marseille lavender fields tour

Complete Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence

Visiting the lavender fields in Provence was one of my biggest dreams ever since I saw the picture-perfect purple rows of lavenders all over Instagram.

I finally had the chance to visit in 2020 and let me tell you something: the lavender fields are even more beautiful in real life than in the pictures!

If you’re also dreaming of visiting Provence, you are in the right place! In this guide, I gathered all the important information that you need to know before visiting the lavender fields in Provence including tips about where to stay, how to get there, and where to find the most beautiful fields.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit the Lavender Fields in Provence

The lavender fields in Provence are truly one of the best dream destinations in the world but if you want to see the lavenders in their full glory, you need to be well aware of your timing.

So let’s start with the most important thing: when is the best time to visit Provence to see the lavender fields? As the lavenders only bloom for a short period of time, your timing is really crucial as it can make or break your whole trip.

The general rule of thumb is that the lavender fields usually bloom between mid-June and mid-July. Of course, it can vary a bit based on the weather conditions so the timing of the full bloom can be slightly different every year.

It’s best to do a little research before your trip just to be on the safe side, but generally, the best time to visit the lavender fields in Provence is the last week of June or the first week of July.

The school holidays in France usually start after the first week of July so if you’re planning to visit after, you will find more tourists in the area as the locals also like spending their summer vacation in Provence.

Although lavenders can technically bloom until August, most of the fields are being harvested in the middle of July so the farmers can extract the lavender oil. That being said, it’s still possible to find some lavender fields in August but bear in mind that the most beautiful ones will be already gone by this time.

Based on all this, we decided to visit in the first week of July (specifically from 1st July to 5th July) and it was a perfect time. The lavender fields were already in full bloom and we could also find blooming sage fields and sunflower fields as well. It was also perfect weather-wise as it didn’t rain and every day was sunny and hot.

What is the Weather Like in Provence During the Lavender Season

Just like the other Mediterranean areas, Provence is usually hot and sunny in the summer with little to no rainfall. As the lavender season falls between mid-June and mid-July, be prepared for scorching hot days with an average temperature of 27-30ºC (80-86ºF).

However, the mornings and evenings tend to be a lot colder, especially when the weather is windy. Therefore it’s important to pack a sweater or a light jacket as well – trust me, you’re gonna need it!

As there are practically no shades on the lavender fields, make sure to protect yourself from the sun during the day by wearing sunglasses and hats and applying sunscreen both on your face and body. It’s also important to have plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration.

How to Get to Provence

The closest airport to the lavender fields in Provence is located in Marseille so if you’re planning to arrive from another country, this is your best option. The most beautiful lavender fields are located around Valensole and it takes around 1 hour to get there from Marseille by car.

Another option is to fly to Nice, from there it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Valensole. Although it’s a longer ride, if you can find cheaper tickets to Nice it can still be a great option for you.

Especially if you’re planning to visit the Cote d’Azur region anyways! If you’re planning to do so, you might be interested in this one day in Nice itinerary or the best day trips from Nice as well.

You can also visit Provence from Paris , but bear in mind that it’s going to be a really long ride. It takes around 7.5 hours to reach Valensole by car without any stops. So in reality, it will be more than 8 hours and on top of that, you will need to pay a lot for the toll fees as well.

Another option is to take the train from Paris but since there is no direct route, first you need to take the TGV to Aix-en-Provence and then change to another train to Manosque-Gréoux-les-Bains. The whole journey takes around 5 hours in total and it costs between €70-100 per person.

How to Get Around in Provence

Having a car in Provence is a MUST (yes, with capital letters!). Seriously, there are basically no other options for getting around as there is no public transportation in the area.

The fields and villages are quite far from each other, it takes anywhere between 10 minutes and 1 hour to get there by car depending on your location and where you want to go, so walking is not an option.

If you’re flying to France, you will need to rent a car at the airport to be able to get around. Unfortunately car rental is pretty expensive in France.

For instance, it costs around €250-300 to rent a small car at Marseille Airport for 5 days (of course prices can vary based on your preferences, this rate is based on my independent research at the time of writing and I can not guarantee this rate in any way).

On top of that, you will need to pay for fuel and toll fees but luckily most of the roads are free to use in Provence.

On the bright side, parking is free almost everywhere and since the lavender fields are located near the roads, you can basically stop anywhere without paying for parking. That being said, if you’re planning to visit the nearby towns, always check the signs if there are any parking fees or not because it always depends on the location.

Bring your own car

If you live in one of the neighboring countries, it might make sense to visit Provence in your own car to save some money. Of course, it depends on your individual situation, so it’s worth doing a calculation before your trip whether it’s worth taking your own car or not.

As an advantage, you don’t need to pay for flight tickets and car rental, but on the other hand, it might be expensive to get there due to the tolls and you need to calculate the time of driving as well.

Organized tours

It’s possible to visit the lavender fields with an organized tour as well but the options are very limited. I would still recommend having your own car but if you don’t drive, organized tours can be a great option for you.

Keep in mind that most tours depart from bigger cities like Avignon, Aix-en Provence, or Nice so you will need to stay in one of these cities to be able to attend a tour.

Below you can find some of the most recommended tours, they all have amazing ratings and they usually cost between €80-150 per person depending on the activities and the duration.

Where to Stay in Provence

Although you can find lavender fields basically all over Provence, the most beautiful (hence most popular) fields are located around Valensole so if you’re planning to visit Provence (especially for the first time), it’s worth staying in the nearby area. The three best options to stay in are Valensole, Manosque, and Riez.

It’s important to keep in mind that Provence is really popular in the lavender season so you should book your accommodation way in advance to avoid higher prices or lack of places to stay in. It’s worth taking a look at your options at least 6 months in advance!

