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When summer arrives in the South of France, the hills and plains of Provence burst into a sea of purple—and that’s when Provence Lavender Season: Best Viewing Spots & Festival Experiences takes center stage. This iconic time of year draws travelers from across the globe, all eager to soak in the beauty of Provence lavender, join lively French lavender festivals, and capture postcard-perfect moments in some of the region’s most scenic spots.
Whether you’re an avid photographer, a culture lover, or simply someone who craves the tranquility of blooming fields, Provence Lavender Season offers something unforgettable. Let’s dive into the best places to see lavender, the can’t-miss festivals, and pro tips to make your trip to South of France travel during this season truly special.
Timing is everything when chasing Provence lavender, and Provence Lavender Season: Best Viewing Spots & Festival Experiences hinges on knowing where to go—and when. The lavender bloom stretches from late June to early August, but each region peaks at a slightly different time, thanks to variations in altitude and climate. Here’s your go-to guide for the best viewing spots, tailored to the season:
The Valensole Plateau is the crown jewel of Provence lavender season, and late June is when it transforms into an endless purple expanse. This flat, sun-drenched plain (located between Avignon and Nice) is home to hundreds of lavender fields, many bordered by golden wheat fields or rows of sunflowers—creating a vibrant, patchwork landscape that’s perfect for drone photography. Unlike smaller fields, Valensole’s vastness lets you capture sweeping shots of lavender stretching to the horizon, with the snow-capped Alps visible in the distance on clear days.
For the best views, drive the D6 road through Valensole; pull over at designated viewpoints (look for signs marked “Vue sur les Lavandes”) to avoid trespassing on private property. Local farmers often sell fresh lavender bunches or small bottles of essential oil at roadside stalls—great for bringing a piece of Provence lavender season home.
By mid-July, the lavender fields surrounding Abbaye de Sénanque (a 12th-century Cistercian monastery) are in full bloom—and this spot is non-negotiable for anyone seeking a blend of natural beauty and history. The monastery’s stone walls and arches provide a striking contrast to the soft purple of the lavender, making it one of the most photographed scenes in Provence during lavender season.
But here’s a key tip for Provence Lavender Season: Best Viewing Spots & Festival Experiences: you must book your visit in advance. The abbey limits the number of visitors to protect the fields and preserve the peaceful atmosphere, so reserve a slot on their official website (tours are available in English and French). After your tour, wander the small gift shop inside the abbey—they sell handcrafted lavender products made by the monks, including lavender honey and scented candles.
If you’re visiting Provence in early August, head to the Sault Plateau—a higher-altitude region (around 800 meters) where lavender blooms later than in Valensole. Unlike Valensole’s flat fields, Sault’s lavender grows in terraced plots, carved into the hillsides overlooking the Luberon Valley. This unique landscape adds depth to your photos and offers quieter viewing experiences, as Sault is less crowded than Valensole.
While in Sault, stop by the Musée de la Lavande (Lavender Museum) to learn about the history of lavender cultivation in Provence—you’ll discover how this fragrant herb has been used for centuries in medicine, perfume, and cooking. The museum also has a small garden where you can smell different lavender varieties, from the classic Lavandula angustifolia (used in essential oils) to the more vibrant Lavandula stoechas (with tufted purple flowers).
No Provence Lavender Season: Best Viewing Spots & Festival Experiences guide is complete without highlighting the region’s lively French lavender festivals. These events celebrate all things lavender, from its cultural significance to its practical uses, and they’re a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local Provençal culture.
The Valensole Lavender Festival is the most famous in Provence, and it’s held every year on July 20 (rain or shine). The centerpiece is the flower parade: decorated floats, pulled by tractors or horses, are draped in fresh lavender bunches, while locals dress in traditional Provençal clothing (colorful dresses, straw hats, and linen jackets) and dance to folk music. The parade winds through the center of Valensole, ending at the town square, where a giant “lavender throne” is set up for photo ops.
