Best lavender fields to visit in France: our top picks

Lavender’s been part of Provence for over 2,000 years. When the Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC, they didn’t just admire the scent—they used it for bathing and medicine. The name itself comes from lavare, Latin for “to wash.” Monks later grew wild lavender in their gardens during the Middle Ages, using it for anything from minor aches to plague symptoms.

But it wasn’t until the 19th century that lavender really became a commercial crop, thanks to the perfume industry booming in nearby Grasse. Today, these Provence lavender fields are a key part of the local economy. Visiting during the summer is a sensory experience that lands on many bucket lists. Here are our favorite lavender fields in Provence.

1. Plateau de Valensole

Covering some 300 square miles (800 sq km), the Plateau de Valensole is one of the most recognizable lavender-growing areas in Provence. During the peak season—typically late June to mid-July—its fields fill with neat rows of lavender, broken up by stone farmhouses and distant views of the Alps. 

The variety grown here is lavandin, which has a stronger smell than true lavender. If you’re around in mid-July, the Lavender Festival takes place here with food stalls, music, and distillation demos.

Year-round, the village markets are worth a stop—you'll find lavender honey, handmade soaps, and essential oils made by local families. The small café La Terrasse offers spectacular field-side views with lavender-infused drinks. This is one of the best things to do in Provence.

How to get to Plateau de Valensole

It’s easiest to drive—Valensole is about 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Aix-en-Provence via the D96 or around 100 miles (160 km) from Nice on the A8. Manosque is the closest train station; from there, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride. A rental car is your best bet for exploring the smaller roads and less crowded field areas.

2. Luberon

The Luberon’s lavender fields are smaller in scale but often more atmospheric, scattered through the Luberon Regional Nature Park and surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and cherry orchards.

One of the better-known views is near Sénanque Abbey, where monks still grow lavender using centuries-old methods. The market in Apt is a good place to find local herbs and less common types of lavender. There’s also a hiking trail between Bonnieux and Lacoste that cuts through fields and gives you wide views you wouldn’t see from the car.

How to get to Luberon

You can drive to these Provence lavender fields from Avignon in about 25 miles (40 km), or from Marseille in a little over 60 miles (100 km). The high-speed train from Paris to Avignon takes just under 3 hours, and local buses run to some of the towns. Still, renting a car is the easiest way to get around, especially if you want to see the countryside between Apt and Bonnieux during peak bloom in late June and July.

3. Pays de Sault

Pays de Sault is a bit higher up—about 2,600 feet (800 m)—so the bloom comes later than in the lower parts of Provence. Fields usually peak from mid-July to mid-August, which is nice if you miss the earlier season. 

The lavender grown here is lavande fine, which is a bit different from the lavandin you’ll see in Valensole. It’s especially popular with perfumers. The landscape is rougher, with fields spread out around Mont Ventoux. 

Sault is a small village, but a few farms show how they still distill the oil the old way. There’s also a market where you can pick up lavender nougat and cooking-grade lavender. The August Lavender Festival features competitions, cutting demonstrations, and other events celebrating the harvest. For more advice, see our France travel tips.

How to get to Pays de Sault

It’s about an hour’s drive (40 miles/65 km) northeast of Avignon via the D942. From Marseille, it’s closer to 90 minutes by car and makes for a great start to a France road trip.

You can also take the train to Carpentras or Cavaillon and connect by bus. If you’re driving, the road around Mont Ventoux has great views on the way in.

4. Drôme Provençale lavender fields

Drôme Provençale, on the northern edge of Provence, is known for its quieter, rural landscapes and less-crowded lavender fields. The bloom typically lasts from mid-June to mid-July, with gently rolling fields surrounding hilltop villages and small-scale distilleries.

A lot of the distilleries are still family-run, and some let you watch them make the oil the old-fashioned way. If you’re nearby, Grignan is worth a visit—the château sits above the fields and gives you a wide view of the area. Nyons and Dieulefit have weekly markets with some nice lavender-based products, like honey and olive oil with lavender in it.

How to get to Drôme Provençale

From Lyon, it’s about a 2-hour drive south on the A7 to these Provence lavender fields. You can also take a train to Montélimar and rent a car from there. The towns of Grignan, Valréas, and Dieulefit are easy to link together by road if you’re up for a day trip. If you’re staying longer, Nyons makes a good base—it’s well connected and close to everything.

5. Mont Ventoux

The fields around Mont Ventoux feel different—there's this contrast between the purple slopes and the mountain’s pale limestone peak that’s pretty striking. Lavender grows especially well here because of the altitude and climate, and the oil tends to be stronger in scent.

