Lavender Fields in Provence, France - 2024 Travel Guide

After posting4 Lavender Festivals in ProvenceI received inquiries regarding the lavender flowering period and travel time. This note may provide you with more reference information. Lavender is not exclusive to Provence or France, but no place can compare with Provence in terms of tradition and scale. Therefore, planning a trip to the South of France around the lavender bloom period would be great.

The Best Areas & Driving Routes to See Lavender Fields in Provence:

The primary lavender fields in Provence are situated around and north of the Luberon and Verdon plateaus. These regions are located north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille and the east of Avignon. The map outlines the locations of numerous lavender fields and suggests driving pathways to enjoy the most scenic views. Lavender fields are scattered across the southern part of France during summer, with their visibility fluctuating. The prime spots for viewing in Provence depend on the specific day of your visit.

Monthly Calendar for Lavender Flowering Season:

The lavender blossoming dates in Provence may vary each year due to differences in rainfall and temperatures. However, the prime time to see lavender in full bloom is generally during the initial two weeks of July.

> Lavender Fields in June

Towards the end of June, except for areas with higher altitudes, the lavender fields in Luberon in western Provence will gradually bloom. In about ten days, all the flowers in the area around Valensole will be in bloom.

> Lavender Fields in July

The harvest in the Luberon typically commences around July 15th. While numerous purple fields may start to fade at this point, it's also a delightful period with an array of lavender-themed local markets and festivals.

Early July is the prime time to behold the breathtaking lavender fields, particularly during the initial week of July.

 The harvest time on the Valensole plateau is a little later, around the end of July. 

> Lavender Fields in August

If you can't make it to Provence before August, your options may be limited, but venture to the mountains, and you can still experience the beauty of the lavender fields. Around Banon, in the west near Sault, the lavender harvest kicks off in mid-August due to the higher altitude.

4 Provence Lavender Festivals in 2024:

The entire Provence region bursts with a celebratory atmosphere during the lavender season. Local traditional celebrations abound, inviting you to immerse yourself in the joyous festivities, which include food, folk music, crafts, and more. The small festivals and farmers' markets are brimming with wildness, celebrating life and the beauty of lavender.

• The first lavender festival of the year takes place on the first Sunday in July in the town of Ferrassières at Plateau D’Albion. It is a relatively laid-back and low-key festival.
• Every year, as the third Sunday of July approaches, Valensole hosts its renowned Lavender Festival. The town nestles on the picturesque plateau at the eastern edge of the Luberon and proximity to the famous village of Verdon Gorge. It takes over an hour's drive from Marseille and about two and a half hours from Nice. The Lavender Festival in Valensole is renowned for its charm. Positioned at a mid-elevation, the harvest time for the fields here typically occurs slightly later than most of the Luberon, usually around late July.
• From August 2nd to 6th, 2024, Digne les Bains, the renowned spa town in Haute-Provence, will host an exhilarating multi-day lavender festival named "Lavender Avenue" Corso of Lavender.
• Sault celebrates its Lavender Festival every August 15th. Nestled on the Luberon River’s west side, atop the Sault Plateau’s rocky heights, this is a typical provencal picturesque village. With its location being one of the highest and coolest in Provence, the fields are usually harvested as late as mid-August.

If you time it right, you will likely find the most spectacular views of lavender fields in Valensole or Sault.

Lavender Season in Provence – Best Attractions to Visit:

> 塞南克圣母院Notre-Dame de Senanque

塞南克圣母院- is a top visitor spot and premier filming location during the lavender season in Provence. This Cistercian abbey, established in 1148, nestles in the stunning Vaucluse valley and is surrounded by acres of lavender fields.

Remember to maintain reverence during services, refrain from photography or videography, and strive for utmost tranquility and respect.

Get there early in the morning to capture the best light and atmosphere without the tourists. Notre-Dame de Senanque is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

> Lavender MuseumLe Musée de la Lavande

Lavender Museum- situated in the serene and picturesque stone village of Cabrieres d’Avignon, the Lavender Museum offers an extensive exploration into the lavender industry's history and its current practices involving lavender cultivation, harvest, and distillation processes. Visitors are treated to diverse lavender-based products featuring an impressive selection of handcrafted natural cosmetics and essential oils. The museum delights every tourist with its unique offering of lavender ice cream.

> 莱阿涅尔斯酿酒厂Distillerie Les Agnels

莱阿涅尔斯酿酒厂Les Agnels Distillery is an organic lavender farm and distillery along the Route de Buoux in the village of Les Agnels, south of Apte. It is open year-round and renowned for producing a range of organic essential oils on-site. Guests are welcome to explore the farm and observe the production process firsthand.

Travel along Luberon, looking for signs, and you'll find more lavender farms and distilleries. Lavender tourism plays a vital role in Provence, with most farms welcoming the public. It's important to remember to be cautious not to tread upon or gather!