After the parade, explore the festival’s market stalls, where you can sample lavender-infused treats (like lavender macarons or lavender honey yogurt) and buy handcrafted goods. Don’t miss the “lavender oil distillation demonstrations”—you’ll watch how fresh lavender is turned into the essential oil that makes Provence lavender so famous.
For a more intimate festival experience during Provence lavender season, visit the Sault Lavender Festival on August 15 (a national holiday in France, so expect a festive mood). Unlike Valensole’s big parade, Sault’s festival focuses on local craftsmanship: over 50 artisans set up stalls in the town square, selling everything from lavender soap and linen scarves to hand-painted pottery decorated with lavender motifs.
One of the highlights is the “lavender picking contest,” where teams race to harvest lavender bunches using traditional sickles—winner gets a basket of local products, including a bottle of lavender liqueur. There’s also live music from Provençal folk bands and a communal dinner in the square, featuring classic dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse (fish stew), paired with local rosé wine. It’s a wonderful way to connect with locals and celebrate the end of the lavender season.
To make the most of Provence Lavender Season: Best Viewing Spots & Festival Experiences, you’ll want to capture its beauty—and these pro tips will help you take photos that look like they belong in a travel magazine:
The harsh midday sun can wash out the vibrant purple of Provence lavender, so wake up early to shoot between 7 and 9 AM. During this time, the light is warm and diffused, casting a golden glow over the fields and enhancing the contrast between the lavender and the sky. Use a telephoto lens (70–200mm) to zoom in on details: bees hovering over blooms, dewdrops on lavender petals, or a single stem standing out in a field. This lens also helps compress the landscape, making the rows of lavender look more dense and dramatic.
For a iconic Provence shot, drive to the hilltop village of Gordes in the late afternoon (around 6–7 PM). This medieval village is built from golden stone, and its narrow streets and terraced gardens are lined with lavender bushes. As the sun sets, the stone buildings glow pink and orange, while the lavender remains a rich purple—creating a stunning color contrast. Set up your camera on a tripod to capture long exposures of the village at dusk, or walk to the “Vue sur Gordes” viewpoint for a wide shot of the village nestled among lavender fields.
Lavender fields are beautiful on their own, but adding a person (or a prop) can help viewers appreciate their vastness. Ask a travel companion to walk through a Valensole field (staying on paths!) while you shoot from a distance, or bring a woven basket to place in the foreground of your photo. Avoid wearing bright colors—neutral tones (white, beige, light blue) let the lavender be the star.
Provence Lavender Season: Best Viewing Spots & Festival Experiences isn’t just about seeing pretty flowers—it’s about immersing yourself in a culture that’s deeply connected to the land. From the vast fields of Valensole to the quiet serenity of Abbaye de Sénanque, from the lively parades of Valensole’s festival to the artisanal stalls in Sault, every moment of Provence lavender season tells a story of tradition, beauty, and community.
Whether you’re sipping lavender tea at a roadside café, capturing the perfect sunset in Gordes, or bringing home a jar of lavender honey, this season will leave you with memories that last long after the blooms fade. For anyone planning South of France travel, timing your trip to coincide with Provence lavender season is the best way to experience the region’s magic.
So pack your camera, grab a sunhat, and get ready to fall in love with the purple heart of Provence. Provence Lavender Season: Best Viewing Spots & Festival Experiences awaits—and it’s sure to be the highlight of your French adventure.
Uncover further inspiration in our blog.
Where to eat in Provence: best restaurants
The Ultimate Provence, France Guide
France: A Trip to the Five Best Cities to Visit in Provence
Aveline Lux is a visionary writer and digital storyteller, using her blog on CitiWell Shop as a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
Traveling extensively across continents, Aveline draws inspiration from different cultures and global trends, infusing her articles with unique perspectives and practical insights.
Aveline enjoys photography, hiking through nature trails, and curating playlists that fuel her creative process.
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