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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

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Visitor’s Guide to the Provence Lavender Fields in Valensole, France

Last Updated: June 14, 2023 · France

Making a trip to visit the lavender fields in France remains one of my favorite bucket list moments!

At the time, I was living in the charming city of Aix-en-Provence and had the chance to go on a day trip out to see the lavender fields of Valensole and kayak in the nearby Lac du Verdon.

If visiting and photographing the lavender fields in Provence, France is on your own bucket list, then read more below!

I answer all your questions about how to get to Provence’s lavender fields, when’s the best time to visit, and the best photography tips for shooting the lavender fields.

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Lyon, France

Table of Contents show
How to Visit the Lavender Fields in France
Where Are the Lavender Fields in Provence?
Where we went to see the lavender fields
The Best Time to Visit the Provence Lavender Fields
La Fête de Lavande — Lavender Festival
Photography Tips for Shooting the Lavender Fields
1. Aim for the golden hour at sunrise or sunset
2. Bring a trusty tripod
3. Pack backup outfits
4. Watch out for the lavender bees!

How to Visit the Lavender Fields in France

Woman in the lavender fields of Provence, France

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Where Are the Lavender Fields in Provence?

The world-famous lavender fields can be found in France’s southeastern Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

There are three plateaus where you can find lavender: The Valensole Plateau, Sault Plateau, and Luberon Plateau.

provence lavender fields france
lavande | lavender fields provence

The plateau de Valensole is one of the most popular places in Provence to see the lavender fields. Second to Valensole is Sault, the capital of Provence’s lavender production.

As for the villages, Valensole, Sault, Mont-Brun Les Bains, Grasse, Lourmarin, and Sisteron, among others, all have idyllic lavender fields.

You don’t necessarily have to visit the most popular one. Support the little guys, too!

In any case, you’re likely to see miles and miles of fields lush with the purple flower (“la petite fleur bleue” in French) on your drive to Provence.

💜 Want to stay in the area? Check out these best places to stay around Valensole.

Where we went to see the lavender fields

  • J.P. Angelvin:  A local producer of lavender in Valensole. Follow the D6 highway between Manosque and Valensole. These guys are the best! It’s here where you’ll find the lavender fields with the iconic ‘Lone Tree’ in the background. A photographer’s dream!
  • Address: Lavandes Angelvin, Campagne Neuve, 04210 Valensole
  • GPS coordinates: Latitude 43.824546, Longitude 5.938015
lavender bee | lavender fields | provence france | valensole france
where to find the best lavender fields in provence france
lavandes angelvin | valensole lavender fields | valensole plateau | lavender

The Best Time to Visit the Provence Lavender Fields

When can you see the lavender fields in Provence? Late June and early July are the best times of the year to visit. 

Precisely, mid to late June is when the lavender season really starts to be in full bloom. Between then and early July is the best time (although not a guarantee) to catch the fields in full bloom. Early August might be too late, but it depends.

The last harvest is in Sault in mid-August during their festival (read more below).

Travel Tip: In general, know that July is a popular month across France for travelers. Not to mention, the French take their holidays in August which is why France’s top tourist spots see spikes in crowds around this time.

We traveled to Valensole, France for the lavender season in mid-June. The lavender fields in Provence have since gained in popularity since we visited so you can expect more crowds. Nonetheless, if your mission is primarily to photograph the lavender fields, aim to visit in late June and throughout July before the final harvest in August.

La Fête de Lavande — Lavender Festival

Sault Lavender Festival: With Sault as the capital of Provence’s lavender fields, an annual festival has been held every year there on August 15 for the last lavender harvest. The Sault Plateau, like the Valensole Plateau, is the largest producer and harvester of lavender. During the festival, you can pick your own lavender for free from the fields. There’s also a buzzing farmer’s market filled with lavender goods and artisanal products!

lavender fields provence photography tips

Photography Tips for Shooting the Lavender Fields

The Provence lavender fields are a photographer’s dream. Here are a few photographer tips for shooting the lavender fields in Provence.

