taking photos of the sunflowers next to the lavender.

They also have an area with various species of lavender, where you can learn more about each type. It’s really informative and a great way to learn about the lavender!

This place also has parking, and (thankfully) toilets! They also have a shop here to purchase lavender souvenirs.

13. Curved Lavender Field On a Hill

GPS: 43.81329° N, 5.93114° E

For a cute field with a curved hillside, this is the place. This place gets pretty busy too, but you can wander around to avoid the crowds. 

I really enjoyed this sloping hill with plenty of lavender.

14. Surprise Sunflower Field

GPS: 43.83370° N, 5.95433° E

The Valensole Plateau isn’t just known for its lavender. There are sunflowers fields too! And the great thing about sunflowers is that they aren’t harvested at their peak.

I happened upon this field while driving along Route de Manosque and had to stop and take photos.

Perfect 1-Day Valensole Plateau Lavender Itinerary

This is a quick itinerary for spending a day at the lavender fields in Valensole.

Early Morning Wake Up and Drive to Fields

I’m not kidding. I was staying in Gordes (you could stay closer in Valensole, which I recommend). I ended up waking up at 3:45 am to leave at 4:15 am and arrive in Valensole in the lavender fields at 5:45 am (sunrise was right around 6:10 am when I visited).

It was stupidly early. I checked out and paid my hotel bill the night before and slept maybe 5 hours before getting up to do this. While I loved my time in Gordes, and I LOVED the B&B I stayed in (Le Verger), I recommended maybe staying in Valensole itself to see the sunrise.

Pick a Field For Sunrise

Now this is up to you. If the famous Spot Cabane pour Lavandes wasn’t harvested, that would’ve been a great spot. However, I love love loved the field #5 from above. It was stunning. 

Lavender Fields Galore

I recommend using the earlier morning to drive along RD8 (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence). This includes stops 1-5 above. 

I also recommend checking out stops 6-8 for a bit before continuing to the town of Valensole itself.

Valensole

After an earlier morning of exploring the lavender fields in Provence, it is time to stop by the charming town of Valensole. 

This town is endlessly adorable and has lavender colored ribbons overhead (I’m assuming during the season/near the lavender festival), a cute fountain, and lavender shops!

Plus, you can taste lavender ice cream while here!

I spent a little bit of time here exploring and grabbed a much-needed coffee at Chez Marius. 

Then, I had to get a lavender ice cream to try it out and walked around. 

Up next, it’s time for more lavender.

Lavender Fields on Route de Manosque

After coffee and exploring Valensole, you can spend the remainder of the morning and into the afternoon exploring the lavender fields on Route de Manosque. This includes stops 9-14 above! This also includes the sunflower field!

These are great fields to check out during the day and you can stop into the store at Terraroma!

Off to Your Next Locale

After that, it is time to go to your next destination! For me, it was on to Grasse in the French Riviera. I also made a stop by Gorge du Verdon on the way to see the viewpoint at Pont de Galetas. 

When to Visit the Lavender Fields in Valensole

I’d say the best time to visit the lavender fields in Valensole would be early July, with the first full week being ideal. Basically, before mid-July.

Now, of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, because that year’s weather will determine the harvest. I went in mid-July (July 17), and there were fields that were either harvested or half harvested. 

I did go in peak growing season, but sadly, that is when the farmers are harvesting the lavender. They harvest when about half the buds are open.

It’s stunning to see the lavender fields at this time as they are at their most colorful, but you do run the risk of the fields being harvested. Know that the closer to the Valensole Lavender Festival (3rd Sunday in July), the more fields will be cut down.

They do keep some fields uncut for the festival, but early July is still better.

Aim for early July and you’ll likely have better luck than I did. The best time to visit to see the fields would be from late June to early July. 

But, even in mid-July, there were still a ton of fields and it was stunning. But there were fields that had been harvested.

Getting Around Valensole Plateau For the Lavender Fields

I’ll say that the easiest way to get around Valensole is to drive. There isn’t much public transportation. So driving is your best bet.

I like checking AutoEurope for deals! I rented my car for 2 weeks to explore the South of France and it was worth it. It makes getting around smaller towns far easier, and you are on your own time.