Since the best fields are scattered around Valensole it would make sense to stay there but since it’s a really small town, I wouldn’t recommend it.

First of all, there are very limited options to choose from when it comes to accommodation and on top of that, you will not find that many restaurants or things to do in the town either.

The only advantage is that since it’s close to the fields, it only takes around 5-20 minutes to get there by car, depending on which field you’re planning to visit. You can check all the available accommodations in Valensole here !

Manosque is one of the best places to stay if you’re planning to visit the lavender fields in Provence. Since it’s one of the biggest towns in the area you will find many accommodation options for any budget and there are many great restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets in Manosque as well.

Not to mention that the town is super cute, you can also spend half a day wandering around the cobbled streets in the old town. We also stayed there and absolutely loved it!

The only disadvantage is that it’s a bit further away from the fields since it’s located 20 km (12.5 miles) west of Valensole (around 20-25 minutes by car).

This means that you will need to drive around 20-40 minutes to reach the fields from Manosque which might seem a bit too much, but in reality, it was not an issue for us.

On the bright side, if you’re planning to visit other towns in Provence like Roussillon on Gordes (more about them later), Manosque is closer to them than Valensole! You can check all the accommodations in Manosque here .

Riez is another great option if you want to stay close to the lavender fields. It’s located 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Valensole (20 minutes by car) but since there are many lavender fields between the two cities, you don’t need to drive around that much.

Keep in mind that Riez is also a little town just like Valensole, so you will not find so many hotels or restaurants there either. You can check all the accommodations in Riez here !

Where to Find the Best Lavender Fields in Provence

If you’ve been reading the previous sections of this post, you already know that the best lavender fields in Provence are located near Valensole. Basically, you can find lavender fields everywhere, seriously, you can’t really drive for 5 minutes without spotting another lavender field.

The best roads to follow is D6 (Route de Manosque) which coming from Manosque to Riez and D8 (Route de Départementale) from Valensole to Puimoisson but you can also spot pretty lavender fields along D953 between Puimoisson and Riez.

It’s completely free to visit the lavender fields so whenever you find one you like, just park by the road and enjoy the view!

Although all fields are beautiful, there are some lavender fields in particular that are incredibly picturesque. I will share my favorites below with their exact locations!

UPDATE 2023: It looks like due to crop rotation, the below fields are now wheat fields in the 2023 season. Don’t worry though, you can still find many amazing lavender fields in Provence, and who knows, maybe these fields will be lavender fields once again next year!

Lavandes Angelevin

Coordinates on Google Maps: 43.822054 5.937107

The field called Lavandes Angelevin is one of the most popular ones in the area and it’s also famous for the heart-shaped tree on the hillside. It’s located 5 km (3.1 miles) from Valensole in the direction of Manosque along the D6 road.

Since the rows of lavenders are located on a hill, it’s really picturesque – no wonder why it’s one of the most beloved locations for photographers.

There is a big parking lot on the other side of the road and the parking is free. Since it’s one of the most beautiful lavender fields be prepared for the crowds, especially during the day.

However, since the field is huge there is plenty of room for everyone! There is bigger space between the rows so it’s really easy to walk between the lavenders.

The best time to visit this field is at sunset, as the sun is setting right behind the hill and the trees. Sunrise is another great time for visiting, especially because you will have the field all to yourself!

We visited this field three times during our stay, once for sunrise and twice for sunset – that’s how much we loved it!

Bonus tip: You can also find a sunflower field right next to the lavender field so it’s worth taking some pictures there as well! Unfortunately, there is a big gap between the lavenders and the sunflowers so it’s not that perfect, but I loved taking photos just with the sunflowers too.

Tiny house in the valley

Coordinates on Google Maps: 43.893751 6.116192

This field is located 15 km (9.3 miles) from Valensole in the direction of Puimoisson, you just simply need to follow the D8 road until you reach the above coordinates.

You will find a tiny house in the middle of the field but since it’s in a valley, you will barely see its top from the road. We almost missed it because of this so trust me, the house is there, even if you can barely see it!

The lavender field is huge and the tiny house is located almost in the middle so, in order to get closer, you need to walk a lot between the flowers.

This field is really different from Lavandes Angelevin as the rows are much closer to each other and the bushes are bigger, therefore it’s much harder to walk between the rows. Please be really careful where you step and don’t damage the lavenders!

Although you can visit this field basically any time of the day, I recommend going there for sunrise! It’s incredible to see how fast the colors are changing once the sun hits the lavenders, coming from blue to pink and then vibrant purple.

If you’re lucky, you can even spot hot air balloons in the sky! Usually, the balloons depart from Riez but their routes are not always the same and they are not flying every day either.

We arrived at the field around 6 am and spotted the balloons around 7 am. I didn’t want to believe my eyes first and when I noticed that they are flying in our direction I was jumping out of my skin!

Bonus tip: If you’re ready to leave this beautiful field, continue driving on the D6 road in the direction of Puimoisson. Right after the lavender field ends, you will find a sage field in its place. It’s really beautiful and the two fields are really close to each other so it’s perfect for taking some photos as well.

Stone house with mountains in the background

Coordinates on Google Maps: 43.851485 6.110340

You will find another stone house in the middle of this lavender field but it’s completely different than the previous one. The field is located 20 km (12.5 miles) from Valensole, along the D953 road between Puimoisson and Riez.

If you’re coming from Valensole, you simply need to follow the D8 road (same direction as to the tiny house in the valley) then take a right turn to the D953 road and stop at the coordinates I gave you above.

If you’re an early bird, the best time to visit this field is at sunrise as the sun is rising behind the stone house and the mountains.

The lavender rows are not so close to each other so it’s easy to walk between them and since this field is not so popular and quite far away from Valensole (let alone Manosque), chances are high that you will have it all to yourself!

