We want to stay in that lavender haze — and we’re not talking about the song.
Of the many reasons to visit the South of France, lavender season is one of our favorites. The pretty purple fields of flowers create a picture-perfect backdrop that we simply can’t resist.
Like Amsterdam’s tulip season, Provence’s lavender season draws crowds from around the world. Everything from seasonal weather patterns to altitude effect when these flowers bloom and how quickly they’re harvested.
Plan to color your summer purple: here’s everything you need to know about lavender season in Provence, France.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Shaun Egan. Image Location: Provence, France.
Provence’s Semi-Predictable Lavender Bloom
When is the best time to see the lavender fields in France?
Generally speaking, you can see the lavender fields blooming and flowering throughout the summertime. Mid-June through Mid-July are often the peak times for lavender flowering.
France’s lavender field bloom breakdown by month
Similar to the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C., viewing France’s lavender fields in peak bloom requires a little flexibility in your planning. The spring climate has a domino effect on the blossoming: it might cause an early or late bloom which then impacts when they’re harvested.
- June: Mid-month is typically when the bloom begins, with most fields showcasing delicate purple flowers by the end of the month.
- July: As the first weeks of July roll by, the lavender fields reach their peak. Lower altitude areas will peak sooner than higher altitude areas in the region. The later half of the month sees the harvest season begin.
- August: Viewing lavender fields in all of their glory may be hit or miss in August, as many growers have already begun their harvest. By mid-month, the purple hue is all but removed as the lavender flowers are fully harvested for oil production.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo Iacomino. Image Location: Provence, France.
Where are the lavender fields in France?
Provence is the spot for lavender season in France. This region just north of the French Riviera borders both Italy and the Mediterranean, creating a landscape that features views of the Southern Alps and endless rolling hills full of lavender, olive groves, and vineyards.
Where are the best lavender fields in France?
You’ll certainly have your pick of purple backdrops when visiting Provence during lavender season. The Valensole plateau is a popular destination, as this area has lavender fields in all directions and the small village of Valensole.
How to enjoy lavender season in Provence, France
While you can’t literally stop and smell the roses, the lavender fields in France are best experienced at a leisurely pace. Create and follow your own lavender route with a scenic drive between towns like Chamaloc and Roche-Saint-Secret-Beconne or Coustellet to Digne-les-Bains.
There are also guided tours available from a number of operators, departing from Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Nice, and other surrounding cities. However you experience France’s lavender season, take time to appreciate Provence’s beauty that extends beyond its purple pastures.
Image Credit: Getty Images, David C Tomlinson. Image Location: Marseille, France.
Stop and smell the rosé elsewhere in the South of France
The lavender fields of Provence are far from the only Instagrammable sights in the region. Getting around France by train is quite convenient, especially when you’re trying to fit in a tanning session on the Cote d'Azur and a selfie at the Eiffel Tower.
Download the Trainline app and instantly purchase e-tickets to these other destinations in the South of France from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence by train:
- Montpellier (~1 hour from Avignon | ~3 hours from Aix-en-Provence): A small city ideal for leisurely strolls through Old Town.
- Marseille (~10 minutes from Aix-en-Provence | ~ 40 minutes from Avignon): The largest port city in France and the place to be for an amazing sunset atop a rooftop bar.
- Nice (~ 3 hours from Aix-en-Provence | ~ 4 hours from Avignon): Combine a day of shopping with a trip to Monte Carlo to walk the Monaco Grand Prix track and you’ll have a lavishly unforgettable day on the French Riviera.
- Nîmes (~ 45 minutes from Avignon | ~ 2 hours from Aix-en-Provence): Well-preserved Roman ruins offer a chance to see a different side of France’s history.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Tu xa Ha Noi. Image Location: Provence, France.