Early July is usually when the flowers are at their best. Farmers in this area still use traditional growing methods, which helps keep local plants and bee populations thriving. 

Sault is the closest village, and it runs a lavender festival in summer with things like harvesting competitions and oil distillation demos. Local nougat made with lavender is widely available, and from mid-summer, black truffles are another regional specialty. A fantastic addition to any southern France itinerary.

How to get to Mont Ventoux

Sault is about an hour’s drive east of Avignon. In summer, buses run between the two, but if you want to stop at the fields or travel at your own pace, driving is better. The Route de la Lavande is clearly marked with signs. If you're going for photos, try to get there early in the morning or around sunset—the light’s better and it’s less busy.
 

6. Simiane-la-Rotonde 

Simiane-la-Rotonde has a dramatic hillside layout with lavender fields arranged almost in rings around the village. Because it sits at over 1,600 feet (500 meters), the lavender blooms a bit later—usually late July.

Inside the Sainte-Marie Abbey, there's a working aromatherapy lab where you can actually make your own oil blends. The rotunda that gives the village its name is from the 12th century, and if you climb up to the terrace, the views stretch across the whole valley.

The village is known for its few pottery studios, where you’re likely to find some lavender-themed pieces in their collections. These are fantastic souvenirs. 

How to get to Simiane-la-Rotonde

It’s easiest to drive—the village is around 1.5 hours northeast of Aix-en-Provence. Head toward Banon, which is also known for its goat cheese, then keep going until you reach Simiane. 

The roads are narrow and a bit winding, so it’s not the kind of drive you want to rush. If you’re not comfortable mountain driving, there are tours that leave from Forcalquier and take care of the transport. For more on transit through the country, see our guide to getting around France.

7. Manosque Region

The lavender fields around Manosque have a different vibe—they’re tied to the life and work of Jean Giono, a well-known French author who spent much of his life here. The area around Mont d'Or shows up often in his books, and if you follow the Jean Giono Literary Trail, you’ll pass right through the landscapes that shaped his stories. 

This is also where you’ll find the main L'Occitane en Provence factory. You can take a look behind the scenes and see how they use local lavender in their products.

If you’re in town on a market day, check out the weekly farmer’s market. Local distillers bring their own lavender oils, and each one smells a bit different depending on where it’s from and how it’s made.

How to get to Manosque

You can drive in on the A51—it’s about a 30-minute trip to these Provence lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence. If you’re coming by train, there are regional connections from both Marseille and Aix with regular departures. Once you’re in town, look for signs to the “Route de la Lavande.” During the bloom season, local buses also run from nearby villages to the main lavender fields.

8. Banon Area

Located on a high plateau at over 2,600 ft (800 m), Banon’s lavender fields are set among oak forests and open farmland, with blooming typically lasting into mid-August due to the altitude. These are some of the most beautiful lavender fields in France.

Beyond lavender, Banon is also famous for its goat cheese, which traditionally comes wrapped in chestnut leaves and tied with raffia. 
Just outside the village, you’ll find the ruins of the Prieuré de Carluc, where monks were growing lavender for medicine centuries ago. If you're around on a Tuesday, the local market is worth visiting. 

How to get to Banon

Banon is in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. If you’re driving from Apt, take the D950—it’ll take around 40 minutes. From Avignon, use the D4100 and then switch to the D950. 

There’s no direct train, but you can get regional buses from Manosque or Forcalquier. In peak season, a “Lavender Shuttle” links bigger towns with more rural areas, which can be handy. GPS doesn’t always work perfectly out here, so keep an eye out for signs that say “Banon Fromagerie.”

9. Roussillon Area

Roussillon’s lavender fields are backed by ochre cliffs in bright reds, oranges, and yellows—it’s one of the more striking places to see the bloom. It’s a great place to explore on foot, and the “Sentier des Ocres” trail runs right through the heart of it.

This area has a long history of both fragrance and dye-making. The Conservatoire des Ocres et de la Couleur in town walks you through how natural pigments have been made here since Roman times, including those derived from lavender. 

If you look, you’re likely to find small workshops where lavender is distilled the old-fashioned way using copper stills.

How to get to Roussillon

Roussillon is in the Luberon, about 33 miles (53 km) east of Avignon. You can drive to these French lavender fields via the D900 and D104—it’s a nice route. Regional buses run from Avignon and Apt, and they connect to the village center. 

For the best views of the lavender and cliffs together, take the marked hiking trail called the “Circuit des Ocres.” If you prefer to bike, Apt has rental shops, and the roads are manageable on two wheels.