Tips for Taking Photos in the Lavender Fields

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, I’m sure you will feel the urge to take a million photos at the lavender fields. Trust me, nobody will blame you, it’s just so picture perfect! I will share with you a few important tips below regarding taking photos in the lavender fields.

How to take photos on the lavender fields

As I mentioned before, you will find many lavender fields around Valensole and they are free to visit so whenever you find a field where you would like to take some photos, just park nearby and walk to the field.

It’s quite easy to walk inside the fields because the lavenders are organized in rows and you can easily walk between them.

Please make sure not to damage the lavender while you’re in the field! Try to walk only between the rows and do not step on the lavender. The surface between the rows is rocky so forget about your high heels and only wear flats for your own safety.

I hope it goes without saying, but do not pick any lavenders from the field! If you want to have a bouquet of lavender as a prop for your photos, you can buy it in basically any shop near the fields or in the towns (it usually costs around €3).

Everything you need to know about bees and spiders

Since you’re basically visiting a huge flower field, be prepared to share it with millions of bees! Yes, they are really everywhere but since they’re busy collecting pollen from the lavenders, they will not bother you (if you don’t bother them). So as a general rule of thumb, try to leave them alone and you will be fine.

However, accidents can still happen so if you’re allergic to bee stings make sure to have proper medication with you! Even if you’re not allergic, it’s best to be prepared.

My boyfriend (who is not allergic to bee stings) also got stung by bees on his ankle one evening. First, we thought it was a mosquito sting but the next morning his ankles were already swollen and he could barely walk.

Of course, you can find many pharmacies in the area as well so if it happens to you and you don’t have any medication with you, go there immediately!

If you’re afraid of bees, the best thing you can do is to visit the lavender fields early in the morning or late in the evening when the bees are not active. You will still need to face a few spiders and other insects but since they are there during the day as well, it doesn’t make any difference.

Best time to take photos on the lavender fields

If you want to take some epic photos on the lavender fields, you need to be aware of your timing. It’s quite hard to shoot there during the day because the weather is usually really hot, the light is harsh, not to mention the million other tourists flocking to the fields. So what can you do? Wake up for sunrise!

I know it sounds mad to wake up at the crack of dawn on your vacation but believe me, it’s so worth it! You need to experience it at least once while you’re visiting the lavender fields in Provence.

The sunrise is around 6 am and I recommend being on the fields at least 15 minutes before that. The light is changing really quickly and you don’t want to miss that!

You will not only have the perfect lights but you will have the fields all to yourself (except a few other photographers) and the bees are still not active in the morning so that’s another big advantage!

Another great time for shooting is sunset. The lighting is beautiful as well, but there will be a lot more other people on the fields so it’s not always easy to shoot. The sun is setting around 9.20 pm and if you don’t want to miss the golden hour, you will need to be at the fields around 8 pm.

Best camera equipment to take photos on the lavender fields

If you have a professional camera, definitely bring it to the lavender fields! But don’t worry, even if you don’t have a camera you will be able to take amazing pictures with your phone as well.

Although I mainly use my camera for taking photos, I also took a few shots with my phone and they turned out amazing. Just look at these photos below, they were all taken on my iPhone XS and edited on the free Lightroom mobile app on my phone.

Back to the camera, if you have a normal everyday zoom lens, that will be perfect for the job.

However, if you have a telephoto lens, definitely put it in your camera bag! We just purchased our Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens a few weeks before visiting the lavender fields in Provence and we ended up using it 90% of the time.

Below you can see two of my favorite photos we shot with this lens! If you want to read more about what is in our camera bag, check out my detailed post about our travel photography gear .

How to use a drone on the lavender fields

You can also use your drone on the lavender fields but there is only one little problem with that: bees don’t like drones and they will attack it the second you start flying.

Of course, they can’t really do any damage to your drone but on the other hand, the propellers can hurt the poor bees so please try to avoid that. The bees are not active early in the morning and late in the evening so if you want to fly your drone, this is the perfect time for that.

Best Places to Visit in Provence Other than the Lavender Fields

If you’re visiting Provence in the lavender season, you will probably spend most of your time in the fields. However, if you need a change of scenery, Provence has many more to offer!

There are many cute towns and other natural wonders near the lavender fields so if you have some extra time, try to visit a few of them on your trip.

Situated in Luberon, near the foothills of Monts de Vaucluse, the small town of Roussillon looks like a real-life fairytale village and it is undoubtedly one of the best small towns in France .

Although it’s quite far away from Valensole (it takes around 1.5 hours to get there by car), it’s well worth the detour!

The town features many pastel-colored houses and lively squares so you can easily spend a full day in Roussillon wandering through its charming streets and enjoying the small-town vibes. Roussillon is surrounded by beautiful countryside and it’s also famous for its huge red cliffs and ochre quarries.

Gordes is another fairytale town close to Roussillon. Since it only takes 15 minutes to reach Gordes from Roussillon, it makes sense to visit both on the same day. If you don’t have time to properly explore Gordes, you can also just visit the ‘ Town View Point Gordes ‘ where you can have a panoramic view over the town and the surrounding area.

Sénanque Abbey

If you have more time after visiting Roussillon and Gordes, you can also pay a visit to the Sénanque Abbey which is located 10 minutes from Gordes.

The abbey is surrounded by lavender fields so it’s really picturesque and you can also go inside the abbey as well. An adult ticket costs €8.50 per person for a guided tour and €9.50 per person for a non-guided tour.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is part of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon and it’s listed as one of the most beautiful village of France. The town is really charming and since it’s located only 35 minutes from Valensole by car, it’s absolutely worth visiting!

Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon

If you’re already visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, it’s worth taking a detour on your way back to Valensole and driving by the gorgeous lake of St. Croix.

You will find a cute little village called Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon nestled on a hillside on the shores, it looks so picturesque! There are many beaches on the shores so you can take a dip in the lake as well.

If you’re traveling with your family, visiting Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is definitely one of the best things to do in Provence with kids !

Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon is the deepest gorge in France and it’s an amazing place to visit for outdoor lovers. You can swim in the crystal clear waters, rent a boat or a kayak or just enjoy a picnic on the shores.

Salin de Giraud

Did you know that you can find pink lakes in France? Yes, plural! Salins D’Auiges Mortes is the most famous one but it can only be visited by train and it’s usually very crowded. Thanks to Hanna from  @solarpowerblonde we found out that there is another hidden pink lake in the area called Salin de Giraud.

It takes more than 2 hours to reach it by car from Valensole so it’s quite far away but it’s so worth the time! Personally, we visited it right after arriving at the airport in Marseille and went to Valensole after that.

The pink lakes are basically man-made salt pans and the pink color is caused by a certain type of algae. They are scattered around a huge area and I’ve heard stories from other people that they couldn’t visit the lakes because a security guard didn’t allow them to enter.

We didn’t have any problems like this at the lake we visited, we just simply parked the car and walked 5-10 minutes to reach the lakes. These are the exact coordinates if you want to visit the same place: 43.400981 4.723459

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Provence

In the below map you can find all the best places to visit in Provence that were covered in this article. You can easily save it to your phone by clicking on the bracket in the upper right corner and the map will open up in your Google Maps app. Super convenient, right?

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52 thoughts on “Complete Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence”

Such an awesome and detailed guide. Thanks for all the tips and recommendations.

You’re so welcome! I’m so glad you liked it!

I would love to visit the Lavender fields one day. Your photos are beautiful!! Great guide, thank you for sharing!

Thank you Fiona! I’m so happy you liked it!

Wow your pictures are stunning! I’ve always planned to visit Provence soon for the wine (Provence rosé is my favourite wine in the world) but I’ll be visiting for the lavender fields now!

Thank you so much Nell! Yeah, Provence has so many things to offer! 🙂

I loooove Provence and it was such a pleasure to meet you there again Kriszti! This area is so dreamy and you gave all the good tips! Great article!

It was really amazing to meet you Ophélie! Hope to see you soon somewhere in the world! 🙂

I only been to a lavender field once in London, but I would love to visit the lavender fields of France! Thank you for sharing this guide! Btw, your photos are amazing!

Thank you so much Elina! I can really recommend visiting the lavender fields in Provence, it’s such a dream!

Wow these pics are stunning, and you go to lucky with the hot air balloons!

I know! Still can’t believe we actually saw hot air balloons over the lavender fields, feels like a dream! 🙂

Your photos are so beautiful. I always to visit lavender or tulip fields. I find them very beautiful and fascinating. Hope I can visit them post this pandamic.

I hope you will be able to visit next year! The tulip fields are still on my bucket list, maybe next year 🙂

So pretty- love your photos!

Thank you Alex!

I have always wanted to visit the lavender fields! Thanks for all the info on where to stay and how to see everything 🙂

You’re welcome Sara! I’m really glad you liked it 🙂

Looks surreal! I’m dying to visit one of those!

I can only recommend it! Felt so unreal to actually be there in person 🙂

Such pretty photos! Makes me inspired to visit next year when its safer to travel! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Zoe! Hope you will be able to visit next year!

I honestly love this blog post, so helpful and the photos are just stunning!! I want to go there now! Thanks for all of the tips!

Thank you so much Rachel! I can only recommend visiting Provence in the lavender season!

I’m seriously DYING to visit these fields. They look soooo beautiful!

I had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure it’s all real! It was such an amazing experience 🙂

Love all of your photos – they are so beautiful. Also this is the most detailed and useful guide that I have seen about visiting the lavender fields in Provence. They have been on my bucket list forever. Hopefully one day soon. Pinning this for future reference! thank you for sharing this.

Aww thank you so much Polly! I’m so so happy you liked it and I hope you will be able to visit the lavender fields soon! 🙂

Saved this, straight to my bucket list! It is so amazing beautiful. Great and complete guide, illustrate with the perfect photogrpahy – where else could I find the best guide? You are great, thanks for sharing this.

You are so sweet Paula, thank you so much!! ☺️

This was a gorgeous journey through the lavender fields. I didn’t realize the season was so specific. I’ll keep that in mind in visiting. I’m wanted to bicycle through Provence so seeing the lavender fields would make it more wonderful.

Oh wow biking through Provence sounds wonderful! ? Yeah you really need to pay attention to the dates as the lavender season only lasts for 3-4 weeks!

Omg love this so much Kriszti! So many details, saving this for my trip to the fields one day! The Photos are stunning!

Thank you so much Talia! ❤️

what a great post! I want to head to France NOW! I can’t believe you were able to get both lavender and sunflowers together – absolutely stunning photos!

Yeah we were really lucky with our timing! The lavenders were already in full bloom and there were so many sunflower and sage fields around as well, loved it so much! ☺️

Great article and beautiful pictures! It’s very detailed. Thanks for your recommendations! What was the aperture setting that you used to take pictures of the lavender field? Also, where can I get the preset for your edits? The colors are beautiful.

Thank you so much Jaslyn, I’m so happy you liked it! The aperture is different for every picture, mostly between f/2.8 and f/10. I’m using my own custom made preset but they are not for sale at the moment. But I’m already thinking about it so I will let you know once I start selling them ☺️

I’ve alwayssss wanted to visit the lavender fields, and this post just made that desire so much stronger! I’m so jealous and pinning this post for later, thank you!

I can absolutely recommend it, it was such a dream come true for me! The lavender fields are insanely beautiful!