1. Aim for the golden hour at sunrise or sunset

As every photographer knows, lighting is key. When we visited the lavender fields, photography wasn’t on my mind. It was actually long before I took travel blogging seriously. (Luckily, I kept notes and a visual diary of that day to remember for later!) So when we went, it was high-noon.

If you can, aim for sunset as that’s the best time to get that golden glow and backdrop at the lavender fields. Mid-day lighting from the sun will result in harsh lighting, making it harder to edit in post. (Like in my photos!)

Sunset tip: Sunrise in mid-June in Provence is around 6 am, maybe too early for shooting. Summers in France have long days, so sunset will be around 9-9:30 pm in June.

2. Bring a trusty tripod

I would love to visit Provence again now that I have a compact tripod and a better sense of my photography style. Having a tripod is essential for capturing those perfectly-aligned shots of the lavender rows with stability and precision.

lavender | hat | lone tree | valensole
lavender | lavande | bee | fields
lavender fields provence
provence lavender fields travel

3. Pack backup outfits

Turn a good picture into a great picture by coordinating the outfits you wear in the shot. (Assuming you will be in the photo.) Plan your outfits in advance to nail that shot! I’ve seen a range of outcomes by photographers that compose elegant shoots with dresses to farmer-style shoots with overalls and straw hats.

4. Watch out for the lavender bees!

BEE CAREFUL! 🐝

Please be aware that the fragrant lavender fields attract lots of bees. The lavender fields are actually humming with them! Be careful and mindful of your surroundings so as to not disturb the bees when you walk through the lavender rows.

If you visit the lavender fields, please remember to be a responsible traveler. Don’t pick lavender without paying the local farmer or producer (always inquire first), don’t trample on flower beds or fields, and don’t leave trash behind!

Is visiting the lavender fields in Provence, France on your bucket list?

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By: Bri · In: France

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Comments

  1. Bingyu says

    June 14, 2023 at 3:23 pm

    Hi Bri, thanks for your sharing:) And you took amazing photos. Would you mind sharing what camera you used to take these pictures?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      June 14, 2023 at 6:56 pm

      Thanks, Bingyu! 💜 I was using the SonyA6000 when I took these photos. Now I use the SonyA7II

      Reply
  2. Ann Rotunno says

    January 7, 2021 at 1:23 am

    Hi Bri- my husband and I are looking for a small farmhouse with a pool near Valensole to stay for two weeks in July … any suggestions? Would actually love to stay at a working lavender farm if that’s a thing.

    Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      January 10, 2021 at 12:55 pm

      Hi Ann! Thanks so much for writing! Your trip sounds lovely. I am not sure about working farms, but there are several “gites” you can stay in (i.e. basically cottage/farmhouse stays) and I found several with pools! The Costbelles has a swimming pool and is situated really close to the lavender fields as well as Lac St. Croix. If you want a French hosting experience I’d book with them! 🙂 Hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  3. Joy says

    August 1, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    We were supposed to spend a week in June from Tolouse to Nice stopping Provence, also to take a hot air balloon. Too bad covid
    changed all the travel plans.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      August 1, 2020 at 4:42 pm

      Aw wow Joy, that trip sounds wonderful. I’m sorry you had to miss out on that this year. I hope this mini-guide could transport you there (even if virtually). Keeping my fingers crossed for next year!

      Reply
    • Pauline says

      June 29, 2023 at 10:34 pm

      I visited Provence end of September two years ago.
      It was too late to see the Lavender fields, very disappointed.
      Thanks a lot for all these details, sure will visit Provence again next year!

      Reply
  4. Mayuri Patel says

    April 11, 2020 at 9:53 pm

    Lavender fields of France is highly on my list and this looks so beautiful.Loved your all travel tips for better photography.Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:43 pm

      Thanks Mayuri! I want to go back and take better photos next time 🙂

      Reply
  5. Alexandra Booze says

    April 11, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    This is high on my list of places to visit!! I would love to get a drone and bring it to the fields. Do you know if it is allowed?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Oh good question. I haven’t seen drone shots here so perhaps not. I imagine you could ask one of the landowners!

