Best time to travel to Provence & French Riviera

Lavender Fields in Bloom in Provence & French Riviera

One of the first things that come to mind when you think of Provence is a magnificent lavender field

Best time: June–August

Lavender Fields in Bloom
Lavender Fields in Bloom
Lavender Fields in Bloom
Lavender Fields in Bloom
Lavender Fields in Bloom

Fragrant blooming lavender fields have become the iconic part of the Provençal culture. It's been used here for hundreds of years to make cosmetics and also in the cuisine, added to honey, sorbets, and ice cream. If you visit Province in the summer you will definitely see the stunning purple fields that have become symbolic of the region. The harvesting season takes place during July and August.

Most lavender fields are located in Alpes de Haute Provence region, to the north of Aix-en-Provence. Lavender farms are numerous near the Luberon Forest, on Verdon plateau, as well as around the towns of Sault and Valensole. The flowers start to bloom in mid-June, with peak blooming season falling in mid-July. The Plateau de Sault and the Plateau de Valensole villages hold several festivals dedicated to this beautiful plant. During the celebrations, ​there's live music, lavender cutting competitions, lavender games and markets with fresh lavender products. So get yourself a glass of wine and join the locals dressed in traditional costumes celebrating their purple gold!

Most farms open their doors to tourists from April through October, as lavender tours are a big part of their business. You can stop by Lavender Museum in Cabrieres d’Avignon to get information about the local farms and lavender products. Some of the largest farms in the area include Distillerie Les Angels in Luberon, Distillerie du Vallon in Sault, GAEC Aroma’Plantes in Sault, Ho! Bouquet de Lavande in Sault, La Ferme de Gerbaud in Lourmarin near Luberon massif, and Distillerie les Coulets in Luberon.

Notre-Dame de Senanque is one of the most famous lavender sites in Provence. An acting Cistercian abbey dating back to 1148 is located next to the village of Gordes in Vaucluse department. The abbey surrounded by lavender fields hosts guided tours in French a few times per day Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, there is a mass and no tours. It's also closed to tourists on some Catholic holidays.

By the way, while visiting lavender fields be careful with snakes that sometimes like to nestle in the bushes!

Practical info

When can visitors see blooming lavender fields in Provence and French Riviera?

Provence and French Riviera are best visited from June to August to see blooming lavender fields. Peak blooming season is in mid-July, but flowers start to appear in mid-June. Lavender tours are a big part of the region’s tourism industry, with most farms welcoming visitors from April through October. Harvesting season takes place in July and August. Show more

Which areas in Provence and French Riviera are known for their lavender fields?

Lavender fields in Provence and French Riviera are mainly located in the Alpes de Haute Provence region, north of Aix-en-Provence. The Luberon Forest, Verdon plateau, and the towns of Sault and Valensole also feature numerous lavender farms. Gordes in Vaucluse department is home to the famous Notre-Dame de Senanque, an abbey surrounded by lavender fields. Show more

What is the duration of lavender blooming season in Provence and French Riviera?

Lavender blooming season in Provence and French Riviera lasts from June through August. Peak blooming season is in mid-July. Many lavender farms welcome visitors from April to October, and the Lavender Museum in Cabrieres d'Avignon offers information about the farms and lavender products. Visitors should be cautious of snakes in the fields. Show more

Where can tourists go on lavender farm tours in Provence and French Riviera?

Provence and French Riviera have several lavender farms offering tours to tourists. These include Distillerie Les Angels and Distillerie les Coulets in Luberon, Distillerie du Vallon and GAEC Aroma'Plantes in Sault, Ho! Bouquet de Lavande in Sault, and La Ferme de Gerbaud near Luberon massif. Most farms welcome visitors from April to October. The Lavender Museum in Cabrieres d'Avignon provides information on the farms and lavender products. Show more

What events are dedicated to lavender in Provence and French Riviera?

Provence and French Riviera hold several lavender festivals and celebrations. Villages like Plateau de Sault and Plateau de Valensole have festivals that feature live music, lavender cutting competitions, games, and markets selling fresh lavender products. Notre-Dame de Senanque, a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey surrounded by lavender fields, gives guided tours during weekdays. The abbey does not offer tours on Sundays, and it is closed on some Catholic holidays. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Lavender Fields in Bloom (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin