Best Lavender Fields in the South of France. Where to Go and What to Know

The first time I saw lavender fields in the South of France, I wasn’t prepared for my reaction. I pulled my car to the side of the road and stepped out into a sea of violet that rolled into the distance like a dream. The scent of lavender was everywhere — sweet and earthy — and the only sounds were cicadas and bees. That moment in time stays with me, not just for the beauty, but for the stillness and the warmth of it all.

Come with me to visit the best lavender fields in the South of France.

When and Where Lavender Blooms in the South of France

There’s a moment in every French summer when the hills of the South become majestic purple. It starts quietly—just a hint of violet —and then suddenly, it’s everywhere. Lavender season is here.

Lavender season is one of nature’s most breathtaking shows—and a dream come true for summer travelers in the South of France. From late June through mid-July, fields across the region burst into color, painting the countryside with shades of purple. It’s a feast for the senses: the color, the scent, the sounds, and the calm of sun-drenched hills.

If you’re planning a trip in early June, lower-altitude regions, such as Valensole, bloom earlier, while higher areas, like Sault, reach their full color a couple of weeks later. Harvesting typically begins in early August, so mid-July is often the optimal time for visiting. If your trip is timed right, you’ll be greeted with rows and rows of violet stretching into the horizon.

Here are some things you need to know — like where to find the best lavender fields, how to avoid the crowds, and how to savor the moment like a local.

Not All Lavender Is Created Equal

As you travel through the South of France during lavender season, you’ll see row after row of dreamy purple fields. But here’s something most visitors don’t realize: not all lavender is the same. Two main types grow in Provence, and each one tells a slightly different story.

Lavande Fine – The Queen of Provence

Lavandin – The Showstopper

Then there’s lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender. It’s what you’ll see in the most famous photo-ready fields—especially on the Valensole Plateau and in the Luberon. Lavandin has taller stems, fuller blooms, and a more intense, camphor-like scent. It also blooms earlier, from late June to mid-July, and covers vast lowland fields like a sea of violet.

While lavandin isn’t used as much in fine perfumery, it’s perfect for soaps, sachets, and household products—and it’s what you’ll often find bundled in dried bouquets at markets.

Which Should You Visit?

Both!

• Head to Valensole or Forcalquier for those iconic, sweeping fields of lavender (lavandin).
• Plan a stop in Sault for higher-altitude lavender farms that produce fine lavender in fewer crowds and cooler breezes.

Whether you’re snapping photos, shopping for souvenirs, or simply taking it all in, understanding the difference adds an extra layer of wonder to the lavender experience.

Where to See Lavender in Provence

Valensole Plateau: For Bold, Iconic Views

If you’ve seen a postcard or Instagram reel of lavender fields in France, chances are it was taken in Valensole. This area in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is home to wide, open landscapes filled with row after row of lavender and—if you’re lucky—sunflowers. The scent is heady, the views cinematic, and during bloom season, the roads are lined with photo-seekers and farm stands selling everything from lavender oil to purple soap.

Visit between late June and mid-July for the best display. Valensole is best experienced by car. It’s a drive-by paradise, with plenty of places to pull off the road, wander between rows (respectfully!), and snap that classic lavender shot.

Nearby towns:

Valensole itself has a few charming inns.
Riez is less touristy and has great cafés and markets.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for something truly special. One of the most beautiful hill towns in France, perched above the Verdon Gorge.

Luberon: Lavender and Hilltop Villages

For a blend of natural beauty and classic Provençal charm, the Luberon is hard to beat. Fields here are smaller but just as picturesque, especially near the Abbaye de Sénanque, where lavender blooms in perfect rows against ancient stone walls.

Tucked into a valley near Gordes, the 12th-century Abbaye de Sénanque is the most photographed lavender spot in France—and for good reason. Lavender rows lead up to the stone abbey like a purple carpet, and it’s a surreal sight when the light hits just right.

But it’s no secret. In peak season, you’ll be sharing the view with busloads of others unless you go early. Very early. That is key here: aim for late June or early July.

Nearby towns:

Gordes – Famous for its stone architecture and sweeping views over lavender fields, especially near the nearby Abbaye de Sénanque

Roussillon – A contrast to lavender fields with its ochre cliffs and pastel houses

Sault: High-Altitude Lavender

If you prefer a quieter experience, head to the Pays de Sault. Sitting at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Sault’s cooler, higher elevation means lavender blooms here a little later than in Valensole. That also means fewer crowds and cooler evenings. Villages offer scenic walks through the fields and excellent views.

The Drôme: Off the Beaten Path

North of Vaucluse, in the Drôme Provençale, lavender grows in a more natural patchwork—fields tucked between vineyards, olive groves, and stone villages. This is the place to escape the tour buses and experience Provence at its most authentic

Lavender blooms here from early to late July. Visit Grignan, where lavender sways beneath a Renaissance château, or Nyons, home to some of the best olives in France. The rhythm here is slower, the towns smaller, and the roads narrower—but the rewards are sweet.

Nearby towns:

Grignan – Known for its striking Renaissance château and vibrant lavender fields

Nyons – A sunny Provençal town famous for its olives and lively markets

Dieulefit – A quiet artisan village nestled in the hills, beloved for its pottery and peaceful lavender trails

Forcalquier: Where Lavender Meets Local Life

Between the Luberon and the Lure mountains lies Forcalquier, a lively small town surrounded by lavender, olive trees, and aromatic herbs. Here you’ll find both lavande fine and lavandin, growing along scenic roads and family-run farms.

July is the best time to visit. Don’t miss market day in Forcalquier, and keep an eye out for roadside stalls selling handcrafted lavender products and regional cheeses. The area around Banon and Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues is particularly photogenic.

Nearby towns:

Forcalquier
A laid-back town with a bustling Monday market.

Banon
A quiet village with artisan shops and peaceful views, famous for its goat cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves.

Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues
Nestled at the foot of the Lure mountain, it is an excellent base for lavender drives and hiking trails.

Stay a While

One Last Thought

If you find yourself on a dusty road in July with the windows down and the scent of lavender on the breeze, pull over. Step into the sun. Let the hum of bees and the song of cicadas wrap around you. These are the moments you don’t plan for—but never forget. Lavender season in Provence is more than just a photo op. It’s a season of joy, stillness, and something that feels almost sacred. If you’re like me, you’ll start planning next year’s return before you drive away.