Lavender fields
Lavender Fields Tour with a Private Driver
Every summer, Provence turns purple. The lavender fields are the region's most iconic sight, but the flowering season is short: you need to know where and when to go. Our drivers know the best fields.
When to see the lavender
Lavender usually blooms from mid-June to late July, depending on altitude and the weather each year. Harvesting often begins in mid-July in the lowlands, so early to mid-July is often the best time.
The best fields
- Sénanque Abbey (near Gordes): the lavender field in front of the Cistercian abbey, Provence's most famous postcard.
- Sault plateau: at the foot of Mont Ventoux, endless fields and distilleries.
- Valensole plateau: the largest lavender area in Provence, further from Avignon but spectacular.
- The Luberon: small fields between hilltop villages.
Our lavender tours
- Half day Sénanque + Gordes (about 45 min from Avignon): on request
- Full day Sault plateau + Mont Ventoux: on request
- Full day Valensole plateau (about 1h45–2h from Avignon): on request
- Custom tour with photo stops: on request
Tips: leave early for the best light and cooler temperatures; photograph from the edges without walking into the rows or picking; this is our busiest period — book as soon as your dates are set.
Valensole, Sault or Sénanque: which lavender fields should you visit?
It depends on how much time you have and when you travel. The three areas do not bloom at exactly the same moment, and they are at very different distances from Avignon.
Sénanque Abbey: the closest
About 45 minutes from Avignon, tucked into a valley near Gordes, this Cistercian abbey was founded in the 12th century and is still home to a community of monks. The lavender field in front of the church is small, but it is the most photographed view in Provence. It usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July. This is a place of worship, so keep your voice down and respect any areas closed to visitors. It pairs easily with a half day around Gordes, Sénanque and Roussillon.
The Sault plateau: higher and later
About 1h15 from Avignon, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the plateau sits at around 800 metres. Farmers here grow true lavender, the more fragrant variety, alongside lavandin. Because of the altitude, flowering comes a little later than in the lowlands, which makes Sault a good bet if you are visiting at the end of July. The scenic road through the Nesque gorges is a classic way in, and you can return over Mont Ventoux.
The Valensole plateau: the big picture
About 1h45 to 2 hours from Avignon, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Valensole is where you find rows of lavandin stretching to the horizon, often next to golden wheat fields. Peak bloom is usually from late June to mid-July. To make the most of the drive, add Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Lac de Sainte-Croix, at the entrance to the Verdon Gorge.
What is the best time of day to photograph lavender in Provence?
Shoot within an hour of sunrise or in the two hours before sunset. In late June the sun rises at around 6 am and sets at around 9:30 pm in Provence. At midday the light is harsh, the purple looks washed out and the heat is intense.
Practical photo tips:
- Sunrise works especially well at Valensole, where the rows run towards the horizon. It means a very early start from Avignon, and your driver plans around it.
- Late afternoon light brings out the texture of the rows, and Sénanque is quieter once the day visitors have left.
- Composition: line up a row with your lens for a leading line; a lone tree, a stone hut or a neighbouring wheat field adds depth.
- What to wear: closed shoes (the fields are full of bees), a hat and plenty of water.
- Drones are regulated in France; check the rules before you fly.
How to visit the lavender fields respectfully
The fields are private farmland and a living for local growers. A few simple rules:
- take photos from the edges or from paths, without walking into the rows;
- do not pick the flowers; buy bunches, honey or essential oils from farms and distilleries instead;
- never block field entrances or farm tracks;
- respect "private property" signs and fields that are closed off.
With a private driver, parking is not an issue: you are dropped at the right spot while the car waits further along, out of the farmers' way.
Who is this tour for?
Couples with cameras, families (child seats on request) and groups in our 7-seat van all enjoy it. Your driver waits at every stop, and the route can change on the day depending on how the bloom is progressing. July is our busiest month, so check our prices and book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
When does lavender bloom in Provence?
Usually from mid-June to late July.
Where can I see lavender near Avignon?
Sénanque Abbey, the Sault plateau and the Luberon; Valensole is further away.
Can we stop for photos?
Yes, the tour is tailor-made.