Tours of Valensole Lavender Fields

Don’t want to drive? There are some tours you can take of Valensole. You can find them here:

• From Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Lavender Tour of Valensole
• From Aix-en-Provence: Full-Day Lavender Tour of Valensole
• From Avignon: Full Day Tour of Lavender Fields in Either Sault or Valensole
• From Marseille Cruise Port: Valensole Lavender Tour
• From Marseille: Valensole Lavender Full-Day Tour

Where to Stay to See the Lavender Fields in Valensole

I mentioned above that I woke up super early and left my B&B in Gordes (Le Verger-it was fabulous and perfect for exploring the Luberon).

However, it was a long drive after waking up super early. But I used the day in Valensole to transition from Provence to the Cote d’Azur and actually ended the day in Grasse at this Airbnb.

If you want to do the same, those were fantastic places to go!

But…if you want to not have to drive for a long time or get up as early to catch Valensole at sunrise, here are some nearby hotels to check out:

Budget: Le Romulus

Located only 15 minutes away from the lavender fields, this is a great spot that goes for under €100 per night! The only downside is that they have a 4-night stay requirement this time of year. You could choose to stay here, explore more of the fields, and perhaps even take a day to visit Gorge du Verdon. This place offers apartment-style rooms, perfect for your stay.

Book it here!

Mid-Range: Villa Castellane

Located about 20-30 minutes away from the lavender fields in Gréoux-les-Bains, this place has lovely rooms and apartments, a Nuxe Spa, and a nice pool to cool off in after a day in the lavender fields. This 4-star hotel also allows 1-night stays so you can continue your journey after or stay longer.

Book it here!

Luxury: Domaine Ribiera

This 5-star hotel is about 25-35 minutes away from the lavender fields and has great amenities like a spa, pool, restaurant, and a golf course to enhance your stay. 

Book it here!

What to Wear in the Lavender Fields in Valensole

Not sure what to wear to the lavender fields in Valensole? Thankfully, it’s not that serious. 

You can pretty much wear what you want. I will, however, advise against open-toe shoes.

The fields themselves (again depending on the field) can be quite bumpy and uneven. Plus, your feet will get disgusting walking on the dirt/stone paths with open toe shoes. 

I wore my Adidas sneakers and it was totally fine! Just know that they may get a little dirty too (and you may want to clean them when you get to your hotel).

Other than that, I wore a mid-length dress (similar style in the link). But it is common to see people in flowy dresses too. Just wear something that doesn’t get caught on the lavender and is comfortable and cool for wandering around in lavender fields with little to no shade all day and you’ll be fine.

People also wore jeans and shorts and t-shirts while exploring too! It really is up to you!

Other Tips For Visiting Valensole For the Lavender Fields

Before you book your trip and plan your day in the lavender fields of Valensole, let’s talk about some key tips you’ll need to know before you go!

1. Do NOT Pick the Lavender.

This is SO important to know. The lavender grown in the lavender fields will eventually be harvested to be sold in lavender products. Picking the lavender is literally stealing from the farmers who work hard to raise the lavender, pick it at peak (aka when about half the buds open), and create products to sell.

Please don’t steal. Hands off the lavender.

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

I say usually, because if you happen upon a field and there is a sign saying not to go in the field, please respect that sign. 

At the end of the day, those fields are owned by people and/or companies, and we have to respect their rules. If they say no going in the fields, then snap a photo from the road and move on.

I will say in my experience in Provence, I did not see any signs, and I’ve been in a field where a farmer came in to harvest and he didn’t care. As long as you stay out of their way, it’s usually fine.

And if you see a farmstand next to the field, I usually ask if I can go in the field first and I usually end up buying something to support the farm as a thank you for allowing me to take photos in the field.

3. But…Stay On the Paths!

I cannot emphasize this enough, but if you can go in the fields, stay on the paths. Do not step on the lavender, and do not touch the lavender.

You can take so many lovely photos without touching the lavender or messing with it.

And, depending on where you’re going, some lavender fields have manicured paths you can easily walk on between rows of lavender. However, these are usually fields that expect a lot of visitors.

On the other hand, there are also several fields that aren’t so manicured. There will still be paths (the tractor has to drive somewhere in the field and not run over lavender), but things may be a bit overgrown. Not every field will look picture perfect with only lavender. Some fields that don’t expect a lot of visitors have wheat and other plants growing in the field too. 

4. First to the Valensole Lavender Fields…Is the Spider Catcher

I was SO excited to frolic through the lavender fields in Valensole at sunrise…until I saw my first gigantic spider web and spider between the row of lavender that stopped me in my tracks.