      Reply
  6. Taylor says

    April 11, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    I love this guide Bri! Your beautiful photos brought me back to when I was there two summers ago. I hope to go again in the future. 🙂

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      Aw thanks Taylor! We must’ve missed each other by one summer then, haha! I hope to go again too.

      Reply
  7. roshni says

    April 11, 2020 at 11:33 am

    the lavender fields have been on my bucket list for forever! hopefully next year

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      I know, I have a feeling they will not allow the public to visit this year

      Reply
  8. Francesca says

    April 11, 2020 at 11:31 am

    The lavender fields are absolutely dreamy – such an amazing colour and I bet it smelt lovely too!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      you’re right they did! i just remember a beautiful silence and a southern French summer breeze!

      Reply
  9. Bettina says

    April 11, 2020 at 11:27 am

    I love this post so much! I would love to travel to France one year to see this myself!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks, Bettina! I hope you get the chance! x

      Reply
  10. Sharon Odegaard says

    April 11, 2020 at 8:37 am

    Wow — the lavender is so lovely! Your photos make me want to visit (maybe soon!!!)

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      That would be wonderfully – and yes, hopefully!

      Reply
  11. Suvarna Arora says

    April 11, 2020 at 8:32 am

    This will definitely come handy when I visit. I was hoping this summer.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      I know, we will have to see I guess. I definitely felt nostalgic writing this post and going through all the photos!

      Reply
  12. Sarah Barthet says

    April 11, 2020 at 7:56 am

    This is the perfect afternoon out for me! I love visiting lavender fields – I hope to be able to experience it in Provence one day!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Yes, they’re beautiful! Next time I’d like to stay in the area for longer and perhaps visit the Sault harvest festival.

      Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Traveling solo in Nepal has awakened in me a confi Traveling solo in Nepal has awakened in me a confidence & sense of self (at the risk of sounding cliché), of “my essence” and inner Knowing, and where my compassion and passions mingle and thrive. I was reading some of your comments on my recent Reel about solo travel and how I put myself at great risk/in danger. But as I was telling my Tibetan friend, Sonam, tonight (yes, the new one I made last week!), I inform my decisions mostly by 1. Asking myself, “Would this make a good story?” and 2. Listening to my body and emotions. Yes, it’s risky to travel solo, to be a female in a male-dominated culture, to go out after hours with people you just met, etc. But doing that — and all the magic that followed by “allowing” — reminded me exactly of who I am at my core: Curious and open to the world, willing to get uncomfortable for the sake of finding magic and serendipity. Some of you said, “I’m too scared to do this, how do you overcome that fear of personal safety?” And to this I say, I don’t! Fear accompanies me along the journey. Living life is one big risk. It’s uncomfortable to be open, vulnerable, and unsure. But once you accept that and once you begin to let compassion and curiosity guide you rather than your fear, the real magic starts to happen in all areas of life, not just travel. I find these moments most in travel though, when I’m confronted with contrast and am left vulnerable to the world and the kindness of my fellow humans. My Reels are not meant to romanticize or gloss over very real risks/threats in life, but rather to share a real account of what’s possible (adventure, connections, love, etc) when you worry less about societal norms and what’s “safe not safe” “right not right” and allow your over-active fears to take a backseat. 
This is your reminder to trust your inner compass to guide you in writing your epic life story. ✨✨

To sum it up: 

1. Choose a life of adventure 
2. Stay curious
3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable (otherwise said, seek discomfort)
4. Let love and light flow in and out 
5. Change is the only constant 

#solotravel #nepaltravel #solofemaletraveler #soloadventure #localtravel #trekkingnepal #adventurethatislife
The strength of women 💛 These ladies were lau The strength of women 💛 

These ladies were laughing so sweetly while filling up their water jugs at the Manga Hiti fountain in Patan. I watched them for a while and then plucked up the courage to ask if I could take their photos, which only made them giggle more. 

