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Last update: Feb 3, 2025 @ 11:28 pm

The best time to see the lavender fields in Provence

Are you looking to see when the best time to see the lavender fields in Provence is? If you are, you’re in luck! We have all the information you need in order to plan your trip to this incredible region, including when the lavender fields are in full bloom.

Best Time to See the Lavender Fields

Best Time To See The Lavender Fields in Provence

If your main focus in traveling to Provence is visiting the lavender fields, then you should be aware of when the best time to see them in bloom will be. After all, you don’t want to plan a trip only to find that you’ve come too early or arrived too late!

The best time to see the fields is during the summer, from mid-June to mid-July. It is true that lavender lasts through August, although the harvesters generally begin cutting the fields before then; this is so they can extract the lavender oil when it is most potent.

If you’re wondering when to travel to get the best look at the fields before tourist season, we recommend making the trip the last week of June or first week of July. The lavender will be in bloom, but you will avoid most of the tourists who make the trip later in the summer.

Peak bloom is hard to predict and only lasts a few days. If the weather is warm, peak bloom will occur earlier. However, there is generally a two to three week window where you can still experience the beautiful purple fields, even if it’s just before or after the peak bloom. The good thing is that not all the lavender fields bloom at the same time (it varies depending on the type of lavender and the area), so you’ll still have the chance to see the vibrant purple landscape even if some fields are past their peak bloom.

Where to See The Lavender Fields of Provence

Senanque Lavender Field Provence Tour

Here are some of our favorite spots to admire the stunning lavender fields of Provence. While some locations can be quite popular, visiting early in the morning or later in the evening allows for a more peaceful experience. For the ultimate lavender photo, head to the Valensole Plateau, where endless rows of perfectly aligned lavender stretch to the horizon, framed by rolling hills and charming stone farmhouses.

• Abbaye de Senanque

Located next to Gordes, this abbey is the home of the most famous lavender fields in Provence, so we suggest getting to this spot early in the morning when the light is situated in front of the lavender; it will also be considerably less crowded. The only downside is that the field in front of the abbey is completely fenced off, meaning you won’t be able to take a photo standing among the flowers. However, the backdrop of the church is so picturesque that it’s actually a good thing—no one can block the view! You can also visit the beautiful abbey, which is still active today, but be sure to cover your knees and shoulders before entering.

Things to do: For the wine lovers, make sure to stop at a local winery to taste the renowned Luberon wines!

Events: The Gordes market, held every Tuesday from 8 AM to 1 PM, is one of the best markets in Provence.

• Roads between Gordes and Roussillon

The route between Gordes and Roussillon is a scenic journey lined with lavender fields, perfectly positioned between two of the most picturesque villages in the region. Gordes, a breathtaking hilltop village known for its stone houses and stunning views of the Luberon valley, sits near the famous Abbaye de Senanque. Roussillon, equally captivating, is renowned for its ochre-colored buildings and dramatic landscape.

Lavender fields bloom differently each year, making it hard to predict which ones will be the most vibrant. Don’t hesitate to explore the back roads—you might just stumble upon the most beautiful field by accident!

Things to do: Walk the Ochre Trail in Roussillon or take a guided tour of the Ochre Quarry of Bruoux —the cool underground mine is a refreshing escape from the summer heat!

Events: In July, the nearby village of Lacoste hosts the Festival de Lacoste, a cultural event featuring opera, theater, dance, and cinema in the historic setting of the Château de Lacoste.

• Valensole

The Valensole Plateau is arguably the most iconic lavender destination in Provence. Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, just a one-hour drive from Aix-en-Provence, these vast lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a mesmerizing purple carpet that has become synonymous with the Provençal landscape. During peak bloom in late June and early July, the fields transform into a breathtaking sea of vibrant purple, with perfectly aligned lavender rows creating stunning geometric patterns. Photographers and travelers from around the world flock to this area to capture the quintessential Provence landscape, with rolling hills, traditional stone farmhouses, and endless lavender fields that seem to merge with the horizon.

Things to do: Discover the history and cultivation of lavender at the Museum of Lavender, located in Valensole, or tour the renowned Provencal L’Occitane en Provence Factory. Tours are available, but reservations are required.

Events: The Valensole Lavender Festival takes place annually on the third Sunday in July, celebrating the start of the lavender harvest with various activities and local products.

