See some of the most iconic lavender fields in France around Valensole, and explore the village itself for a day that perfectly blends natural beauty and cultural enrichment.
Meet your Daytrip driver at your door in Aix-en-Provence to begin the journey to Valensole. Once there, you can explore on your own until it's time to rejoin your driver for the relaxing return trip.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant lavender blooms of the Valensole Plateau, and explore Valensole village to shop for locally produced lavender products.
What to see
The rolling fields of fragrant lavender, an idyllic setting that is the perfect backdrop for photos
What to do
Stick to marked paths when exploring the lavender fields to protect the delicate blooms
Explore the historic village, especially the 11th-century St. Blaise church
What to buy
Lavender-infused soaps, oils, and potpourri products
Yes, several working lavender distilleries near Valensole open their doors to visitors during the harvest, including farms that offer guided tours, tastings, and live distillation demonstrations. Watching the harvest and steam-distillation process is a unique way to learn about lavender production. Ask your driver for suggestions on the day, since opening hours and tour availability vary by distillery and time of year.
Most Valensole lavender fields are privately owned working farms, so visitors should stay on field edges, public paths, and pull-off points along the roadsides rather than walking into the rows. Many photo-friendly spots are marked, and some farms welcome respectful guests during open events. Avoid stepping on or breaking stems, since damage harms the harvest and can lead to access being closed in future seasons.
Valensole sits about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Aix-en-Provence, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. The route follows scenic roads through the Provencal countryside, passing rolling farmland, olive groves, and stone villages. Your private driver handles the navigation so you can simply enjoy the changing colors as the lavender fields begin to appear.
Yes, Valensole draws large crowds in early July, especially on weekends and around the lavender festival. The most photographed roadside fields can fill with visitors, photographers, and tour buses by midday. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps you find quieter spots and better light. Weekday trips are noticeably calmer, even during peak season, and offer easier parking near the village.
Valensole is famous for lavender honey, lavender ice cream, lavender macarons, and lavender-infused soaps and oils. The plateau also grows almonds, used in calissons and nougats sold in the village shops. Try local goat cheese, tapenade, olive oil, and rose wine for a true taste of Provence. Many shops offer tastings, so feel free to sample before choosing souvenirs to take home.
The Valensole Plateau is one of the largest lavender-growing regions in France, with sweeping fields of purple lining the roads near the village. Many of France's signature lavender postcard images are shot here, especially the rows curving toward distant farmhouses. Beyond the fields, Valensole village offers an 11th-century church, charming squares, and shops dedicated to lavender, honey, almonds, and local olive oil.
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm Provencal summer weather, plus sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are best for walking village streets and dirt edges along the fields. A camera, a refillable water bottle, and a small bag for lavender purchases are smart additions. Brightly colored or flowing outfits look striking against the rows of purple blooms.
The Valensole Plateau lavender typically blooms from mid-June through late July, with peak color usually in the first half of July. The annual Valensole Lavender Festival in mid-July celebrates the harvest with stalls, music, and demonstrations. Mornings offer soft light, lower temperatures, and more peaceful photos. Bloom timing varies each year based on spring rainfall, so check local Provence updates before booking your visit.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.