Scenic European Routes

Few landscapes in Europe capture the imagination quite like the lavender fields of Provence. Each summer, vast swathes of the French countryside transform into a purple tapestry, creating one of the continent's most breathtaking natural displays. Beyond their visual splendor, these fragrant fields offer a multi-sensory experience that embodies the essence of Provence—a region celebrated for its light, colors, scents, and flavors. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through the most scenic lavender routes of Provence, revealing when to visit, where to find the most spectacular views, and how to experience this purple paradise beyond the typical tourist trail.

Understanding Provence's Lavender

Lavender has been cultivated in Provence since Roman times, initially for its medicinal properties and later for perfumery. Today, it remains an essential part of the region's agricultural landscape and cultural identity. There are two main types of lavender grown in Provence:

• Fine Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): The true Provence lavender, growing at higher altitudes (usually above 800 meters) and prized for its delicate fragrance and high-quality essential oil. This variety typically blooms later than its hybrid cousin.
• Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): A more robust hybrid that produces larger plants with higher oil yields. Most of the expansive purple fields you'll see are lavandin, cultivated at lower elevations and blooming earlier in the season.

Understanding this distinction helps plan your visit, as the blooming periods and locations differ between these varieties.

When to Visit: Chasing the Purple Wave

Timing is everything when planning a lavender-focused road trip. The blooming season progresses like a wave across Provence, generally following this pattern:

• Mid-June to early July: Lavender begins blooming in the lower altitude regions of Provence, particularly in the Drôme Provençale and around Valensole.
• Early to mid-July: Peak bloom for most lavender and lavandin fields, especially on the Valensole Plateau, which offers the classic postcard views of endless purple rows.
• Mid-July to early August: Higher altitude fine lavender in the Sault area and around Mont Ventoux reaches its peak, often extending the viewing season when lower fields have already been harvested.
• Early to mid-August: Harvest time for most fields, though some higher altitude locations may still offer views into mid-August.

Insider Tip: For the best chance of seeing lavender in peak bloom without the most extreme crowds, aim for the last week of June or first week of July, and include higher altitude areas in your itinerary to extend your lavender-viewing opportunities.

The Essential Lavender Routes

Route 1: The Valensole Plateau – Iconic Purple Panoramas

The Valensole Plateau offers perhaps the most famous and photographed lavender landscapes in Provence. This elevated plain near the Verdon Gorge features enormous fields where purple lavender stretches to the horizon, often punctuated by solitary stone farmhouses or golden wheat fields for striking color contrasts.

Key stops on this route:

• Valensole town: A charming base with honey-colored stone buildings and several lavender product shops.
• D6 road: Running east from Valensole toward Puimoisson, this road offers the classic lavender field vistas.
• Lavender farms: Several farms along the plateau welcome visitors, including Lavenderm, where you can learn about lavender cultivation and distillation.
• Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon: After lavender viewing, cool off at this lakeside village on the Sainte-Croix reservoir with its turquoise waters.

Photography Tip: For classic Valensole photos, arrive early morning (before 8am) or late afternoon (after 6pm) to avoid both the harsh midday sun and the busloads of tourists that arrive mid-morning.

Route 2: The Luberon Valley – Lavender with Medieval Villages

The Luberon combines lavender fields with some of Provence's most enchanting hilltop villages, creating opportunities for photographs that capture both natural and architectural beauty. While the lavender fields here aren't as vast as on the Valensole Plateau, the combination with historic villages makes for a more varied scenic experience.

Highlights include:

• Sénanque Abbey: Perhaps the most iconic lavender image in Provence – the 12th-century Cistercian abbey near Gordes with lavender fields in the foreground.
• Rustrel and the Colorado Provençal: Combine lavender viewing with a visit to these ochre quarries with their remarkable red and yellow landscapes.
• Bonnieux and Lacoste: These opposing hilltop villages offer views across the valley with its patchwork of fields, including lavender during the season.
• Apt: Visit the Saturday market in this town known as the world capital of crystallized fruits, and explore local lavender products.