Thank You for this complete itinerary of the lavender fields. It will really help me figuring out our itinerary for mid July 2021. I had real concerns because we are also doing a river cruise that will end in Arles. However, I really wanted to see the area around the fields. This will make planning so much easier. Thanks again Bev

I’m so happy that I was able to help with your planning Bev! The lavender fields are so magical and I hope you will have an amazing trip there!

Super!!! It’s a complete guide for visiting the lavender fields! Thank you very much!

You’re very welcome Esther!

Thank you so much for this information! How long would you recommend staying in this area to see most of these places?

I think 2-3 days would be enough but if you would like to explore more of Provence, you can easily do 4-5 days as well.

Hey great photos and info!! I’m going in two weeks!!! I think I could spend every day in the fields but my friends are not photographers. (We are taking a balloon ride though.) Which field was the photo with the balloon in it? That was amazing!!! Lorraine.

Hey! I included a Google Maps link for each location under the “Where to Find the Best Lavender Fields in Provence” section 🙂 The field with the hot air balloon is the second one, “Tiny house in the valley”. Hope you’ll have the best time!

Thank you Kriszti for a well covered article on lavender visits In Provence. I feel better now as I couldn’t book any lavender field tours this time and you mentioned that it’s everywhere in Valensole. At least we could park the car by roadside and take some pictures; not the best but should be satisfactory since we didn’t plan properly. Wishing you a million readers on your posts ! Thank you !

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! Yeah, if you have a car you don’t need to join any tours, you can just visit the fields I mentioned in the blog post anytime 🙂 Wishing you an amazing trip!

Because of your details information on your blog my trip to the Lavender Field with my daughter was a dream come true. But, So sad that the Tiny house didn’t have Lavender field around it this year. But we still got some great pictures because of all your tips. Thank you so much for your contribution. You had made many people life time dream come true.

Hi Patty, I’m so glad you had an amazing trip to the lavender fields in Provence! Yeah, I’ve also just heard from a friend that due to crop rotation, now many fields that used to be lavender are wheat. Hopefully they will change it back once again next year but I’m sure there are many other gorgeous lavender fields in the area 🙂

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Don't know where to start, best places to visit in marseille, tours and things to do in marseille, best day trips from marseille.

Lavender full-day tour to Valensole

See the ocean of blue lavender in Valensole

Meet a local producer to learn more about our blue gold

The wonderful landscape of the Verdon canyon

Depart Marseille for a tour of Provence’s most beautiful lavender fields, in the Valensole area. This is where lavender is at its most colourful. Spend a day with your expert local A la Francaise guide seeing the best of Provence in lavender season. Visit the village of Moustiers-Ste-Marie and the Verdon Canyon.

Full day lavender tour to Valensole

The tour departs from Marseille where you will meet your friendly local A la Francaise guide at 8am.

Climb aboard your minivan and travel into Provence towards the Valensole Plateau . You will enjoy amazing views as your guide takes you along the picturesque roads which wind alongside the lavender fields.

The Valensole Plateau is specialised in the "lavandin" culture and you will find out about the history, traditions and culture behind this "blue gold" from your knowledgeable guide as you go. 

During the course of your lavender tour your guide will stop at the best photo spots for you to see the lavender fields in all their beauty. 

Enjoy a  stop to visit a local producer  who will tell you everything about the iconic flower of Provence and its produce like the essential oil, the lavender honey and many other specialties based on lavender.

After visiting the lavender fields, you will journey on for a stop in Moustiers-Ste-Marie . The village is perched up high in the limestone cliffs and is famous for its earthenware workshops . There will be free time for a visit and lunch (lunch is not included).

After lunch get ready to enjoy an afternoon in the Verdon Canyon area to see more lavender fields. 

At the end of your day trip to the lavender fields of Provence your guide will drive you back to Marseille for 5pm.

NB: A La Française reserves the right to modify the programme according to the lavender's blooming stage.

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

• Up to 24 hours in advance: 100% refund
• Under 24 hours in advance: no refund
• A minimum of 2 participants is required for a tour. If only 1 person is booked on a tour, A la Francaise will contact the customer to reschedule or refund the total amount.

Meeting point*

Radisson Blu hotel 38 Quai Rive Neuve, 13007 Marseille

Question about this tour?

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Other tours available

Lavender Afternoon Tour

Join an afternoon lavender tour from Aix-en-Provence and enjoy the beauty of the lavender fields and landscapes of the Valensole area! Throughout the tour you will have many opportunities to take great photos and learn about Provence from your A la France guide who is an expert in the region.

Shore Excursion: Marseille & Aix-en-Provence

Make the most of your stop at Marseille cruise terminal to discover two must-see cities of Provence ! Start with Marseille, the Phocean city full of history and then visit Aix en Provence and its unique architecture! A great experience A la Française!

Lavender Morning Tour Sault

Leaving from Avignon, this small group morning lavender tour to Sault will be an excursion to remember. Enjoy the beautiful and calming morning sun to admire the lavender before the afternoon heat sets in. Your local guide knows where to find the most beautiful lavender fields near Sault for the best views and photo opportunities! Do some shopping in the lavender town of Sault, meet a local producer and learn all about lavender.

Saint-Rémy,Les Baux de Provence & Arles

Explore Saint-Remy, Les Baux de Provence and Arles and delve into into the history, culture, magnificent landscapes, and beautiful villages of Provence. From ancient Roman sites and medieval villages to the landscapes and city scenes made famous by Van Gogh, your local guide will show you the best of Provence!

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Provence Lavender Fields Tour from Marseille

• 9 / 10 10 reviews | 110 travellers A beautiful day! We went to the lavender fields in Valensole and then to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a delightful little village! Our very knowledgeable and engaging guide Isaline answered all our doubts and questions! :) 8 Martina Straforini
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts

What is more characteristic of Provence than its lavender fields ? Join us for a unique sensory experience full of scent and color on this lavender tour of Valensole . We'll also visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie .

Description

We'll gather in front of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Marseille at the designated time, ready to embark on an adventure into the heart of Provence, specifically to the enchanting Valensole plateau . As we embark on the 45-minute drive, winding roads will guide us alongside sprawling lavender fields , while our knowledgeable driver shares intriguing stories about this remarkable region.

Prepare to indulge your senses as we immerse ourselves in the aromatic and vibrant world of lavender during our tour of Valensole . Our first stop will allow us to wander through picturesque lavender fields, capturing stunning photos and marveling at their incredible beauty.

Continuing our journey, we'll visit a local producer who will teach us more about this iconic Provencal flower. Here, we'll gain insights into the characteristics and craftsmanship behind their lavender-infused products , such as essential oils & honey .

After exploring the lavender fields, our excursion will lead us to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie . Perched atop limestone cliffs , this village is renowned for its earthenware workshops . You'll have free time to explore the village at your own pace and grab some lunch.

Once rejuvenated, we'll regroup to admire the breathtaking vistas of the Verdon Gorge , taking in even more stunning scenes of lavender fields. The landscape will truly leave you in awe. You'll even be able to take a quick dip in the lake.

Our return to Marseille is scheduled approximately nine hours after the tour's start time.

More Information

The activity takes place with a driver that speaks in English and other language.

Transport by minibus

English–speaking driver

Not included

Food and drinks

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Accessible only for folding chairs.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

À La Française! (Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur) Show more

Corporate name: TYLENE TRANSPORTS TOURISME

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Radisson Blu Hotel.

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The Lavender tour from marseille or aix en provence

• Private transportation
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Ask for others
• Marseille Airport, 13727 Marignane France
• Cruise terminal
• Aix-en-Provence, France
• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• thanh0623 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Do not trust this company This company was not professional. Don’t believe what they write on their page. I had booked this for my friends of 8. We were waiting for over an hour when they told us to be down at the port at 8am! I did not get an email or any kind of communication that the tour was cancelled. I even called and ask if they were coming and all I got was “yes, yes”. Then I had to call TripAdvisor and they were very helpful and was able reach the company and the company said they cancelled the tour with no communication to us! TripAdvisor should take them off their site and should not endorse this company at all. Read more Written February 4, 2024
• Lizeth J 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles DO NOT BOOK! DO NOT BOOK ! We had already confirmed and paid for the tour. When we got to the port nobody was waiting for us, waited an hour and called the number listed on the app, after several attempts someone answered and said he had no tours for the day and hung up. Called tripadvisor and the rep tried to call the same number and he told the rep we should wait and hanged up on the customer rep as well. We were traveling with small children (1 and 4) so you can imagine the stressful situation this put our family under. Horrible experience! Luckily we ended up with a taxi that charged us one third of what we were going to pay and ended up having a great time. Read more Written October 10, 2023
• 1036bill 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Anoir for Mayor Anoir was the perfect ambassador for his hometown. His English was excellent and the story about what inspired him to learn the language explained his solid gold playlist. The Mercedes van was in like-new condition and was very comfortable. The tour made the Marseille region come alive and helped us to overcome the surface-level issues visible as we walked around town. This was a first class experience. Read more Written July 17, 2023
• mikehX7290PE 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Rubbish Airport try not to use. I am an experienced traveller. This Airport is one of the worse I have been to. There is no provision for coaches to drop off passengers, we had to walk 10 mins, (semi disabled) the signage is poor. Security totally over the top. as semi disabled, I have never been checked so much. The queue was very long. They just could not care less. Must admit by choice we will NOT be using this airport again. Read more Written July 7, 2023
• Navigator313461 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles BEWARE!! Don’t book with this company!! Our tour guide canceled at 10:45 the night before we ported so we had no time to even try to find another shore excursion. DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY OR YOU MAY BE VERY DISAPPOINTED!! Read more Written July 1, 2023
• Z6607NNjeffc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 5 star experience with Matt Our driver Matt was amazing. He was personable, flexible and patient with our large group (8 of us) and knew the best places to visit. Aix was a very neat town to visit. We also enjoyed Cassis and ate at a restaurant that Matt booked for us on our request. The cliffs above Cassis was our favorite part of the trip. We spent most of our time in these areas and did very little in Marseille, just drove through it and we wished we had more time to visit the very beautiful church there in Marseille. The Mercedes sprinter van was brand new. Matt was on time and made us feel at home immediately. Read more Written June 13, 2023
• Mobile276123 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional experience with private tour guide We had a phenomenal time because of our tour guide, Arion! He was knowledgeable and helped us how to learn to say certain words in French. Aix en Provence and Cassis are beautiful, but Arion was the perfect guide! Read more Written May 14, 2023
• Dawn C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thank you to our guide Anoir! Our guide Anior made our trip magical. He was professional and fun to be with. We toured two towns and enjoyed an excellent lunch. Thank you! Read more Written May 1, 2023
• timmB3853CC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A true 5 stars for Aix guide Stéphane We had a fantastic time. Stéphane, our guide could not have been more accommodating and made the tour accessible to the whole group, including those with limited mobility. His knowledge of Aix and Marseille was very deep and he even charmed his way into a couple of unexpected sites. The national park above Cassis had a stunning view and lunch was great. I highly recommend this tour. Stefan made it feel like traveling with a friend. Read more Written April 28, 2023
• 170stefft 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles 5 Star Reviews for this tour company was what attracted me and our experience was a solid 1 Star - how did this happen? The expectations of our 8 member group plunged after less than 20 minutes into our 8 hour tour when a mechanical failure left us standing on the side of the road waiting for a replacement vehicle. It got worse: 1) Adam left us with his taxi driver friend without an apology or explanation; just "have a nice day." 2) Our replacement driver, although pleasant and helpful, was not familiar with Aix-en-Provence or the historical background. In summary, … To cap off this €820 tour fiasco was Adam’s response to a polite request for a partial refund - he expressed a lack of compassion for his customers and a total lack of accountability for a subpar (with a different guide) tour that was directly related to his lack of basic van maintenance. This overpriced "tour" was basically a taxi ride that should have cost much less as the taxi's meter was only €315 (paid by Adam) when the trip ended. What a disappointment… Read more Written September 11, 2022
• Adam R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles This tour is a must! Amazing tour and guide! It was perfect to go to 3 different locations and see different things. I can’t decide what I liked best- sampling food at the local open markets in Aix en Provence, the quaint Cassis waterfront, the pastries or the views! Adam was wonderful, he tailored our tour based on us wanting to see the best views of the towns and the mediterranean. Read more Written September 10, 2022
• hhf5620 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Visit to Marseille Our driver was excellent, super patient and friendly. We got to go to all the sights with plenty of free time to explore. The car was clean and neat. Read more Written August 1, 2022
• Amyhenderson31 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour of aix and chetau la coste Amazing. Found a great restaurant. Toured us around aix. So incredible. Adam was wonderful. Lunch was delicious. Read more Written July 26, 2022
• Zeljko1980 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mediteran at its best (once you leave Marseille) When you leave Marseille towards noth prepare your self to see beautiful scenery, small green hills, field of lavender, rivers. Every restaurant is fine dining place. Casis is cosy small place with beach and restaurants. Clean water and possible boat trips, good for one day trip but also for relaxing longer stay. Mediterranean at it's best. Marseille is busy, noisy, a bit wild city. Be prepare to spend a bit as the region is not cheap. Read more Written July 20, 2022
• Eyanger13 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour with exceptional tour guide Adam, our tour guide was great. Super friendly and very knowledgeable. If you are English speaking, you don’t have to worry because he speaks English very well. He was super patient with us and allowed us to determine what we wanted to do and patiently waited for us at all the stops. It’s a great tour if you just want enough to see all 3 locations and their main tourist attractions (Cassis, Provence and Marseille). If you are the type of person that likes to tour entire cities for a while then this is probably not the tour you want. It’s fast and furious which is something we like as a family of 5. I’m sure though if you wanted to just skip a venue, Adam would make it work. A word of advice though, do not skip Cassis. What an amazing town with incredible views. As Adam said to us, you haven’t seen anything unless you’ve seen Cassis. Total truth! Read more Written June 26, 2022

