There are few travel experiences as transportive as standing in a lavender field in full bloom. Provence’s lavender season is a sensory escape like no other—the rich scent in the air, the meditative hum of honey bees, and the endless rows of violet stretching to the horizon.
If you’re dreaming of photographing iconic purple fields or simply want to plan your trip around the best time to witness this natural spectacle, this guide will help you navigate exactly when and where to see lavender in Provence in 2025.
Lavender fields near Oppède in Provence, France
When is Lavender Season in Provence?
Lavender typically blooms in late June through mid-August, though the exact timing depends on the weather and the altitude of each region. Here’s a general timeline to help plan your trip:
- Low-altitude fields (like Valensole): bloom starts around late June, often peaking by the first or second week of July.
- Higher-altitude areas (like Sault or the Luberon Plateau): bloom slightly later, with peak season mid to late July.
- Harvest season: begins around late July to early August, especially in Valensole where harvesting happens earlier.
If you’re visiting in early to mid-July, you’ll hit the sweet spot across most of the region. Want to avoid the crowds? Opt for early mornings or explore the lesser-known plateaus.
Best Lavender Fields in Provence
1. Valensole Plateau – The Iconic Lavender Experience
Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, Valensole is the most photographed lavender destination for a reason. Picture-perfect rows stretch as far as the eye can see, often paired with golden wheat fields, lone trees, and charming stone houses. It’s busy—but magical.
Nearby tip: Stop by Lavandes Angelvin, a family-run distillery with lavender products and a field open to visitors.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-July
Best for: Classic lavender photography, golden hour shoots, easy roadside access
2. Sault Plateau – For Late Bloom and Fewer Tourists
Often referred to as the “capital of lavender”, Sault sits at a higher elevation, making it ideal if you’re visiting later in the season. The landscape here feels wilder and more spread out, with views stretching over valleys and distant peaks.
Nearby tip: Pair your visit with a stop in the medieval village of Monieux or a hike in the Gorges de la Nesque.
Best time to visit: Mid to late July
Best for: Fewer crowds, scenic overlooks, cooler temperatures
3. Luberon Valley – Lavender Meets Hilltop Villages
The Luberon region, with its postcard-perfect villages like Gordes, Bonnieux, and Roussillon, offers lavender views alongside Provençal charm. While fields are smaller and more scattered, the experience feels more intimate, and easier to pair with market visits and long lunches.
Nearby tip: Don’t miss the Abbaye de Sénanque, where lavender surrounds a 12th-century stone abbey.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-July
Best for: Architecture + nature, charming drives, romantic stays
4. Drôme Provençale – A Hidden Gem Worth the Detour
Bordering northern Provence, the Drôme region is one of the most underrated places to see lavender in France. Villages like Grignan, Dieulefit, and Nyons boast scenic routes through wild fields, without the tour buses or heavy foot traffic.
Nearby tip: Try local lavender honey or stay in a countryside B&B for a truly local experience.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-July
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path exploring, road trips
How to Plan Your Provence Lavender Trip
Best Time to Visit in 2025
For 2025, lavender will likely peak around July 1–20, depending on the weather. The first two weeks of July are the safest bet to see most fields in full bloom.
Avoid visiting in August unless you’re headed to higher plateaus like Sault, many lower fields will already be harvested by then.
Getting Around Provence
The best way to explore the region is by car. Lavender fields are spread across rural areas, often off main roads, and you’ll want the freedom to pull over and explore.
Rent your car from Avignon, Marseille, or Aix-en-Provence, depending on where you’re flying into. Combining a visit to the French Riviera with Provence also makes for a great South of France itinerary, in which case you can fly into Nice (NCE) airport.
Allow for slow drives, Provence is made for scenic detours!
Where to Stay for Lavender Season
July is typically very hot in the south of France, so I recommend booking a place with A/C so you have the option to use it. Here are a few handpicked places to stay near the best lavender spots:
La Bastide de Moustiers – A beautiful Provencal escape in the lavender fields, close to both Valensole and the stunning Gorges du Verdon.
Le Clos Saint Michel – Boutique guesthouse surrounded by greenery near Sault, perfect for slow mornings. Great for couples and families alike.
Le Galinier de Lourmarin – a dreamy stay just a 2 minute stroll into the center of my favorite Provence town, Lourmarin, with excellent restaurants and a Friday market.
Le Mas de la Rose – An elegant countryside retreat in the heart of Provence, perfectly situated for exploring the hilltop towns of Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste and more.
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa – A luxurious 5* stay in the Luberon with stunning views and easy access to nearby lavender fields and hilltop towns.
For more accommodation recommendations and tips for this region, visit my full Guide to Provence.
Lavender in the gardens of Le Galinier de Lourmarin, one of my all-time favorite hotels.
Tips for Visiting the Lavender Fields
- Go early for the best light and fewer crowds. Sunrise is often the most peaceful time.
- Respect private land. Many fields are on private farms—if there’s no path or signage, admire from a distance.
- Plan a picnic. Stop by a local bakery for a baguette, cheese, and some rosé and stay awhile.
- Dress comfortably and wear closed-toed shoes if you’re walking between rows—bees love lavender, too.
- Avoid weekends if possible. Weekday mornings offer a quieter experience.
Nearby Things to Do
- Explore hilltop villages like Ménerbes and Roussillon
- Rent a boat at the Gorges du Verdon for stunning turquoise waters
- Browse local markets in Apt or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
- Visit a lavender distillery to learn how essential oil is made
- Join a photography tour during golden hour
Final Thoughts
Lavender season in Provence is brief, but unforgettable. Whether you’re road-tripping through endless violet fields or savoring slow mornings in a centuries-old village, this part of France offers a kind of romance and beauty that stays with you. Time it right, linger longer than you think, and leave space for the unplanned moments. Provence has a way of rewarding those who slow down.
If you’re planning a trip to the South of France, don’t miss my Provence and French Riviera guides. Or, visit this page for all my France travel guides.
