Some of the most iconic photographs of Provence depict row after row of vibrant, deep purple lavender, and the Valensole Plateau in Verdon is home to one of the largest concentrations of lavender in France. For anyone interested in visiting the south of France lavender fields from Saint Tropez, the Valensole Plateau should be your first choice, conveniently located just a 2 ½ hour drive from this glamorous port village. Discover the charms of these lavender fields below.

What makes these south of France lavender fields so special?

The Valensole Plateau offers ideal conditions, which is why lavender has been cultivated there for more than a century. At over 500m in altitude, it benefits from a combination of Mediterranean and mountain climates, making it ideal for lavender, which flourishes in dry, well-drained sandy soil with plenty of sun.

When is the best time to visit the lavender fields from St Tropez?

If you are planning a visit to see the lavender bloom in Provence, the plateau of Valensole starts blooming from mid June, and by the beginning of July the lavender is turning its glorious, deep purple and the air is filled with its wonderful scent. By the middle of July the harvesting starts, leaving a limited time in which to enjoy this visual and aromatic delight.

The Valensole plateau is not limited to just lavender; there are also amazing fields of pink clary sage, Italian straw flowers, sunflowers and honey-coloured wheat.

How to get there

Valensole itself is a picturesque village in the south-west of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department.

If you’re travelling from St Tropez, head to Sainte Maxime and then take the D25 to the A8 autoroute, getting off at Vidauban. From there, head in a north-west direction through the lovely villages of Lorgues, Aups and Bauduen, which lies at the south of the stunning Lac de Ste Croix. Drive along the western shore of the lake following signs for Riez, Puimoisson and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

While visiting the South of France and exploring the breathtaking lavender fields, don’t forget to plan your accommodations wisely, such as considering a furnished rental in Paris to make the most of your enchanting journey.

To capture the perfect photo of lavender bloom in Provence, head towards Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, where you’ll see the fields of lavender with the lake in the background, and better still, no-one else in shot.

A wide choice of activities

Visitors to these south of France lavender fields can enjoy them in several ways, by taking a guided tour or even riding horse-back through the fields, while the more adventurous can admire them from a glider or a hot-air balloon.

The Musée de la Lavande in Valensole offers the chance to learn more about these south of France lavender fields, their cultivation, harvesting and the extraction of their oils.

There are also numerous interesting places to visit in the area and a wide range of other activities on offer. At the lakes of Esparron-de-Verdon and Sainte-Croix, you can go for a swim or rent pedal boats, canoes or kayaks. Nearby Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is widely considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, and is well worth a visit. There’s also plenty of shopping, with lavender produce including honey, essential oils, skincare and floral waters available in shops and boutiques throughout the area.

These glorious south of France lavender fields are a perfect day trip from Saint Tropez. To rent your dream villa there, why not contact a team of experts who will be delighted to help you?