I've always felt that not being able to communicate in the same language makes for even more interesting encounters. Without words, we have to touch each other's humanity with eyes and gestures, and most of the time it leads to unspoken mutual understanding, acceptance, and love. We three walked away with the biggest smiles on our faces. I yelled out "Dhayabad!" (Thank you!) as they hoisted their jugs up the stairs, laughing all the way. I won't forget this shared moment between us 🙏 

Check stories for the landscape orientation for some of these photos ✨ 

#nepal #nepalnow #nepalphotography #nepaliculture #nepalisbeautiful #natgeoyourshot #patan #kathmanduvalley #lifetimeexperiences #photonepal #nepaltravel
Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swi Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swirling spirituality, its raw humanity? ✨🇳🇵❤️

#nepal #visitnepal #nepalnow #travelstories #localtravel #mindfultravel #slowtravel #natgeotravel
When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay open to the randomness of life and the kindness of strangers, really wonderful memories can be made. Thank you Lama family and my new Tibetan friends for such a fun and insightful sequence of experiences 🙏 💛

#solotravel #localtravel #nepaltravel #nepaldiaries #nepali #solofemaletravel #kathmandunepal #thamel #tibetanfood #solotraveldiaries
My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 

Being back after 7 long years away has jolted my body, brain, and spirit. At first, I felt overwhelmed with the recurring thought of, "I don't know what to do with myself." It was only when acceptance knocked on my door, and I finally decided to let it in, that things began to shift and flow.
 
In Nepal, particularly Kathmandu, everything around me swarms like a hive. I have nowhere else to go but inside myself. I've discovered through years of slow traveling (and solo travel) that peace awaits me there -- a sense of independence, power, and knowing that is still, comforting, and safe. And I can tap into it whenever I need to.

Chaos and peace reside in all of us, and Nepal has a cosmic, ancient way of reminding you of just that. 

📍 Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur

#nepaltravel #patan #durbarsquare #nepalphotography #slowtravel #nepal #solotravel #lalitpur
They ask, “Why?” I was 29 when I embarked on They ask, “Why?” 

I was 29 when I embarked on the plane on the 21st, and 30 when I disembarked on the 23rd. How fitting. I spent all of my 20s abroad (except for my two final semesters in undergrad), and moved to Nepal when I was 21. 

What better way to say goodbye to my twenties than by returning to the start? I felt the desperate urge to start my 30s this way—alone on a one-way ticket with no concrete plans. I have both feared and longed to come back all these years. You see, I had made a promise to one of my closest Nepali friends that I’d see her again, but the reality is that I no longer can. 

She, along with another dear friend, passed away from cancer a couple of years back. The thought of returning to my old life here without my friends made me, well, incredibly sad. I had thought that, upon landing in Kathmandu—or taking a bite of my first momo—after so long, I’d find myself bursting into tears of both grief and gratitude. But I didn’t. Instead, I found familiarity in the chaos and chaos in the strangeness. 

Just being here—and the decisions and actions it took to get here—has reminded me of the preciousness of this one very short life. And that, by choosing to celebrate mine—at the exciting turn of a decade no less—by coming back to Nepal on a solo trip that would force me into daring discomfort when I could instead retreat to the comforts of family or my partner, is how I want to live it.

Truth is, a couple of months ago the thought of Nepal felt out of reach. It felt risky, unattainable. But the idea itself pushed open, just a crack at first, a door that had been otherwise closed. I could have more easily ignored my “what if?” daydreams—calling them off as too hard, too uncomfortable, or too far-fetched to actually pursue—and kept it shut.
But sometime in mid-July, I decided to look at flights. And I found one (truly, just one) option that could work. And it just so happened that it would fall on my birthday, or rather bridge my birthday. The idea of getting on a plane at 29 and getting off it at 30—back in Nepal—sold me. I fell in love with the story, the adventure, the unknowingness of it all. 

So, yeah. That’s why. Or as I prefer, “Why not?”
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