It is in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and more precisely in the Alpes de Haute Provence department that the Valensole plateau of approximately 800 km2 is located. Its color changes with the seasons: first pink in March with the almond trees in bloom, it turns blue thanks to the lavender fields from June. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the Valensole plateau is one of the most favorable places for growing lavender. When we leave for the weekend in the Gorges du Verdon, we always go through Valensole to reach the lake of Sainte-Croix.
If you want to quickly access the different points of our article, here is the summary:
How to get to Valensole?
By car. This is the simplest option. Meet on the lavender road, the D6 or the D8. If you are not from the region, we advise you to rent a car to visit Provence. If you don't have the ability to drive, you can book a tour departing from Marseille or Aix en Provence.
The ideal solution to book your rental car
We always go through Kayak to book our rental car: a simple, practical and very affordable solution. With their search filters, we easily find what we are looking for according to our criteria and our budget. If you are looking for a quick and efficient solution to book a rental car, we advise you to go through Kayak.com.
When to visit the lavender fields?
Lavender rarely blooms before June 15th. Even if flowering lasts until August, it is harvested in mid-July, just after the lavender festival. To help you plan your trip, here is a complete and quick guide:
end of June: most lavender in Provence is in bloom,
early July: this is the best time to visit the Valensole plateau,
end of July: many fields will already be harvested in Valensole, head to Gordes instead,
August: it's the end of the season but you can still find 1 or 2 lavender fields.
By the way, lavandin or lavender?
Lavandin is a hybrid resulting from a cross between aspic lavender and fine lavender (also called true lavender). It is therefore necessary to take cuttings if you want to see it multiply.
If you look at it, you can easily tell them apart since fine lavender is a medium-sized plant with a single flower spike per stem, while lavandin is a tall plant and can have, like lavender, aspic, 3 flower spikes per stem. The color of the lavender fields is uniform while the fine lavender fields will reveal shades of violet blue.
Our sense of smell can also distinguish them because the smell of lavandin is stronger than that of fine lavender. Another point that differentiates them: fine lavender is donated to perfumery while lavandin, which is more productive and therefore more profitable, is reserved for industry.
Both crops are found on the Valensole plateau.
What to do on the Valensole plateau?
Activities to do around the lavender fields of Valensole
Around the lavender fields, many activities are available to you to make the most of your stay:
Hiking or cycling to discover the breathtaking landscapes,
Family picnic in the middle of the fields for a unique moment of relaxation,
Visit the typical villages of the region, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Riez,
Discover local markets to find regional and artisanal products.
Taking pictures of the lavender fields
If all the tourists from Provence come to visit the Valensole plateau, it is to photograph the blue flower from all its angles. We ourselves spent a good part of the day capturing each row of lavender and admiring the work of the bees. The smell of these expanses of flowers is incredible and makes the moment magical.
To reassure you: bees aren't supposed to sting you! They're too busy foraging to care about us, but don't bother them.
Please respect the lavender fields and their owners: do not trample or pick the blue flowers. You can buy small bouquets in distilleries. We had bought ours in a small hypermarket on the road.
Here are some tips for successful photos of the lavender fields in Valensole:
Favor the golden hours, either early morning or late afternoon, to capture the best light.
Play with the perspectives and the lines of the fields to give dynamism to your shots.
Feel free to include foreground elements, such as flowers or objects, to add depth to your images.
Nico really likes the spot near the farm Lavender Angelvin (GPS point: 43.823020, 5.937748) but on this one you have to be patient… many tourist coaches stop to visit the distillery and of course the fields. It is therefore not easy to have no one in the photos.
I therefore advise you to stop a little further, the lavender is the same and you will be alone in the world!
There is also a lesser known and equally beautiful spot near Puimoisson (GPS point: 43.892290, 6.116388). Walk a few minutes to find yourself in the middle of a lavender field facing a hut.
Visit a distillery
Don't miss the chance to discover the fascinating Angevin family distillery. Soak up the warm atmosphere and learn more about the traditional method they have chosen to keep to preserve the exceptional quality of their lavender essential oil. This unique and immersive experience will immerse you in the heart of the local heritage and make you feel all the passion that drives this family devoted to their art.
Visit a candy factory
If you are looking for a gourmet getaway in Valensole, go to APIOR, an artisanal company specializing in the manufacture of delicious honey candies. Let yourself be enchanted by the sweetness and irresistible flavors of these treats, while discovering the unique know-how of these passionate artisans. Guided tours and tastings are available Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.
The best lavender field locations
The Valensole plateau is the most visited and famous place to see the lavender fields, but it is not the only one. Here is the list of the prettiest places to photograph the lavender fields:
Gordes: the most beautiful spot is at the Abbaye Notre- Lady of Sananque,
Sault: over 5km at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the lavender fields from Sault are more concentrated than those from Valensole,
Rustrel: known for the famous Colorado Provençal, you can find some lavender fields in Rustrel,
Coustellet: it's at Château du Bois that you can find the lavender fields.
Where to find sunflower fields in Provence?
While you explore Provence Looking for lavender, you will often see the fields divided by sunflowers. Sunflowers are also generally harvested from mid-July to the end of July. Take the small country roads around Valensole and let yourself be guided by the dazzling shades of yellow and green. You can also visit neighboring villages such as Riez, Puimoisson and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where you will discover beautiful fields of sunflowers lining the roads and fields of lavender.
Go here to see a pretty field of sunflowers in Provence: 43 °39'42.7"N 5°27'04.3"E.
Unnamed road, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France
What are the culinary specialties in the Valensole region?
The Valensole region is renowned for its Provençal gastronomy. Here are some culinary specialties to enjoy during your stay:
The tapenade: a delicious paste of black or green olives, ideal to spread on fresh bread.
Socca: a pancake made from chickpea flour, typical of the region.
Aioli: a sauce made with garlic and olive oil, often served with vegetables and fish.
To taste these specialties, do not hesitate to go to the local restaurants and the markets of the region. Among the recommended restaurants, we recommend La Table de Pauline in Gréoux les Bains or Célina's Garden in Valensole.
What to visit in the region around Valensole?
The region around Valensole is full of sites of interest and tourist attractions to discover:
The Verdon Regional Nature Park: a preserved natural area, ideal for hiking and water sports.
Lac de Sainte-Croix: an artificial lake with turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, pedal boating or canoeing.
The Gorges du Verdon: spectacular gorges where you can practice white water sports and rock climbing.
The picturesque villages of the region, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Riez or Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, which offer beautiful walks and breathtaking panoramas.
Where to sleep near the lavender fields?
If you are looking for where to sleep near the lavender fields, you can rely on this interactive map to easily and quickly find the accommodation that best suits your needs. It also allows you to filter results based on your criteria, such as accommodation type, prices, and customer reviews. Whether you are looking for a bed and breakfast, a quaint lodge or a hotel, you will easily find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
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