Chasing Lavender in Provence: A Road Trip Through France’s Most Beautiful Lavender Fields

Every summer, Provence transforms into one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

Fields of purple lavender stretch toward the horizon, their fragrance filling the warm air as they sway gently beneath endless blue skies. Stone villages perch on hilltops, local markets overflow with lavender soaps and honey, and winding country roads invite you to slow down and simply enjoy the journey.

For years, Provence had been high on my travel wish list. Like many travelers, I had seen countless photographs of its famous lavender fields and wondered if they could possibly live up to the hype.

They did.

But what surprised me most wasn’t just the lavender.

It was how perfectly the lavender fit into everything else that makes Provence so magical. One moment we were photographing endless rows of blooming flowers, and the next we were wandering the cobbled streets of Gordes, enjoying lunch beneath shaded plane trees in Saint-Rémy, or admiring the ochre cliffs of Roussillon.

If you’re planning a summer trip to southern France, here’s how to experience the very best of Provence during lavender season.

We have been to Provence 3 times so far. Our first trip to Provence was past the prime lavender season but we still managed to find some lavender fields near Sault and Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. Second time we had more luck with finding lavender in Provence.

When is the Best Time to See Lavender in Provence?

Timing is everything.

Lavender typically begins blooming in late June, reaches its peak during the first half of July, and is usually harvested between mid-July and early August, depending on the weather and elevation.

We visited in early July and found the countryside bursting with color. Nearly every scenic drive seemed to reveal another field framed by cypress trees, vineyards, or a hilltop village in the distance.

Best Time to Visit

• Late June – Early blooms
• Early July – Peak lavender season
• Mid July – Best photography opportunities
• Late July – Harvest begins
• August – Most fields have been harvested

Once you arrive, rent a car, we have lavender fields to fin, get the maps and set off the road trip to the rocks and valleys and towns and forests of the Plateau de Vaucluse and beyond, where Lavender fields await us…

Map of Lavender Fields and towns in Provence

The Best Lavender Fields in Provence

1. Valensole Plateau

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Provence covered in endless purple fields, this is the place.

The Valensole Plateau is perhaps the most famous lavender region in France, with rolling hills lined by fragrant lavender stretching as far as the eye can see.

We found ourselves stopping every few miles simply to admire the changing views. Every bend in the road revealed another postcard-perfect scene.

Don’t rush this drive…. it was one of our favorite days in Provence.

Nearby: Valensole Village and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Our son made a photography trip with some friends as his senior trip and captured some nice photos during peak lavender season.

2. Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Perhaps no image captures Provence quite like Sénanque Abbey surrounded by blooming lavender.

Arriving early in the morning, before the tour buses arrived, was one of the highlights of our trip. The peaceful setting, combined with the centuries-old stone abbey and vibrant lavender fields, made it feel almost timeless.

This is one of Provence’s most photographed locations, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why.

3. Gordes

Even without lavender, Gordes would still be one of my favorite villages in France.

Built from honey-colored stone and perched high above the Luberon Valley, Gordes is consistently ranked among the most beautiful villages in the country.

During lavender season, fields surrounding the village create one of Provence’s most iconic landscapes.

Spend time wandering the narrow streets, browsing artisan shops, and enjoying lunch with panoramic views before continuing your road trip.

4. Roussillon

Roussillon couldn’t be more different from Gordes.

Instead of pale limestone buildings, the village glows in shades of red, orange, and gold thanks to its famous ochre cliffs.

The contrast between the colorful village and nearby lavender fields makes this one of the most photogenic stops in Provence.

It also has a wonderful collection of galleries, cafés, and local boutiques that invite you to linger.

5. Sault

While many visitors head straight to Valensole, Sault offers a quieter and equally rewarding lavender experience.

Because of its higher elevation, the lavender here blooms slightly later, making it a great option if you’re visiting in late July.

The surrounding roads are lined with lavender farms, and the village itself has a relaxed atmosphere that feels wonderfully authentic.

During our first trip, when lavender was harvested in most other places in Provence, the tourism office in Sault gave us a map of where we could find some lavender fields that have not yet been harvested.

We drove till we found fields that were a little more bluer and more fragrant than the ones we found earlier.

6. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy was one of my favorite towns in Provence.

Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, it’s a place where art, history, and Provençal charm come together beautifully.

While the surrounding countryside offers lovely lavender fields, I especially enjoyed wandering the lively streets filled with cafés, galleries, and local markets before driving into the surrounding countryside.

Van Gogh painted this landscape over and over again! It’s easy to understand why Van Gogh found so much inspiration here. Between the cypress trees, fields of lavender and sunflowers, and the ever-changing Provençal light, the countryside itself feels like an open-air gallery.

7. Aix-en-Provence

Elegant fountains, shaded boulevards, bustling markets, and beautiful architecture make Aix-en-Provence one of the best bases for exploring Provence.

Although lavender fields aren’t found in the city itself, Aix makes an excellent starting point for day trips to Valensole and the Luberon villages.

If you enjoy combining art, food, and leisurely afternoons at outdoor cafés, you’ll love Aix.

