Provence Lavender Fields

For a few weeks each summer the plateaus of Provence turn purple as the lavender comes into bloom, rows of it stretching to the horizon under a bright sky, humming with bees and heavy with scent. The Valensole plateau, the fields around Sault and the Luberon, and photogenic spots like the Abbey of Senanque are the fragrant, iconic image of Provence.

The landscape

• The Valensole plateau - the vast rows of lavender to the horizon.
• The Abbey of Senanque - the medieval abbey framed by its lavender field.
• Sault and the Luberon - more lavender country and hilltop villages.
• Distilleries and markets - the lavender products and Provencal markets.

When to go

Late June to mid-July, when the lavender is in full bloom, the one short window; timing shifts a little each year and with the weather. It is harvested from mid-July, so late July fields may be cut.

Practical notes

The bloom is a short, weather-dependent window, so timing a trip is a gamble, and by late July many fields are harvested. The famous spots, like the abbey, get crowded with photographers. A car is essential to reach the fields.

Nearby

The Gorges du Verdon and the Luberon hill villages are nearby; Aix-en-Provence is within reach.