Purple, lush and pleasant, lavender has become synonymous with the French region of Provence. When you visit France, you will be offered the fantastic chance to go on tours in Provence to see lavender distilleries. It is one of the most rewarding things to do there. And what is not to love about lavenders? It has many uses, including stopping headaches, insomnia, insect bites, and cleansing cuts. As amazing as seeing lavender rows are, it is essential to know when it blooms in the region.

During the lavender season (which is short), you will see and strut through the rows of lavender that seem to extend infinitely in different shades of purple. Then, it is common for farmers to cut the flowers that reach their peak of producing the important oil. 

The plant is formed in little clusters, about 30 cm to 80 cm high. Lavender does not become an aesthetic interest until it starts to bloom. In Provence, the lavender flowering period is a spectacular view: fields of light purple reaching beyond the horizon like motionless, endless waves.

Usually, the bloom season spans from the middle of June to the middle of August. It may depend on climate conditions: it arrives sooner in warmer, sunnier areas. It can come later closer to valleys in the Alps. 

An interesting way to enjoy your time out in the lavender areas of Provence is to go on off-the-beaten-path as many tourists do. However, if you begin your tour in the popular village of Sault, its valley is marked by small roads that course through lavender fields. 

Here, the visual markers are Mont Ventoux and the village itself. You can also go north from the village to Montbrun-les-Bains and climb to the back roads (reaching Barret-de-Lioure). This way, you will arrive at a small village called Ferrassières. This is one of the spots where you can capture the vast rolling hills of lavender.

So, before adding this to your Provence itinerary, ensure that you are traveling in the lavender season.

>>Also Read: What is Provence Famous For

When Lavender Bloom in Provence

With lavender, timing is crucial, just like with sunflowers too. Unfortunately, they flourish at the same time. You should note that each part of the region has a distinct bloom season for lavender. For example, in the valley of Drôme-Diois to Haut-Buëch, flowering starts mid-June, while in Baronnies to Buëch, it begins in late June. Here is how the Provencal areas differ in the lavender bloom season:

From the valley of Drôme-Diois to Haut-Buëch: In these parts, lavender blooming starts in mid-June or early July around Crest. It spans until the start of August in Haut-Diois and Haut-Buëch. But sometimes, distillation continues past August 15th in places like La Faurie, Chamaloc, and Valdrôme,

In Drôme Provençale: The start time slightly varies from the previous areas mentioned. Lavender blooms from the end of June in the Buëch valley and from early July in the highest sectors (Mévouillon, Laborel). The harvest sometimes happens until the start of August. While distillation, according to methods, takes place until August end.

Between Ventoux, Luberon, and Lure: Around Apt, flowering starts in mid-June then it continues until exactly mid-August on the plateau of Albion and in Forcalquie. 

From Haute-Provence to Verdon: Here, flowering typically does not start until mid-June around Valensole. Then it proceeds until mid-August in Haut-Verdon. 

Prealpes d’Azur and the Grasse region: This side is the cradle of lavender production in Provence. There, you are bound to find wild lavender plants while the side of the mountains turns deep blue by the end of June. 

In the case that you will be visiting Provencal lavender fields solely for research purposes, bear in mind that the blooming periods vary each year according to the weather. Therefore, I suggest that you visit at a time when you’ll be sure to see the lush like in the first 2 weeks of July. 

>>Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Provence

When Does Lavender Bloom in Provence? – Final Thoughts

Only few things beat the full, glorious scented boom as lavender fields from mid-July to August in Provence. Nevertheless, the bloom period mostly depends on elevation, variety, and climate variations. To maximize your time there, make an appointment at any distillery to get a private tour or book a lavender tour through a guide who is well acquainted with the area. But if you are visiting outside of the lavender bloom season in Provence, there is still plenty more to do and see in the region.