Provence: Lavender Fields Tour from Aix-en-Provence

Summary

Lavender fields, Valensole plateau & Luberon villages from Aix

You’ll walk among Provence’s famous lavender fields near Valensole or Sault, breathe in their scent, and learn little local details from your guide along the way. There are plenty of photo stops (and time to wander), plus stories about village life and lavender farming. If you’re lucky with timing, you might catch harvest season or see local pickers at work—it’s quieter than you’d think, but somehow more alive too.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hum—bees everywhere, busy and loud, almost drowning out our guide’s voice as we stepped off the minibus into the Valensole lavender fields. It’s not quiet at all, actually. The air was thick with that sharp-sweet lavender smell, and I could feel it on my tongue somehow. Our driver, Camille, pointed out how the color changes depending on the angle of the sun—she was right. It looked almost blue in some spots, then suddenly purple again when a cloud moved.

I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t do it justice. We stopped for ages just watching a couple of older women picking stems by hand—Camille said they’ve done it every summer since she was a kid. She told us about the difference between “lavande fine” and “lavandin,” which I promptly forgot (sorry Camille). There were other groups around but everyone sort of spread out and got quiet for a bit. Someone laughed when I bent down to smell a flower and got pollen on my nose—guess I deserved that.

Later we drove through these tiny Luberon villages—Saignon was my favorite, all faded shutters and sleepy cats. If you do the full day trip from Aix-en-Provence you get more time to wander around or grab something sweet at a bakery (I recommend the apricot tart if you see it). The weather was hot but not unbearable; there’s always this breeze up on the plateau that keeps things moving. By afternoon I’d stopped trying to capture everything and just let myself sit in the shade with an iced coffee, watching people try to pronounce “Sault.”

I still think about that light—a kind of gold haze over all those violet rows. It’s not what I expected at all, but maybe that’s why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lavender fields tour and photo stops

• Depart from Aix-en-Provence
• Visit Valensole Plateau lavender fields
• Enjoy free time at lavender farm or village
• Take photo stops in lavender fields
• Explore Luberon village or Sault area
• Return to Aix-en-Provence

Top questions

When is the best time for lavender fields in Provence?

The main blooming season is June 10th to July 31st; Valensole is best mid-June to mid-July, while Sault peaks later in July.

Does the tour include pickup in Aix-en-Provence?

The tour starts from Aix-en-Provence with transport by air-conditioned minibus included.

How long does the Provence lavender tour last?

Half-day tours run about 4 hours; full-day options last around 9 hours from morning until late afternoon.

Are there stops for photos during the tour?

Yes, there are dedicated photo stops in the lavender fields included in both half-day and full-day tours.

Is lunch included on this Provence day trip?

No lunch is included; during full-day tours you have free time to buy food in Luberon villages.

Can children join this lavender fields tour?

Children under 4 years old are not allowed on these tours.

What happens if lavender isn’t blooming?

The route may be modified depending on bloom stage; guides adjust stops for best views available.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned minibus from Aix-en-Provence, guided commentary throughout by a professional driver-guide, plus plenty of photo stops among Provence’s famous lavender fields—and if you choose the full-day option, there’s extra free time to explore villages like Saignon or Gordes before heading back.