• Sault

Less crowded and more remote, Sault provides visitors with a sense of hidden beauty and tranquility. Nestled high in the Vaucluse region, about 1h from Avignon, the lavender here blooms slightly later than in other Provençal regions, typically from early-July to early August, giving travelers another opportunity to catch the purple splendor. This picturesque area is characterized by gentle rolling valleys, charming villages, and fewer, less manicured lavender fields that cascade across the landscape with a softer, more intimate feel. The lavender here is less meticulously maintained, creating a wilder, more rustic aesthetic that will appeal to photographers looking for a more natural, less structured landscape.

Things to do: Join a lavender workshop at Aroma’plantes where you can harvest lavender by hand and distill it into your very own essential oil to take home.

Event: Ferrassières hosts a Lavender Festival on the first Sunday of July, a lively celebration featuring food trucks, traditional music, local crafts, and plenty of lavender products. More details here.

• St Paul de Mausole

Another spot that we love and that captures the spirit of Provence is St Paul de Mausole in St-Remy-de-Provence. While not known for its extensive lavender fields—there’s just a small field in the back—this monastery is a must-visit for art lovers. This is where Vincent van Gogh was institutionalized in 1889 and created some of his most famous works, including “The Starry Night.” During his year-long stay, he produced more than 140 paintings and 100 drawings, transforming his personal struggle into extraordinary art. The monastery grounds offer a direct connection to Van Gogh’s remarkable creative period, allowing visitors to walk the same paths where the artist found inspiration during a challenging time in his life.

The Region Beyond Lavender Season

Les Baux de Provence village must see Provence

Provence is more than just its famous lavender fields—it’s a stunning destination year-round, offering a rich variety of historical, cultural, and gastronomic experiences. Visitors can explore Roman monuments, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, many picturesque villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence or Roussillon and of course its historical capital: Aix-en-Provence.

Beyond sightseeing, Provence offers year-round activities, from visiting a traditional Marseille soap factory to touring olive oil mills and exploring the region’s renowned museums and historical landmarks.

Wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with tastings available in the Luberon, Côtes du Rhône, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Rosé wine tours are especially popular—Provence produces 40% of France’s rosé and 6% of the world’s rosé. Many towns and cities host local wine festivals, so be sure to check for events during your visit.

Art enthusiasts will also feel at home in Provence. The Hôtel de Caumont in Aix-en-Provence regularly hosts world-class art exhibitions, while the Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence presents immersive digital art shows featuring masters like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. For an even deeper dive into artistic history, visit Arles, where Vincent van Gogh lived and painted some of his most famous works. Or, head to Aix-en-Provence to explore the legacy of Paul Cézanne, visiting his former studio and the landscapes that inspired his masterpieces.

Additionally, the Camargue, located in the Rhône Delta, offers a unique and wild landscape famous for its flamingos, white horses, black bulls and salt flats. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and wildlife photographers, providing an entirely different side of Provence.

We can’t list everything that makes Provence a fantastic destination year-round, but one thing is certain—you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its endless charm, no matter when you visit. For more on the region’s highlights, check out our article on 9 Things Provence is Famous For.

TripUSAFrance’s advice on when to visit Provence

Provence Market Aix en Provence Grand Marche

The best time to visit Provence depends on your interests, and we have some suggestions to help you plan your trip.

If you’d like to see the lavender fields: we recommend visiting from mid-June to mid-July to make sure you don’t miss the vibrant purple fields at their best. However, we strongly suggest avoiding the first two weeks of August as it is the busiest time of year when the French come to Provence for their annual holidays.

If lavender isn’t a must-see: the months of April, May, June, September, and October are ideal. These months offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and plenty of opportunities to explore all that Provence has to offer without the summer crowds.

If you’re considering visiting outside the tourist season: we will caution you that November and March can be quite rainy and that December, January and February can be quite cold and some restaurants and hotels may close for their annual vacations. However Provence around Christmas time is magical with lots of festive celebrations that will warm your heart during the colder season.

Provence is an incredible region to visit, no matter what time of the year it is. We hope that you have enough information now to know when the best time to see the lavender fields is and perhaps make a trip to this beautiful place in France whenever your heart desires. We can’t wait to see you here!

Next Read: The History & Significance of Lavender in Provence

Want to travel to Southern France like a local?

CHECK OUT OUR “8-DAY SPECIAL LAVENDER SOUTHERN FRANCE” TOURS! 

Lavender Fields of Provence Small Group Tour

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