Where to Find Lavender Fields in Provence: My Quest Through Successes and Failures

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by letygoeson21, Jun, 2021France, Travel Itineraries

Find lavender fields in Provence might seem straightforward, but the reality is quite different. When I explored the region to capture these breathtaking landscapes, I encountered vague information and imprecise advice. Once I arrived in Provence, I was determined to locate some of the most beautiful lavender fields in the area.

Provence, a renowned region in France, is celebrated worldwide for its lavender fields—an iconic symbol that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The optimal time to witness them is between mid-June and late July, with the bloom peaking in early July.

However, without clear guidance, you risk wandering aimlessly, wasting precious time on scenic yet challenging roads and colorful hills devoid of the famed Provençal purple. I learned the hard way that I wasn’t adequately prepared to find the lavender fields in Provence I’d seen on Instagram. After some missteps and many fruitless journeys, I finally discovered where the lavender fields in Provence are located—or at least five of them!

Join me in this article to uncover their exact locations!

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COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

How to Find Lavender Fields in Provence

Before setting off, I dove into research on Google, Pinterest, and Instagram, thinking that finding lavender fields in Provence would be a breeze. Many blogs promised dreamy views with vague directions like ‘just stroll around village X and you’ll see them!’ — but the reality of finding lavender in Provence was far from that simple.

On the first day, I drove from Aix-en-Provence to Gordes, passing through Ansouis and the surrounding mountains, without finding any accessible fields. There were distant purple patches, but nothing comparable to the postcard images I’d seen online.

The only certain spot I knew of was the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque near Gordes. The place is enchanting, with monks cultivating lavender in the field in front of the abbey, but it’s crowded with tourists, and access is limited. While it’s a suggestive experience, it falls short of the vast purple sea I had imagined.

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My First Success: Bonnieux and Surroundings

Determined not to give up, the next day, I resumed my search with a more targeted plan. After a hike in Ansouis, I drove toward Bonnieux, and finally, from atop a hill, I saw the valley below dotted with purple fields! Descending, I found an easily accessible field, identifiable by the cars parked along the road. The precise coordinates: 43.851346, 5.280495.

Here, among models and photographers, families, and elderly couples, I could finally take all the photos I desired and breathe in the unmistakable scent of lavender in full bloom.

The Lavender Field Between Roussillon and Gordes

On the road to Roussillon, famed for its ochre rocks, I discovered another lavender field—smaller but undoubtedly picturesque, with cypresses in the background. Coordinates: 43.917152, 5.269262.

There was no one else around, making the experience even more magical.

The Hidden Field Near Simiane-la-Rotonde

If you’re seeking a less crowded spot, I recommend venturing to Simiane-la-Rotonde, a charming hilltop village situated between Forcalquier and the Valensole plateau. Here, in the vicinity of the village, I discovered a less touristy lavender field, perfect for taking photos without crowds and immersing yourself in the tranquility of the Provençal countryside.

The exact coordinates are 44.0415, 5.6003. It was one of the most surprising discoveries of the trip, a small corner of paradise not mentioned in any guide.

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Iconic Lavender in Provence: Valensole and Sault

If you want to find lavender fields in Provence that stretch as far as the eye can see, Valensole is the place to be. This area, along with Sault, is the heart of lavender cultivation, featuring endless expanses that reach the horizon.

The coordinates of one of the most spectacular fields in Valensole are precisely 43.8350, 5.9300, where you’ll encounter incredible scenery and intoxicating fragrances. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I couldn’t visit these locations during my trip, but they are at the top of my list for next time!

Explore Provence Freely

Navigating Provence without a car is virtually impossible if you truly want to explore the region and find the best lavender fields. Public transportation is limited, and many of the most beautiful spots are located in rural areas that are not easily accessible.

I recommend doing as I did—set out to discover Provence by renting a car, granting you complete freedom to explore and stop wherever you wish to uncover the hidden gems of this wonderful region.

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How to Travel Around Provence at Your Own Pace

The most convenient option is definitely to arrive by car. However, if you don’t have your own car available, I have a tip for you: rent one!

Among the many car rental platforms, Discover Cars is my favorite!

With Discover Cars, you can compare hundreds of offers in just a few clicks, read real reviews, enjoy free cancellation, and access multilingual customer support. All of this is truly fantastic for planning your road trips in the best possible way while keeping an eye on your budget.

Personally, I’ve always had a great experience with Discover Cars thanks to their competitive prices and the convenience of renting a car easily and stress-free.

You’ll find the link below to check the prices right away!

Seeing the lavender fields in Provence is a unique experience, but it requires some preparation. It’s not enough to “drive around” hoping to stumble upon the perfect fields.

To know how to organize a perfect road trip, read this article!

If you want to find the best lavender fields in Provence, follow my coordinates or head directly to Valensole and Sault.

And most importantly, take the time to enjoy Provence beyond the lavender: a glass of rosé at sunset and a piece of local cheese in a square in Aix-en-Provence could be the cherry on top of your trip.