More to explore in Marseille

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The Lavender tour from marseille or aix en provence provided by Provence-Tours-Taxi

A Guide to Visiting the Lavender Fields in Provence

I have dreamed about a road trip around Provence to visit the beautiful lavender fields for YEARS! This past summer, I finally planned a trip back to France and I knew I had to visit for the 2022 lavender season! The region of Provence is known for its lavender fields and you won’t have to look hard to find them in June and July. If you are planning a trip to Provence, keep reading as I will be sharing everything you need to know including, when to visit, where to stay, where exactly to find the lavender fields and more!

Where are the Lavender Fields?

The majority of the lavender fields of Provence are centered around the Luberon and Verdon plateaus to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and to the east of Avignon. If you’d like to visit the fields, I would recommend renting a car to get around. We made Marseille, France our home base while we were in Provence, and from there we planned a day trip in search of Lavender. You could also base yourself in Aix-en-Provence, which I would recommend over Marseille.

Like wheat or sunflower fields (which you can also find in the region), lavender fields are found bordering the roads. So just drive around the region and stop whenever you see a field that you fancy!

When to Visit the Lavender Fields?

Lavender starts to bloom around mid to end June until it is harvested end July to mid-August. The lavender blooming depends on the weather conditions, the variety and elevation. Generally speaking though, the best time to go to the Provence to experience the lavender in full, glorious scented bloom is between end-June and end-July.

If you don’t like the crowds and you want your lavender exploring to seem exotic, go before mid-July. True, the prime blooming for the lavender starts mid-July but that doesn’t mean you don’t get purple and blue hews earlier.

My recommendation for a “typical” year visiting lavender in the Provence would be the last part of June – right before the French are on holiday and most tourists arrive for high season. If you are interested in capturing sunflowers and lavender together, you will need to go mid to late July.

How to Get to the Lavender Fields?

The best way to plan your journey from Aix-en-Provence, Marseille or Avignon is by renting a car. It will give you the flexibility you need to visit the fields at your own pace. We rented a car from Avis , which is conveniently located in the Marseille Railway Station. If you plan to stay in Aix-en-Provence, there is also an Avis located at the TGV station.

Once you arrive at any of the lavender field locations, you can easily park on the street or in a nearby area to visit the fields. I would not recommend taking public transportation, but instead book a tour if you don’t feel comfortable renting a car. Check out the tours I have linked below.

• Full Day Lavender Tour from Aix-en-Provence
• Full Day Lavender Tour from Marseille
• Fully Day Lavender Tour from Avignon

You’ll be traveling through more rural parts of Provence and public transport isn’t that frequent and won’t stop directly in front of the fields, meaning you’ll probably have some walking/hiking to do and won’t be able to cover multiple fields in a day trip.

Where to Stay in Provence?

We stayed in Marseille at the AC Hotel Marseille Prado Veldrome . The hotel is in a great location and was perfect for our 2 night stay in Marseille. Unfortunately, although the hotel was great, we were highly underwhelmed by the city of Marseille and additionally, found it to be very dirty overall.

