One of the most iconic images of Provence is endless rolling fields of lavender. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed at how & where to find them, read on to find out how to see the best lavender fields in Provence in one day – and exactly what to wear to stand out.
Lavender is one of those nostalgic scents for me that reminds me of growing up in Ojai, California. Seeing the lavender fields in France has been on my bucket list for a while, and when we relocated to Europe it seemed like the perfect opportunity. So although our visit was a little different than I originally planned due to COVID, I’m grateful to have seized the opportunity to travel in July. We spent several days in Provence exploring, but if you want to know which fields to prioritize then this guide is for you.
In addition to a complete itinerary on how to see the best lavender fields in Provence in one day, I’ve also added a Google Map at the end of this post which shows the details of every stop. One word of caution – be responsible when walking through the fields! Not only are there a lot of bees (although they keep to themselves), but many locals rely on the lavender harvests as a source of income.
When should I visit the lavender fields in Provence?
The lavender fields in Provence start blooming in the middle of June and are usually picked by mid-July, so you have a very small window of time to actually see them. And not all of the fields bloom at the same time! The best time to visit the lavender fields in Provence is the first or second week of July – we were there July 5th through the 9th. Try to go before July 14th, which is Bastille Day (a national French public holiday).
The best time to visit the lavender fields in Provence is the first or second week of July.
How should I get around?
If there is one piece of advice you take from this post: rent a car. It will be a thousand times easier to get around, and you’ll be able stop at the fields & shops on your own time. The itinerary I have below is a driving itinerary, and getting around in a car is really easy. There are some curvy roadways, but nothing as crazy as the Amalfi Coast or the narrow country roads in Ireland. With COVID, I also prefer being in my own car versus being in a crowded tour bus.
Speaking of… should I do anything different because of COVID?
Yes – make sure to bring a mask! You won’t need to wear one in the fields if you can be socially distanced, but you may need one in some of the shops. Masks were required at L’Occitane and Lavandin, and both shops were very crowded.
No one knows what will happen next year, but if you’re already planning your trip I recommend these silk masks from Etsy. They have ribbon ties instead of elastic ear loops which make them extra comfortable, and silk is much better for your skin.
A one day driving itinerary
So now that you know when to go, next up I’ll share my complete itinerary for how to see the best lavender fields in Provence in one day. I also share my tips for where to stay and what to wear atthe end of this post.
We flew into Marseille, which is the best access point for Provence. It has a major international airport and the lavender fields are all within a couple of hours drive. I recommend staying the night in Marseille, and starting bright and early the next day with your rental car. But if you’re interested in really exploring the city, check out my guide to spending 24 hours in Marseille.
Stop #1: Breakfast in Saint-Rémy
I know this is focused on lavender, but I get hangry in the morning and a girl’s gotta eat. I recommend starting your day trip with breakfast in the quaint village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. My breakfast of choice in France is always a croissant, and Maison Cambillau is the perfect boulangerie to pick up a bite (and some snacks for later). You shouldn’t have any difficulties finding parking this early, and there are a few lots in town.
Stop #2: Abbaye de Notre Dame de Sénanque
Your first official lavender stop will give you a mix of lavender and history – this abbey is 800 years old! I loved seeing the charm of the old abbey juxtaposed with gorgeous purple lavender fields. It still has a community of Benedictine monks growing lavender, olive trees, and making honey.
Unfortunately they were doing construction on the interior chapel, but the courtyard itself is stunning and worth a look. You can’t enter the lavender fields directly in front of the abbey, but there are some fields to the side that smell just as lovely. A few tips:
- This one is best to see earlier rather than later, since it can get quite crowded.
- Type in Sénanque Abbey Car Park (84220 Gordes, France, also saved in the Google Map below) to your navigation to avoid getting lost on the country roads.
- There isn’t a lot of phone reception, so remember to download a Google Map of the area.
- When you’re parking, pull all the way through to the lot. There were a ton of open spaces there, even though we pulled over to park along the entrance road.