The tourism office here organizes walking tours in Aix, excursions to Sainte Victoire Mountain that Paul Cezanne painted and other trips around Provence. 

You can visit the atelier that Paul Cezanne painted as well.  

Our Favorite Lavender Road Trip Itinerary

If you have three days, this is the route I recommend.

Day 1
Aix-en-Provence – Valensole Plateau – Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Day 2
Gordes – Sénanque Abbey – Roussillon

Day 3
Saint-Rémy – Sault – local wineries and olive oil estates

Optional Day 4
Avignon, Arles & Provence’s Sunflower Fields

It’s one of those road trips where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destinations.

Optional Day 4: Avignon, Arles & Provence’s Sunflower Fields

After three days of lavender-filled landscapes, consider spending one more day exploring western Provence, where Roman history, Van Gogh’s legacy, and golden sunflower fields create a completely different side of the region.

Begin your morning in Avignon, wandering through the medieval streets and visiting the magnificent Palais des Papes. Stroll across the famous Pont d’Avignon before stopping at a local café for coffee and pastries.

Continue to Arles, a city forever linked to Vincent van Gogh. Walking through the streets where he created some of his most famous paintings was one of the highlights of our time in Provence. Be sure to visit the Roman Amphitheatre, Place du Forum, and the Van Gogh Foundation before exploring the charming old town.

If you’re visiting in late June or early July, keep an eye out for the sunflower fields scattered throughout the countryside between Arles, Tarascon, and the roads leading toward Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

While they’re not as predictable as the lavender fields, seeing brilliant yellow sunflowers against Provence’s blue skies is every bit as memorable.

How amazing are these canopy of plane trees we found on the way to Arles.  I was obsessing over how magnificent these trees are and now understand now the painters like Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh loved to paint them so much!

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced another side of Provence… one inspired not by lavender, but by artists, history, and the landscapes that shaped some of the world’s most beloved paintings.

Where to Stay During Lavender Season

Luxury Hotels

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide (Gordes)

One of Provence’s finest luxury hotels, with breathtaking views over the Luberon Valley, beautiful gardens, and exceptional dining.

Coquillade Provence (Near Roussillon)

A luxurious wine estate surrounded by vineyards, lavender fields, and cycling routes. Perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful countryside escape.

Villa Gallici (Aix-en-Provence)

An elegant boutique luxury hotel that captures the timeless charm of Provence while being just a short walk from Aix’s historic center.

Mid-Range Hotels

Le Jas de Gordes (Gordes)

A charming Provençal hotel with beautiful gardens and an ideal location for exploring the Luberon villages.

Hôtel de Tourrel (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence)

A beautifully restored 17th-century townhouse with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to Saint-Rémy’s cafés and galleries.

Domaine de Fontenille (Lauris)

A peaceful country estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, offering an authentic Provençal experience away from the crowds.

Photography Tips for Provence’s Lavender Fields

• Visit early in the morning or close to sunset for the softest light.
• Respect private property and avoid walking through the rows of lavender.
• Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping landscapes.
• Include villages, cypress trees, or mountain backdrops to add depth to your images.
• Beware of the bees.
• Allow plenty of time for spontaneous stops… some of our favorite photographs came from places we hadn’t planned to visit.

My Final thoughts on Chasing

As we drove back to Aix-en-Provence, the Provençal sky put on one final show. The sun dipped below the hills, casting a warm golden light over the lavender fields and the surrounding countryside. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

Finding both lavender and sunflowers felt like a little victory, but what made the day truly special had nothing to do with the flowers. It was the hours we spent together as a family… driving through quiet country roads, stopping in charming villages, laughing, chatting, and listening to the kids negotiate whose playlist would be next. Before long, the music faded, and they both drifted off to sleep, leaning on each other’s shoulders in the back seat.

I looked over at my husband behind the wheel and smiled. He may not be the kind of man who surprises me with flowers very often, but he happily spent the day chasing lavender fields with me, patiently pulling over every time I spotted another beautiful view. Somehow, that felt even more romantic.

Years later, when I think about Provence, I don’t just remember the endless purple fields or the scent of lavender in the summer air. I remember that drive, that sunset, and a simple day spent together. Those are the moments that stay with you long after the photographs have been taken.

Why Provence Stayed With Me

The lavender fields may be what first drew me to Provence, but they weren’t the reason I fell in love with the region.

It was the quiet mornings in hilltop villages, leisurely lunches beneath shaded terraces, local markets filled with the scent of herbs and fresh bread, and scenic drives that seemed to become more beautiful around every corner.

The lavender simply tied it all together.

If you’re visiting France in early summer, there are few experiences more memorable than exploring Provence when the fields are in bloom. Pair the lavender with villages like Gordes and Roussillon, spend time following Van Gogh’s footsteps in Saint-Rémy, and don’t forget to slow down. Provence isn’t meant to be rushed… it is meant to be savored.  

Photos from our road trip chasing Lavender Fields in Provence

We spend some time walking in the rows of lavender,  our noses filled with the sweet aroma.. clicking away pictures to our hearts content… we pretty much had the fields to ourselves.

Have you been to the Lavender fields anywhere?  Tell us about your experiences and recommendations.

Updated 2024

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