The secret to seeing Provence’s lavender fields at their peak

As summer begins in earnest in the South of France, the fields of Provence turn a rather fetching shade of – well, lavender. Lavender season in this rustically beautiful corner of the country, away from the sweltering Côte d’Azur and its glitzty beach towns, is Europe’s answer to Japan’s sakura mania or Amsterdam’s tulips. Photographers and nature enthusiasts will wind around the region’s curving roads in search of the most vibrant fields. There are, of course, some places where you’re all but guaranteed to find some beautiful blooms if you visit at the right time. But don’t be afraid to go a bit off-piste, either – some of the prettiest fields are the ones you happen across on the side of the road, unmarked on Google Maps. Here, we answer the most comment questions about Provence’s lavender fields, and share a handful of our favourites for those planning their own trip. And for inspiration on where to stay for a perfectly Provençal pitstop, check out our edit of the best hotels in Provence.

When is lavender season in Provence?

Peak lavender season in the South of France tends to fall from late June through to mid-July – although ever-increasing spring temperatures can result in some fields blooming sooner than expected these days, so if you’re visiting earlier than you might traditionally see lavender, keep your eyes peeled.

When is lavender harvested in Provence?

Harvesting starts in mid-July in the lower-altitude regions, and continues through to August in the higher-altitude areas. By the middle of August, the lavender fields in the Luberon, Sault and Valensole Plateau will have been harvested.