Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Yes, it’s my no.1 too. Topping all lavender tops and Provence guides, the iconic Senanque Abbey is a masterpiece set amidst heavenly lavender fields. Wander through the ancient stone walls, capturing postcard-perfect shots of the abbey framed by fragrant lavender blooms, but take your time offline and gadget-free. The symphony of colors and scents here brings you closer to God, literally.
Bonnieux and the Luberon Valley
The absolute sine qua non of the lavender season in Provence, The Luberon Regional Park is home to all the wonders: lavender fields, hilltop villages and sinuous country roads where you never cease to french kiss. Bonnieux is one seductive village perched on a hillside,where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of lavender fields and vineyards, and soak in the classical laid-back Provençal atmosphere. Then, as you drive through the plain between Bonnieux and Lacoste and Menerbes, you can make a stop and wander through the purple patches seen from above.
Plateau Valensole
It’s the Lavender Seas. Most postcards featuring vast, symmetric, dreamy lavender fields are shot here. As far as the eye can see, lavender blankets the fields and the rolling hills, creating an ethereal spectacle. Drive through the picturesque landscape, stop along the way and just immerse yourself in the postcard. Coming from Manosque in direction of Valensole, it’s purple country. Beware though, you won’t be alone, as most tourists have Valensole set as a must pin on the map. You will also find famous lavender farms with their distilleries and own shops here, such as Maison Angelvin or Terraroma. Terraroma is a pit stop for everyone, because the lavender field is just next to a sunflower field – and the contrast is fab. For me, the best part was a lavender hill a bit off road just between Angelvin and Valensole, and a gigantic one past Valensole, on the road to Riez.
Saignon
Saignon’s allure lies in its timeless ambiance and secretive trails. A little off the main road of Apt, and right through the aromatic countryside, Saignon is surrounded by lavender and almond trees, with its rock and medieval walls adding a dramatic touch to each and every snapshot..
Simiane-la-Rotonde
Go off the beaten path and see the charming village of Simiane-la-Rotonde, perched on a hilltop and enveloped by lavender fields. You are perfectly surrounded! Meander through medieval streets and relish the intoxicating scent of lavender that wafts through the air.
Sault
Venture to the charming town of Sault, renowned as the Lavender Capital of Luberon, and take your time here. Enjoy a few days to discover its pace and the rural buzz typical for the peak of the season., You’ll find farmers’ markets, season’s festivals, lavender produce and other locally sourced produce and a warm Provençal ambiance that will steal your heart. Mount Ventoux offers a great backdrop for the lavender fields, and if you climb on the top of it, the view is spectacular.
Oppedette
Another lavender escape off the beaten track, Oppedette is your typical tranquil village tucked away in Luberon’s hills. Walk along lavender-scented paths, discover hidden lavender patches, and savor the undisturbed beauty of this peaceful retreat. Chance are you’ll have the place all to yourself.
Gordes
Perched on a hilltop and a member of the Most beautiful French villages / Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Gordes is a charming village with lavender-fringed streets that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. You will stop here for lunch or dinner on your way to/from Senanque Abbey, but there are also beautiful small fields just at the foot of the hill, framed by the majestic citadel as if staged for a cinematography prize.
GOOD TO KNOW: Lavender fields are changing. For a few years now, the farmers are fighting drought, change in climate patterns and plant disease, so they need to rethink fields management, too. In the future, Lavender fields will not look like the symmetrical, all purple perfection that we see today. Even I noticed a change over the past three years. Harvest starts sooner, fields are smaller and other species of complementary plants are inserted in the lavender rows to keep the soil healthy. The look of one field or the other vary upon each season, and this is the 2023 update.Takeaway: hurry now for the closing of the season, and do not miss the next one. 🙂
