Provence, with its rolling lavender fields, sun-kissed villages, and rustic elegance, is the epitome of a dream escape. If you’re craving a refreshing dose of tranquility and natural beauty, a weekend trip to this enchanting region is just what you need. Here’s how you can spend two unforgettable days soaking in the magic of Provence.
Provence Travel 101 : Must-know Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit
Last week of June to mid July is the safest option. We had planned for quite some time but still we were a week early to capture the full bloom. Where as, in 2022 we planned for July 14th and all the lavender fields in Valensole were harvested by that time. Blooming time highly depends on weather condition and varies from year to year.
How to Reach
Reaching Provence is quite easy as you have several options
- Train : High speed TGV trains connects Aix-en-Provence to Paris or Marseille depending on where you are travelling from.
- Car: If you are based in Marseille, you can rent a car and drive to Aix-en-Provence. There are multiple car rental companies in Marseille
- Air : The place is served by multiple airports, Marseille Provence airport, Avignon Airport and the Toulon-Hyeres Airport.
Note : We highly recommend to rent a car for your travel in Provence.
Where to Stay
If you plan is just to visit the Lavender fields, for closest proximity stay in village of Valensole. But options are quite limited, also it’s better to stay here only if you have a car. However, Aix-en-Provence is the best option for many reasons. In case you do not have a car, you can get plethora of guided tours for visiting the lavender fields for all kind of budgets.
The Itinerary
We will provide an itinerary where we based ourselves in Aix-en-Provence. We advice strongly to rent a car for exploring this whole region at your own pace.
Day 1 : Explore Aix-en-Provence
It is the day, you arrive into Aix-En-Provence. You can spend the evening strolling around the city. There are certain areas which are quite pretty, like Cours Mirabeau which sport the 17th century mansions . You can stop by La Rotonde for a quick photo stop. You can wander through Aix’s old town, a maze of narrow streets and charming squares like the Place des Cardeurs. Discover boutiques, art galleries, and hidden fountains—Aix is known as the “city of a thousand fountains.”
Day 2 : Chasing the Lavender
Once you have a good rest, leave early morning for a visit to Valensol. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the iconic lavender fields of Provence. During the full bloom season, the fields burst into a vibrant shade of purple filling the air with a wonderful fragrance.
Here are some locations of the fields where we were able to have the amazing views
Rue de Manosque : Spot 1
While driving from Aix-en-Provence the first lavender fields you come across are the fields of Terroroma, there are multiple fields all around with absolutely gorgeous slopes.
Lavendes Angelvin : Spot 2
As you drive further you will cross Lavendes Angelvin and on the left side you see a cute little sunflower field. On the very last week of June sunflowers were not in full bloom but still enough to create spectacle.
P.S you can grab some perfect souvenirs from the shop also can have a little picnic or take some rest under the olives and willow trees here.
Rue De Manosque : Spot 3
As you drive more towards Valensole you will find this very large lavender field with slope at one end, this is where we caught the prettiest blooms during our visit.
Route de Moustiers towards Puimoisson
As you drive along Route de Moustiers towards Puimoisson , you’ll pass many beautiful sights. There are plenty of lavender fields along this route, but we didn’t include them separately as there are too many lavender fields where you can stop by . Lavender fields in this area are much quieter so high chance that you will get the fields all to yourselves.
Campo di Lavanda
Just after crossing Puimoisson if you take right exit you will find this lavender field with a small stone hut and hills in backdrop. Looked like the lavenders here were not in best condition, however the backdrop made the place gorgeous anyway.
Puimoisson
There is another small field if you continue past Puimoisson and take Route de Digne, you will find another magnificent Lavender Field.
Optional : Sénanque Abbey
There is another place, which is quite far from Valensole, however, it is quite a touristic place. It is also one of the most Instagramable places in this region, with the a Cistercian monastery nestled among lavender fields.
Day 3 : Daytrip to Gordes
On the final day, take this day trip to one of the most famous villages in France, Gordes, which is also one of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. With its stone houses, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views, it’s a must-visit destination. The best way to discover this place is to first park you car at one of the many parking throughout the village, and then just get lost into its maze of charming alleys, each leading to hidden gems like art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Do not miss the panoramic views of the Luberon valley from the village’s higher points.
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