Lavender isn't the symbol of Provence for nothing: there are countless fields in Valensole, Digne-les-Bains, Drôme Provençale and Luberon. Among all these possibilities, we have selected for you the best lavender routes in Provence.
When is the best time to visit the best lavender route circuits in Provence?
It's not just a question of where to see lavender, but also when! Indeed, between the start of flowering and the harvest, the period for admiring lavender fields is fairly short. Flowering generally starts in early June, and harvesting takes place in mid-July. So you've got about a month and a half to visit the best lavender routes in Provence.
Note also that climatic factors, the altitude of the region concerned, and certain diseases that sometimes strike the fields, can cause late flowering or an early harvest. So, if you're planning to visit lavender fields at the beginning or end of the flowering season, it's a good idea to contact the local tourist offices to make sure the fields are still in bloom.
As for the time of day, it's best to visit lavender fields in the evening, when their scent is best diffused and their blue color is magnified by the setting sun.
The Luberon lavender route
The Pays d'Apt is the only region in the Luberon to grow lavender, as well as lavandin, an even more violet-colored hybrid. This itinerary will take you on one of the best lavender routes in Provence: the Luberon route, a magnificent country destination. You'll start your journey in Saignon, a charming village perched on a cliff, and drive on to the small hamlet of Coustellet. Coustellet is home to the famous Musée de la Lavande Luberon, housed in a traditional Provencal farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields. Sublime photos guaranteed! Along the way, you'll also pass through Apt, and Bonnieux, another perched Luberon village. The lavender route is organized as follows:
- Saignon
- Take the D48 to Apt
- D36, D943 then D232 to Bonnieux
- Take the D900, D178 then D3 to Coustellet and its lavender museum
The journey takes a total of 1 hr 05 mins, which you can extend during your breaks in the lavender fields. If you'd like to take a detour, you can also visit Gordes, one of Provence's most beautiful villages, the Plateau des Claparèdes, which offers several hiking trails through lavender fields, and the lavender fields of the Abbey of Sénanque.
The Albion plateau lavender route
One of the best lavender routes in Provence, this itinerary takes you to the western slopes of the Albion plateau, a beautiful sun-drenched destination. You'll set off from Ferrassières, one of the few villages on the plateau that isn't fortified, but is nonetheless very historic. You'll then head for Aurel, another farming village in the Vaucluse specializing in lavender bouquets, and on to Sault, a commune perched high above the lavender fields. After a stop in the village, set off again for Font Jouvale, a locality not far from Mont Ventoux, then Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, before finishing your journey in Apt. Your itinerary is as follows
- Ferrassières
- Take the D63 then the D95 to Aurel
- Take the D942 to Sault
- Take the D943 to Font Jouvale
- Continue on the D943 to Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt
- Continue on the D943 to Apt
The whole itinerary takes 1 hr 05 min, not including breaks. Along the way, you can add stops at La ferme aux lavandes, a lavender farm near Sault that welcomes the public to its genuine Provencal nature park, and at the family-run Aroma'Plantes distillery next door.
The lavender route of the Valensole plateau
The Valensole plateau is by far the best lavender route in Provence. It's the best known for its magnificent lavender fields, but also the most visited. As a result, the lavender fields are often crowded with tourists. The good thing is that the area occupied by lavender fields is so large that you can easily find a peaceful spot, simply by moving away from the roadside.
On this tour, you'll set off from Forcalquier, a magnificent, historic village renowned for the quality of its air, before heading for La Brillanne, famous for its lavender fields and tulips in spring. You'll then head for Manosque, a small town in Haute-Provence, before reaching Valensole. Considered the lavender capital of the world, it even organizes a lavender festival on the3rd Sunday in July, after the harvest. You'll leave the commune via the Route de Riez, one of the most beautiful lavender roads.
- Forcalquier
- Take the D4100 to La Brillanne
- Take the D4B then the D4 to Oraison
- Stay on the D4 to Manosque
- Take the D6, here called route de Manosque, to Valensole
- Take the D6, here called route de Riez, to Puimoisson.
This route takes a total of 1 hr 30 min, not including stops. You can shorten it at your leisure, or make additional stops, for example at the Lavender Museum in Valensole.
The Baronnies Provençales tour
The Provençal Baronnies are one of the best lavender route circuits in Provence if you're looking for a more authentic itinerary and a family destination. It's a region without mass tourism, yet with many lavender fields and beautiful olive groves. In addition to the fields, you'll be riding on panoramic roads offering beautiful views of the Provencal countryside. The route also includes several lavender distilleries, which you can visit.
You'll start your journey in Nyons, a pretty village on the banks of the Eygues, before driving on to Sahune and then Rémuzat, still following the same open road through the hills of Provence. Continue on to Le Poët-Sigillat, admiring the Col de Soubeyrand and its magnificent lavender fields en route. Then on to the small village of Sainte-Jalle, before reaching Saint-Auban-sur-l'Ouvèze, your final destination.
- Nyons
- Take the D94 to Les Pilles
- Continue on the D94 to Sahune
- Continue on the D94 to Rémuzat
- Take the D162 to Le Poët-Sigillat
- Take the D568 to Sainte-Jalle
- Take the D64 to Saint-Auban-sur-l'Ouvèze
All in all, it's a 1.5-hour drive. If you want to extend your drive, you can visit Buis-les-Baronnies, a pretty Provencal village surrounded by lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards, as part of the Coteaux des Baronnies AOC. Alternatively, continue on to Montbrun-les-Bains, one of France's most beautiful villages. Or take a detour to the Gorges d'Ubrieux, an exceptional Provencal hiking site forming a canyon with a turquoise-blue river running through it.
