You have probably not missed magnificent images of lavender fields. On social networks or even in certain films, these large lines of purple plants do not go unnoticed. It’s hard to imagine that such a landscape can be found in France and yet it is in Valensole, in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, that these wonders are found. Some tourists, including many Japanese, travel from the other side of the world to appreciate these fields, why not you?
A small village in Provence-Alpes-Côte
If Valensole has become so famous, this village does not owe it to its size since it only has a little over 3000 inhabitants. The town of Valensole is characterized by medieval buildings built in an amphitheater on a hill . You will discover authentic buildings, sculptures and even a washhouse with five basins dating from 1681. The one nicknamed “the attic of the region” overlooks the Valensole plateau . These lands are extremely fertile and have allowed the locals to produce many products for several centuries, such as almonds, honey and even truffles. This richness is explained by its rate of sunshinevery high thanks to an average of 300 days of sunshine per year . It is also the largest set of its kind in France! Impressive, isn’t it? But the main curiosity of the area is obviously the lavender and its imposing expanses !
Lavender as far as the eye can see
Visiting the Valensole plateau is a unique experience that awakens the majority of visitors’ senses. Your touch, but above all your sight and your sense of smell will allow you to feel the place and make the most of it.
Please note, it is important to know that the lavender fields are not in bloom all year round before planning your trip to Provence. Indeed, these only turn purple about 1 month per year, between mid-June and mid-July . Like many plants, their flowering varies according to the weather . It may therefore be slightly offset from one year to another. To make sure you see this magnificent natural spectacle, we therefore advise you to leave the last week of June or the first of July . Even better, if you have the possibility, plan your trip at the last moment by finding out about the evolution of the fields.
Once there, several possibilities will be offered to you. All around the Mont Ventoux road (D4) , you will see fields belonging to various local farms. You will be able to choose to stop in the one that attracts you the most. There, you will be able to attend the distillation of these plants depending on the period in which you go there.
As you will have understood, this is an unmissable place in France! During a dedicated trip or just passing through the region, you will be amazed by these extraordinary fields. In addition, it will only take you a little less than an hour to reach the Gorges du Verdon to cool off!