Scenic Drive Recommendation: Follow the D900 and D108 between Apt and Bonnieux for particularly scenic combinations of lavender, vineyards, and mountain backdrops.

Route 3: Sault and Mont Ventoux – The Fine Lavender Trail

For those who miss the peak bloom in lower regions or prefer fewer tourists, the high plateau around Sault offers an excellent alternative. At around 800 meters elevation, the fine lavender here typically blooms later and can sometimes be enjoyed into early August.

Key experiences:

• Sault village: Perched on a ridge overlooking the valley of lavender fields, this town hosts a major lavender festival on August 15th.
• Ferrassières: This small village holds a lavender festival in early July and is surrounded by high-quality fine lavender fields.
• Drive to Mont Ventoux: The "Giant of Provence" provides a dramatic backdrop for lavender fields and offers spectacular views from its summit.
• Distilleries: Visit working distilleries like the Aroma'Plantes in Sault to see traditional and modern lavender oil extraction methods.

Active Option: For a more intimate experience of the lavender landscape, follow the marked "Lavender Trail" (Chemin des Lavandes) from Sault—a 5km loop through fields and forest with informative signs about lavender cultivation.

Route 4: Drôme Provençale – Off the Beaten Lavender Path

The northernmost lavender region of Provence, the Drôme Provençale offers a less crowded alternative with equally beautiful fields. This area is perfect for travelers seeking a more authentic experience away from the major tourist circuits.

Don't miss:

• Grignan: A magnificent Renaissance château towers over this village surrounded by lavender fields.
• Montbrun-les-Bains: One of France's "Most Beautiful Villages," perched above fields of lavender with Mont Ventoux in the background.
• Nyons: Famous for its olives and olive oil, this town makes an excellent base for exploring the region's lavender.
• Château de Suze-la-Rousse: Combine lavender viewing with wine tasting in this castle that houses the University of Wine.

Local Experience: Visit one of the many small family-run distilleries in this region, such as the Distillerie Bleu Provence in Nyons, where traditional methods are still used and visitors can often speak directly with the producers.

Beyond the Flowers: Enhancing Your Lavender Route Experience

Lavender Festivals and Events

Timing your trip to coincide with a lavender festival adds cultural depth to your experience. Key events include:

• Ferrassières Lavender Festival: First Sunday in July, featuring guided field tours, distillation demonstrations, and a market of lavender products.
• Valensole Lavender Festival: Third Sunday in July, celebrating with parades, folk dancing, and lavender-themed activities.
• Sault Lavender Festival: August 15th, including the famous lavender cutting competition where harvesters compete using traditional sickles.

Culinary Lavender Experiences

Provence's cuisine incorporates lavender in surprising and delicious ways:

• Lavender honey: A must-try local specialty, available at markets and directly from producers.
• Ice cream: Many artisanal ice cream shops offer lavender flavor, particularly in towns like Sault and Banon.
• Fine dining: Restaurants like La Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux incorporate lavender into sophisticated dishes.
• Herbes de Provence: Purchase authentic mixes containing lavender from local markets (note that many commercial versions outside France omit lavender).

Taste Recommendation: For a true taste of Provence, try lavender-infused nougat or calissons (an almond-based confection) from artisanal producers at local markets.

Wine Tasting Along Lavender Routes

Provence's lavender regions overlap with excellent wine-producing areas, creating perfect pairing opportunities:

• Luberon AOC: Visit wineries around Bonnieux and Lourmarin for elegant whites and rosés.
• Côtes du Rhône Villages: In the northern Drôme Provençale, sample robust reds at vineyards around Vinsobres and Valréas.
• Pierrevert: This lesser-known appellation near Manosque offers excellent value wines with distinctive character.

Perfect Pairing: After a morning photographing lavender fields, enjoy a relaxed afternoon wine tasting at a domain with views of the purple landscapes, such as Domaine de Fontenille near Lauris.

Artisanal Lavender Products

Beyond the obvious soaps and sachets, look for high-quality lavender products that make meaningful souvenirs:

• Essential oils: The highest quality comes from true fine lavender (look for "AOC Huile Essentielle de Lavande de Haute-Provence" certification).
• Cosmetics: Small producers often create exceptional hand creams, facial oils, and natural remedies.
• Home products: From linen sprays to candles, seek out items made by local artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs.