After spending half a day in Aix-en-Provence on our way to visit the lavender fields, I would highly recommend staying there instead. Aix-en-Provence is a quaint, small town filled with charming streets and endless amounts of things to do. It is easily accessible by train from Paris, if you fly to Paris first and spend a few days there. The Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel is the perfect spot to spend your time in Aix-en-Provence and visit the lavender fields.

It may also be helpful to pick a home base depending on your travel time to the lavender fields from each area.

• Marseille to Valensole Lavender Fields is about 1.5 hours
• Aix-en-Provence to Valensole Lavender Fields is about a 1 hour
• Avignon to Valensole Lavender Fields is about 1.5 hours

Where to Find the Lavender Fields in Provence

Drive through  D6 (Route de Manosque)  where the road is literally teeming with fields of these beautiful purple flowers.

If you’re coming from Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, or Avignon – your first stop after exiting the A51 motorway at Manosque will be field Terraoma.

It’s quite easy to drive through Provence to the lavender fields. I suggest using Google maps and type in the coordinates of the exact field you want to visit. Once you’re there you essentially just keep driving down the same road and you will see multiple lavender fields, feel free to stop by any but the most popular ones are on the main road and you’ll see plenty of photographers and cars parked on the side of the road taking pictures.

Here are the Lavender Fields I visited:

GPS: 43.8191, 5.93266

These stunning fields at Terraroma are a more recent development. The rolling hills here are prime for photos, and there’s plenty of space for everyone to get their shot. You can’t miss the Terraroma sign smack in the middle of the field, but it’s easy enough to work around it with angles, cropping, or just walking towards the far end of the field if you don’t want it in your shot.

The Terraroma distillery is across the road, where you’ll park. So pop in and pick up some honey, soap, essential oils, or a bunch of dried lavender for your photoshoot while you’re there!

From here, the fields merge into your next lavender spot, Lavandes Angelvin.

Lavandes Angelvin

GPS: 43.82374, 5.93828

If you’ve visited Terraroma next door, you can just walk across to these fields.

If you’re coming by car, there’s a small car park on your right as you approach. Park your car there and pick up some tasty treats from the roadside stall selling lavender-infused goodies. Opposite this car park is where you’ll find the most photographed lavender field in Provence, with its iconic trees.

Pit Stop: Valensole Village

GPS: 43.837623, 5.987164

You can bypass Valensole Village and go straight through to your next lavender field, or pop into this charming village for an al fresco lunch or lavender flavored ice cream on your way. It’s a petite village, so a quick stop won’t take up too much of your time. It’s a great spot if you’re in need of water, food, snacks and even lavender for your photoshoot.

We decided to stop and explore the area and have some lavender ice cream, which was perfect on a hot summer day!

Gently Sloping Lavender Field

GPS: 43.88628, 6.05534

On the right-hand side of the road, as you drive away from Valensole and towards Puimoisson, you’ll find this expansive lavender field with a gentle incline at one end.

For some reason, this lavender field in Valensole is quieter than most, so it’s a good one to take portraits or family photographs – without having to worry about anyone getting in your shot.

Stone hut lavender field s

GPS: 43.89574, 6.11351

You may not notice the little stone hut when you first pull over. But it’s there, hiding just past a little dip in the lavender.

GPS: 43.85181, 6.11049

This field is known for its tiny stone hut in the distance. You can get some beautiful photos here as well without a ton of tourists.

Quiet lavender field among the trees

GPS: 43.84535, 6.15548

Continue on towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and you’ll find this vibrant field surrounded by luscious green vegetation. Again, it’s the natural swell of the earth that makes this one of the best lavender fields in Valensole.

That concludes my tour of the Valensole lavender fields! This isn’t an exhaustive list, as I believe it’s best to leave a little room for discoveries along the way, but it gives first time visitors an overview of the area.

If you plan on completing this route in one day, I’d suggest starting early so you’ll have time to take in the villages and views as you go.

But, if you are on a short time frame, it’s possible to complete this lavender route (and have time for photographs) within 5 hours. You just won’t have adequate time to add on the village visits or make stops along the way.

Tips for Visiting the Lavender Fields

• Bring plenty of water
• Make sure to offline your route and maps of the area in case your connection is poor and you loose signal. This happened to us a few times during our drive through the South of France.
• Eat in the town you’re coming from or bring snacks or a picnic for your drive. If you’re planning on visiting the villages on this Valensole lavender fields itinerary, you’ll struggle to find somewhere to eat outside of regular meal times
• Beware of the bees! You will hear the bees buzzing away in the lavender fields and they are for the most part harmless, unless you’re allergic to bees of course.
• Don’t stomp on the lavender. You will see there are trails in between the lavender. Make sure to walk on these trails and be mindful of where you are stepping.
• The best time for photos is in the early morning or sunset when the sun isn’t so harsh.

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Hi – thanks for the helpful tips. Do you think mid July is too late for the lavender in valensole — like July 8-12? Can I ask what time of year you visited/took these beautiful pics?

Hi Jillian, I visited towards the end of June. Every year the dates of when the lavender fields bloom vary, but typically its between June and July. I suggest contacting some of the lavender fields directly through Instagram or email so they can provide more accurate information.

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Hi, my name is Christine and I intend to show you a part of my life through my passion for traveling and fashion. You can find me exploring the world one plane, train and glass of Champagne at a time!

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Description of the tour Aix-en-Provence and Lavender Fields.

What to expect from the tour:, additional information, photo gallery.

Sunset Lavender fields

• Photo stops at lavender fields.
• Village of Valensole.
• Lavender Producer

Organizer : Bonjour Provence Duration : 7.5 hour(s) Number of participants : 2 to 16 participants.

Important information: Please make sure to have water and a snack with you to save time. Tour may last longer in case of multiple pick-ups.

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