The lavender fields of Valensole in Provence and the Verdon Gorge

The famous lavender fields of Valensole are located on the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France. The lavender usually starts blossoming in early July and is harvested at the beginning of August, though the exact dates can differ from year to year. If you ever happen to be in France around that time, it’s truly worth a visit. For more ideas on places to explore in Provence and beyond, check out our 12-day France summer itinerary.

The Journey from Nice to Valensole

We were in Nice in early July, and was the perfect time to visit the lavender fields, so we decided to drive from Nice to Valensole. It’s about two and a half hours away. Driving is really the best option to visit the lavender fields, since there’s no train station in Valensole and not enough public transportation. So, driving was our best choice.

The Route

We used the following route and GPS coordinates to drive to Valensole and explore the lavender fields and nearby spots:

1. Nice
2. Verdon Gorges (optional – a beautiful detour if you have the time)
3. 43.84672N, 6.15338E
4. 43.89155N, 6.0669E
5. 43.86029N, 5.99009E
6. Lavandes Angelvin, Campagne Neuve, 04210 Valensole, France
7. 43.765964N, 6.145643E (Sunflower and Lavender fields)
8. Nice

A Detour to the Verdon Gorges

We drove about an hour and a half in the Pre-Alps region and took a detour to the Verdon Gorges on the way. The Verdon Gorges form the largest canyon in Europe, and the view from above was absolutely stunning, with its emerald blue water glistening below. We went down to the river to rent boats, but the waiting time was around two hours, so we enjoyed the views from above and moved on.

Looking down at boats in the Verdon Gorge

Arriving at the Lavender Plateau

From there, we continued our drive through the countryside and hills of Provence toward the Valensole Plateau.

Once we reached the first lavender field, it was simply mesmerizing, a sea of bright purple stretched across the land. The entire plateau is full of lavender fields of varying sizes, and the farmers kindly allow visitors to walk around freely. There are no tickets and you can stay as long as you like.

The first Lavender field we spotted from the road

Walking Through the Lavender Fields

We got down and wandered through the lavender fields, carefully walking between the rows. The fields were in full bloom, and all we could see was a bright purple carpet of lavender blossoms.

Walking through the fields between the rows

The air was filled with the sweet scent of lavender, and the combination of the fragrance, the vivid colors, and the rolling landscape made it an unforgettable sight.

Lavandes Angelvin – A Local Favorite

Lavandes Angelvin are one of the well-known producers of lavender in the area. They have a small shop right by the fields, and we stopped to buy some lavender products to bring home.

Walking along the paths through the lavender fields

Where to stay?

In France, staying in tourist apartments is far more common than hotels, as hotels are limited and cost much more, not surprising for the most visited country in the world with over 60 million visitors annually.

Below, we’ve shared details of where we stayed during our trip.

We spent the first four days of our stay in Nice at Hotel Le Saint Paul. We booked a sea-view room and it was great, and the hotel was also within walking distance of the beach and the promenade.
Book Here: Hotel Le Saint Paul

For the next three days, we stayed at Hotel Villa Victoria, a very cozy, clean, and cute boutique hotel. The location was great, with the beach, shops, and plenty of eateries all within walking distance.
Book Here: Hotel Villa Victoria

How to go to Nice from Paris?

Nice is about 685 km (425 miles) from Paris, on the far eastern side of the French Riviera. Traveling between the two cities is simple. There are high-speed trains that take around four hours, or direct flights that take about an hour and a half. Driving takes about nine hours.

Getting Around Nice?

Getting around Nice is straightforward. Most places can be reached on foot, and the tram covers the main parts of the city, including the airport. For longer trips, Uber is available, and for exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car is the best option.

Tips for Visiting the Lavender Fields And FAQ