People often ask, “when is the best time to visit the lavender fields in Provence?” It might seem odd, but it’s not as easy as you might think to get the dates spot on. Generally speaking, visit between the last week of June and the first week of August and you’re pretty much guaranteed perfect lavender field scenes.
While seeing the gorgeous lavender fields might be No. 1 on your tour of Provence – there’s so much more to fall in love with in southern France…
Lavender fields in bloom in Provence
Emily Durand, expert tour guide in Provence, recommends you visit Provence for the lavender fields in the last week of June if you want to miss the crowds. “High tourism starts at the beginning of July, so you’ll miss the crowds by going just that little bit earlier”. But, she says, don’t go too early, if you go before 18th June, you may well be disappointed if there’s been a late start to spring or heavy spring rainfall which can delay the lavender blooming. And if you want to see the lavender at its very best then the last week of June through July are the optimal times to go. Her tours include meeting local growers and exploring the lavender fields that are off the beaten path, no crowds, just you – and the lavender, its heady aroma filling your senses.
The best of Provence
All around the lavender fields are picture perfect little villages just waiting to be discovered and Provence is also about gastronomy and wine. There are fabulous restaurants and vineyards where you can taste the wine in its home environment plus meet the makers.Emily recommends cookery lessons and a truffle hunting tour “sheer joy”. On her lavender field tours, as well as seeking out truffles – and sampling truffled hors-d’oeuves and Champagne – you’ll also visit an olive oil mill and enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard. And you can’t go to Provence and not visit that least one of the gorgeous street markets, gorgeous Gordes is a great choice.
The countryside is perfect for picnics, sitting in the sun, the scent of lavender in the air. It’s a little bit of paradise on earth, especially with Emily as your guide and driver, showing you the most beautiful parts of Provence that most visitors miss.
Culture and Lavender
Explore ravishing Roussillon and lovely Lourmarin. Discover Menerbes, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book, a year in Provence, and of course Gordes, the quintessential Provence town. Les Baux de Provence is also a must-see with its wonderful digital art centre the Carrieres de Lumiere, immersing you into the heart of great paintings. Sating Remy de Provence and the asylum where Van Gogh stayed in 1889, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the antiques capital of Provence are unmissable…
Lavender fans will adore visiting a distillery (the scent is unforgettable) and learn about the cutting and processing of lavender. And you’ll visit the legendary Abbaye de Senanque where monks grow lavender in the walled gardens – it’s a sight you’ll always remember.
A brilliant base for your lavender tour of Provence
Emily has chosen a beautiful Provencal Mas, a traditional building, as your base, located between beautiful Bonnieux and Lacoste. Surrounded by the magic of hilltop villages lit up at night and the cicadas singing during the day .
Find out more about wonderful lavender tours at Your Private Provence
