Last summer I was so fortunate to be able to fulfill one of my lifelong dreams… Seeing the endless, fragrant lavender fields of Provence, France. It was honestly like a fairytale — driving through the French countryside, seeing the beautiful, blooming lavender fields, and exploring the the tiny, charming villages of Provence. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect summer day.

If you want to know where to see (and photograph) the most beautiful lavender fields in Provence, scroll down to see all the GPS locations for the photographs below. They’re all basically in one area, along the Route de Manosque on the way to Valensole.

Click on the GPS locations below to save them to your Google Maps, and keep reading for more suggestions on what you can do and see in this area.

Endless Field {GPS Location}

I was driving down a small country road when the first field came into view. I immediately pulled over, and I’ll never forget — as soon as I opened the car door I was overcome with the pure scent of lavender. Seriously heaven!

Single Tree {GPS Location}

Lavender + Sunflowers {GPS Location}

Lavender + Small Cottage {GPS Location}

---

When to Go:

The lavender is only in bloom from mid-June to mid-July. Before June the lavender fields are still green, and by the end of July the fields are all harvested.

The lavender is usually at its peak the first or second week of July.

Of course the weather conditions vary by year, and sometimes the lavender is not harvested until mid-August, but I would not count on it. I was there the last week of June 2017.

---

---

Where to Stay:

I recommend staying in Aix-en-Provence, renting a car, and taking a day trip to see the lavender. It’s only about 45 minutes to the first field. The roads are very safe and well marked. And you’re in the countryside, not a big city like Paris. Don’t be nervous — if you can drive a car in the states, you can drive one in France! :)

We stayed in an Airbnb in Aix-en-Provence. Join Airbnb using this link to get $40 off your first booking!

---

Lavandes Angelvin {GPS Location}

Once you see this building you’ll know you’re there! Several of the most popular lavender fields are very near this building. To the left is the single tree and to the right is the endless field.

---

More To Do in Provence

You can easily spend a morning or afternoon wandering through the fragrant lavender fields. Here are some suggestions for the rest of the day:

Kayak down a turquoise river through the Verdon Gorge canyon. Set your GPS for Pont du Galetas {GPS Location} for this overlook of the gorge. Just before you get to the bridge you’ll see a parking lot where you can go down to the lake and rent kayaks by the hour.

---

Charming Villages to Explore:

Valensole — This small hilltop village is a great place to stop for lunch. You can taste all things lavender — lavender honey, lavender ice cream, lavender cookies and more!

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — This teeny, tiny little village is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of France. There’s a river and waterfall running through the village and a hiking trail you can take to the top for an overlook of the area.

---

This itinerary is a great place to start and there are many other beautiful views along this route — mountains, local farm stands, lavender shops, sweeping overlooks — no doubt you will discover many of your own along the way!

---

Until next time!