Shopping Tip: Visit the distilleries directly for the freshest products and often better prices than tourist shops in larger towns.

Practical Tips for Your Lavender Route Road Trip

Planning Your Itinerary

A comprehensive tour of Provence's lavender regions ideally requires 5-7 days, but you can focus on specific areas if time is limited:

• 3-day focus: Concentrate on the Valensole Plateau and eastern Luberon.
• 5-day route: Add Sault and the Drôme Provençale to your itinerary.
• 7-day experience: Include all regions at a leisurely pace, with time for activities beyond lavender viewing.

Base Locations: Rather than changing hotels nightly, consider establishing 2-3 bases throughout your trip. Good options include Valensole or Manosque for the eastern routes, Apt or Gordes for the Luberon, and Sault or Nyons for the northern areas.

Photography Tips for Lavender Fields

Capturing the beauty of lavender fields requires some planning:

• Golden hours: Shoot early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more flattering.
• Composition elements: Look for fields with interesting features—stone buildings, solitary trees, or mountain backdrops like Mont Ventoux.
• Detail shots: Don't just capture wide landscapes; zoom in on bees, butterflies, and the texture of the lavender stalks.
• Respect the fields: Always stay on paths or edges. Walking into the middle of fields damages the plants and is often prohibited by farmers.

Equipment Recommendation: A polarizing filter helps reduce glare and intensifies the purple and blue tones, especially on sunny days.

Avoiding the Crowds

The most famous lavender sites can become extremely crowded, particularly in July. Strategies to enjoy a more peaceful experience include:

• Visiting very early in the morning (before 8am) or in the evening.
• Exploring secondary roads rather than the most famous photo spots.
• Scheduling your trip for late June or early August if possible.
• Seeking out smaller fields away from major tourist routes, particularly in the Drôme Provençale.

Local Insight: Ask at your accommodation for recommendations of lesser-known fields. Local hosts often know beautiful spots that don't appear in guidebooks.

Accommodation During Lavender Season

The peak lavender season coincides with France's main summer holiday period, making advance booking essential:

• Chambre d'hôtes: France's equivalent of B&Bs often offer a more authentic experience and local knowledge about the best lavender viewing areas.
• Agriturismo: Farm stays sometimes include properties with their own lavender fields.
• Village rentals: Renting an apartment in a small Provençal village provides flexibility and a more immersive experience.

Booking Advice: Reserve accommodation at least 6 months in advance for July stays, especially for properties in prime locations like Gordes or Valensole.

Sustainable Lavender Tourism

As lavender tourism grows, practicing responsible travel becomes increasingly important:

• Respect private property and never enter fields without permission.
• Purchase products directly from local producers to support the lavender economy.
• Learn about the challenges facing lavender growers, including climate change and disease issues.
• Consider visiting organic farms that promote sustainable cultivation methods.

Educational Opportunity: Visit the Lavender Museum (Musée de la Lavande) in Coustellet to understand the cultural and historical importance of lavender in Provence, and the efforts to preserve traditional farming practices.

Conclusion: A Journey for All Senses

A lavender route road trip through Provence offers more than just spectacular purple views. It's a multi-sensory journey that captures the essence of a region defined by its scents, flavors, light, and landscapes. From the vast plateaus of Valensole to the high country around Sault, from medieval villages perched above violet fields to the passionate farmers who maintain this fragrant tradition, Provence's lavender routes provide a travel experience that engages all the senses.

Whether you're a photographer seeking the perfect purple shot, a culinary enthusiast exploring lavender-infused gastronomy, or simply a traveler in search of Provence's famed douceur de vivre (sweetness of life), the lavender roads offer a uniquely Mediterranean experience that lingers in memory long after the fragrance has faded.

Plan carefully, travel slowly, and allow yourself to be immersed in the purple majesty of Provence's most iconic crop. As the locals say, "La lavande, c'est la Provence embouteillée" – lavender is Provence, bottled.