Stop #3: Lunch in Gordes
Gordes was one of our favorite cities in Provence. The stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views are some of the reasons I fell in love. It’s also right near the Abbaye, which make it a perfect place to grab a late lunch.
Option 1: Splurge. If you’re looking for views and don’t mind spending a little money, I recommend the L’Orangerie restaurant at La Bastide de Gordes hotel. We had the pork belly risotto and burrata salad, and both were delicious.
Option 2: Save. If you don’t want to splurge but still want some delicious views while sitting outside, I recommend La Bastide de Pierres. It can get very crowded (especially during lavender season) so I do recommend making a reservation in advance. Just make sure to give yourself a cushion of time to find parking.
(Optional) Stop #4: L’Occitane Boutique
I’m putting this one as optional, but if you’re a fan of lavender products and luxe face creams you should definitely make a pit stop at the L’Occitane boutique. They have a gorgeous garden with lavender & sage, as well as a factory store where you can get all of their best products for a steal. My favorite item I picked up was this face mask set, which you can also buy on their website.
Stop #5: Valensole
This is really just a huge region filled with tons of gorgeous lavender fields. I recommend putting in a central location, and just driving around a bit through the fields until you find one you love. The best time to go here is early evening or around sunset, which is why I’ve put it at the end of the itinerary. The temperatures are cooling down, and the sun isn’t directly overhead so you’ll get some really lovely photos.
The location I recommend putting in your navigation is Lavandes Angelvin (see map below for exact location). It’s a farm with lots of beautiful lavender that will be fully blooming in early July. They have a shop, but they also sell their products online if you’re interested. Plus there are sunflower and sage fields nearby, which are the equally breathtaking yet underrated beauties of Provence.
If you have some extra time…
Stay a few days and explore! I would also recommend visiting the Lavender Trail in Sault (linked in the Google Map below). I’ll also be sharing a more in-depth guide to Provence later this summer (hint: it’s filled with lots of wine).
What to wear in the lavender fields of Provence
If you’re planning to take a lot of photos in the lavender fields, I would highly recommend wearing white. It stands out well but doesn’t clash with the purple fields (or the sunflowers). Ruffled dresses or puff-sleeve dresses like the one I wore are perfect, and are very on-trend. For more tips on what to wear in France, check out my summer style guide to the French Riviera.
What to pack
- Food & water. It’s hot. Like super hot. Expect 30-35C, but it will feel closer to 40 being in the direct sun in the fields. Make sure to bring water – this is a nifty water bottle that you can refill from your sink to avoid plastic waste. Also most restaurants are closed between lunch & dinner times, so pack some snacks just in case.
- A mask. As recommended above, I love these silk masks from Etsy. She even has a lilac silk if you’re feeling super extra. 🙂
- UV lens filter. If you have a professional camera, you’ll want a UV filter like this one for taking photos in the harsh sunlight.
- Sun protection. Sunburns are never in style, so be sure to pack sunscreen (I love this French brand), sunglasses, and a hat like this one.
Where to stay
I recommend staying in one of the smaller towns. We stayed in Avignon and while it was quite central, it didn’t have the charm we were looking for. The smaller towns below all have plenty of shopping, amazing restaurants, and things to do, so don’t worry about being too far from the big cities. These are my two favorites villages!
- Gordes was absolutely stunning. It’s a medieval town, and all of the buildings are tan stones. If you’re looking for an affordable AirBnB, this option with a gorgeous view is perfect for a couple or a small family. For a luxe hotel that also has a beautiful view and 5-star service, I recommend La Bastide Hotel.
- We also loved Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. I highly recommend an AirBnB in the center of town to get the most out of staying here. This renovated historic townhouse with a roof terrace is perfect for a family, and I love this charming option for couples. If you’re looking for a 5-star luxury hotel though, Le Saint Remy is fantastic.
I hope this guide is helpful in planning your trip to the lavender fields of Provence – I’d love to know if you end up visiting!
Outfit details
- First dress is from H&M, similar style here.
- Second dress is from Reformation; similar affordable dress here.
- Purse was purchased at a French market; similar option here.
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