Then, I noticed that a lot of rows had spider webs between them. Yikes.

So if you go early, just know, the first to the fields is the spider catcher. It’s still stunning and wonderful…but maybe bring a stick to clear some webs first.

5. Download Google Maps With GPS Coordinates Ahead of Time.

You’re in the countryside of France and it may be hard to get a good cell signal. Download offline Google Maps ahead of time and save all your coordinates and where you’re ending the day so you don’t get lost. I input everything in my Google Maps before I leave my hotel in the morning to make sure it’s all there when I need it.

6. Don’t Forget the Sunflower Fields!

There are sunflower fields in Valensole too, which are gorgeous to see! There were a couple (listed above) that I mentioned and were great to visit.

7. There Are A LOT of Dirt Roads.

You’re in the countryside where dirt roads abound. And, while bigger lavender producers may have parking, for the most part, you’re parking on the side of the road. So there is a good chance that your car will get absolutely dusty and filthy. 

Just plan on getting it washed later on. 

8. Don’t Buy Lavender Bundles.

Look, you do you at the end of the day. But I made this mistake when I went to Sault for the lavender fields and instantly regretted it.

Why? Well, while it looks great in photos of the lavender fields (and a good alternative to have a lavender bundle prop without touching or taking lavender), they are SO messy.

As soon as it got in my car it practically exploded in a lavender bud confetti glitter mess. I had to vacuum my car out before returning it because it was so messy. 

It also shed lavender in every hotel room I stayed in. It’s the glitter of flowers. I do not recommend buying a bundle of lavender. 

9. Know Your Lavender Types.

Okay, there are several types of lavender, but the two main types in Provence are lavande and lavandin. 

Lavande is a “true” lavender and lavandin is a hybrid. Lavandin is less expensive, and more essential oil can be extracted with less plants than lavande. It also has a stronger smell, and more lavender grows on a stalk with lavandin.

Lavande, on the other hand, produces less oil and flowers for the same amount of lavender, but it has great qualities making it perfect for skincare, aromatherapy, and calming. It is known for being higher quality, and is thus more expensive. It also grows at higher elevations than lavandin. 

In Valensole Plateau, you’re more likely to run into fields growing lavandin. 

10. Don’t Forget About the Valensole Lavender Festival.

I wasn’t there during the lavender festival when I went, but I did go to one in Provence. I went to Le Thor for their local lavender festival as it was happening the weekend I went to Saint-Remy-de-Provence and it was AMAZING! 

But, if you’re around the 3rd Sunday in July, Valensole has their annual lavender festival. There are usually folk performances, demonstrations, and even a chance to visit lavender fields!

11. You’re Going to NEED Sunscreen.

There is little to no shade while exploring the lavender fields of Valensole. You’re in the open sunshine, and this place can be really sunny.

So be sure to bring your sunscreen! You can buy some good stuff beforehand, or honestly, any French pharmacy sells amazing sunscreen. I’m a big fan of the La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen.

You may also want to wear other sun protection like a hat and sunglasses too. 

12. Lavender Fields are Never a Guarantee.

That’s correct. I believe there was a field or two that I went to during my time in Provence expecting lavender only to be met with a wheat field. Look, it’s a farm at the end of the day and the farmer has to grow what is best for them. So while I have a map, GPS coordinates, etc. of iconic lavender fields, I can’t guarantee that the farmer won’t change their mind and grow something else another year.

Go into it with that mindset, know that you’re likely still going to see some incredible fields, and you won’t be disappointed.

So there you have it! This is everything you need to know about visiting the lavender fields in Valensole Plateau, including when to visit, the best fields to go to (with GPS coordinates), and other crucial tips to know before you go! 

Would you like to visit the lavender fields in Valensole?

Traveling to the South of France? Here are some great ideas:

• Ultimate 7-Day South of France Road Trip
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• How to Spend 3 Days in Cannes
• Perfect Weekend in St Tropez
• Best Things to Do in Grasse
• Ultimate Gordes Travel Guide
• Best Things to Do in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
• Ultimate French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days
• Top France Road Trips
• One Day in Avignon
• Explore the Ochre Trail in Roussillon
• Best Things to Do in Cassis
• Best Luberon Villages
• France Bucket List

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