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Lavender in Provence is one of the most beautiful things to see in France and Europe!
Here are my four favorite places to see lavender in Provence and the best time to see it in bloom.
Lavender in Provence: Valensole
Valensole is probably the largest field in Provence. It is the first field I saw in 2013 and I saw it again in 2018 and it is really amazing. The fields seem endless, and it is amazing to drive or ride really close to these fields. The lavender here is in bloom from June 20 to July 15 (this year the cutting day was around the 13th). Not far from Valensole (25 km) is Moustiers St. Marie, a typical Provencal town and the โbaseโ of the Verdon gorges .
Valensole is probably the best place to see lavenders, at least for me!
Lavender in Provence: Saignon
Saignon is, like Moustiers St. Marie, a typical town in Provence. It is nice to get lost in the narrow streets of this small town, and the best time to do so is in July, when the lavender blooms. In July, in fact, the entrance to the town with its lavender field becomes a typical postcard landscape. The mix of the colors of the lavender and the colors of the city is truly amazing! Lavender cutting here should be 10 days after Valensole, so if you come here around July 20 you have a chance to find the field in bloom.
Lavender in Provence: Senanque
Senanque is famous for its 12th-century abbey and the lavender field in front of the abbey.
Senanque Abbey had its very brief heyday shortly after its construction. In fact, as early as the 14th century it had only three monks. During the Napoleonic period it was sold as a national asset. After various vicissitudes, Cistercian monks have been living here again since 1988.
The interior of Senanque Abbey can be visited. I recommend visiting the official website to see opening hours and book a guided tour.
This area is also famous for the town of Gordes, a hamlet located just minutes from Senanque.
The flowering time is similar to that of Saignon, so from June 25 to July 25.
Lavender in Provence: Sault
Sault is located at the foot of Mont Ventoux, at an altitude of 750 meters. This causes flowering to be generally delayed compared to other locations (June 30-Aug. 10).
Sault is a beautiful town, and the viewpoints of the fields are wonderful.
Of course, going to the summit of Mont Ventoux is an experience to be had, as it is an incredible mountain. It is amicably called โThe Giant of Provenceโ and โThe Bald Mountainโ-this is due to its unique altitude in Provence (1912 meters) and the fact that the last 300 meters are totally different, as the Mediterranean vegetation disappears and becomes desert… The wind here can reach 300 km / h. Cycling here for me was an incredible experience, as it is a famous place for all cyclists in the world.
From Sault, it takes only an hour’s drive to get to the city of the Popes, Avignon (very beautiful and lively in July, for its theater festival), and from there it takes only 30 minutes to reach Pont du Gard, a splendid Roman aqueduct.
Lavender in Provence: map
I leave a map with the best places to see lavender.
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The splendid Cirque du Gavarnie!
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT LAVENDER IN PROVENCE
- As you may have noticed, to take a lavender tour in Provence you must first know the dates of lavender bloom. Indeed, arriving in Valensole shortly after the lavender cut could be a disappointment.
- The dates mentioned above are a reference: in fact, lavender bloom is subject to weather and especially heat.
- Seeing lavender is a beautiful experience, and it joins other wonderful tours in the south of France. One of these begins in Avignon, which as mentioned is located near Sault.
- For sleeping, I highly recommend basing yourself in beautiful Avignon in case you want to visit Sault, Saignon and Senanque, while Moustiers St. Marie is perfect for Valensole. In Avignon I have always found myself well at HO36 hostel, right in the center, while in Moustiers St. Marie I recommend Gites de Venascle.
- A car is definitely recommended!
