Where to see the lavender in Provence
The best places to see the lavender in Provence and when to visit. Valensole, the Luberon, the road to Sault, Senanque Abbey, and the road to Banon, all the Provence lavender hotspots.
The first thing to know is when the lavender is in bloom. In Provence, the lavender flowers from mid-June to early August, when it is harvested. But there are variations depending on altitude and weather. In Valensole the lavender is harvested a little earlier, in mid- to late-July. Around Sault, because it is higher the season is a little later and the lavender is harvested in early August.
At any other time of year outside of June-August you will see unspectacular lines of low grey/green plants, still lavender but not photogenic. So the best time to see lavender throughout Provence is the first half of July.
Below are the best places to see lavender in Provence, with map coordinates and pictures.
The centre of lavender production in France is on the Valensole plateau, which is next to the village of Valensole in central Provence. Here you will find the vast fields of lavender that disappear to the horizon, and the richest, tuftiest quality of lavender blossom and colours.
Valensole
The best way to visit is to drive a rough circuit from Valensole up to Brunet, then Puimoisson, Riez and back to Valensole. Here are some of the best spots to get photos in the area.
At the Lavandes Angelvin distillery
43°49'25.5"N 5°56'17.8"E
Tree
Between Brunet and Puimoisson
43°53'44.9"N 6°06'46.6"E
Hut
Just outside Puimoisson
43°51'05.8"N 6°06'37.5"E
Stone hut
Luberon
In the Luberon region of Provence, among the many perched villages you will often come across lavender fields dotted here and there. The most concentrated spot for lavender in the Luberon is in the plain between Bonnieux and Lacoste. Here you can use either village as a backdrop. (This is also a great spot earlier in the year when a sea of poppies comes to life in the spring).
Senanque Abbey, Gordes
Senanque Abbey, near Gordes, provides one of the most iconic images of Provence. With its carpet of lavender leading towards the abbey, hemmed in by hillsides, it is impossible to take a bad picture at the Abbaye de Senanque.
Sault
To the north of the Luberon, on the road to Sault, you gain altitude and this is what the lavender loves. Head north out of St Saturnin les Apt on the D230 to Sault and all the lavender action takes place along the road, you just stop when something catches your eye. After crossing the Nesque river the D230 ends at the D942 and you go right, following the sign for Sault. The closer you get to Sault, the more concentrated is the lavender.
If you continue north past Sault you will be rewarded with the fabulous view of the village of Aurel with its lavender field in front.
Banon and Simiane-la-Rotonde
On the D51 from Simiane-la-Rotonde to Banon. Both Simiane-la-Rotonde and Banon are beautiful villages in the typical perched shape, with lavender fields below them to act as the foreground.
Tips on visiting the lavender in Provence
For the best lavender photos, go in the golden light of early morning or just before sunset. The shadows of the low sun will also make for more interesting shots.
Remember that lavender farms are not there for your benefit, but the farmer’s, so avoid stepping on the lavender plants. Bear in mind also that the fields themselves are private land, although they can usually be photographed from the road.
The most common question about Provence lavender is “Will it be in blossom when I visit in ……….?” The answer is no, unless you are coming between mid-June and early August.