Where to visit the famous lavender fields of the Verdon? We are in southern France in the upper Provence.
The evocation of the French proverbial of Provence and its sweet scent to our nostrils. Between mid-June and mid-July, the Alps of Haute-Provence will leave you a vibrant memory for your five senses long after you have passed through. We give you in this article a few tips to visit the lavender fields and bring back a few souvenirs.
Some ideas of activities to do in the Verdon during your hike
Here are some ideas of activities to book before or after your hike in the Verdon.
– Book a guide for the Imbut Trail
– Book a guide for the Martel White Trail
– Enjoy an evening of astronomy on the shores of Lake St. Croix and sleep on site
– Watch the film Verdon Secret in 3D on a giant screen
For more information, visit our guide of visits in the Verdon.
Where to admire the lavender fields?
Above all, there are many “lavender spots” through Haute-Provence, Drome, and Alpes-Maritimes via Vaucluse and Alpes de Haute-Provence. However, the best place in the world is undoubtedly the plateau de Valensole. Between the valleys of the Verdon, the Bléone and the Durance, the lavender fields of this vast plateau, from June onwards, of blue oceans, agitated by the breeze. Some other species of olive trees, another emblem of the region, these waves with their fresh and powerful scents also attract many pollinators. Beware of bites! But, with a little caution, the presence of these insects will add to the beauty and enchanting scents.
The plateau de Valensole and its lavender fields
The Valensole platter is sparsely populated and largely dedicated to lavender cultivation. Set against a backdrop of alpine mountains, the villages that border the heirs of a long history, going back to the Middle Ages, even to antiquity. In addition, your journey through the lavender fields will be enriched with a few breaks in these typically Provençal villages.
Thus, Valensole deserves a stopover for its pleasant cafes, its 13th-century church, and its pretty 18th-century fountain. Or the wonderful view over the valley and the lavender fields from the charming perched village of St. Jurs. Finally, a few miles away, the Gorges du Verdon, our national Grand Canyon. This can be reached after a detour through the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Why not visit the lavender fields by bike?
An excellent way to discover the lavender fields around the lake Sainte-Croix is biking. Indeed, you can book an electric bike for half a day and enjoy the scenery and the perfume of lavender. This is an easy pleasant way to visit the area. Therefore, you will need to rent an electric bike and will find all the information for booking here.
On the booking page, we will propose you different options to hire a bike without a guide or with a guide. this experience can be done with kids from 11 years old.
Come celebrate lavender and its virtues during the festival!
The lavender festival is an unmissable celebration for lovers of the little blue flower. The Valensole Festival is one of the most famous lavender festivals. Scheduled around mid-July, it is a unique opportunity to discover lavender fields, sunflowers, and distilleries in a festive way. Indeed, you can meet the producers of the village’s products. During the festival, you will also watch the traditional distillation of lavender flowers in an old still from the 19th century. You finally can even enjoy the tours by the festival organization.
You will find all about the event and the Valensole Tourist Office.
How can I learn more about the lavender and its recognized properties?
Do you wish to bring back in your luggage the enchanting scents of Provence, its essential oils with purifying and soothing properties? Above all you should visit the Jaubert family in Valensole (see on the map Terraroma Jaubert). This passionate about craft, offers you, in a splendid landscape of Haute Provence, to discover their traditional methods of harvesting and distillation. This know-how has been carefully preserved with a view to quality.
Visit the distillery Terraroma Jaubert
Moreover, for groups of 15 or more people, the Terraroma Jaubert Distillery offers a free guided tour all year round on booking. It includes the discovery of the distillery, detailed explanations on the cultivation, harvesting, and distillation of the film. This visit is possible between April and November. For individuals, the producer makes himself available all year round in the sales store to answer the curious who would like to learn more!
After this visit and for a more intimate setting, come and see, smell and taste the delights of La Maison de Produits de Pays du Haut-Verdon. It’s located in a rural setting a few steps from the village of “Allemagne en Provence. In fact Farmers, artists, and craftsmen from the Verdon and Valensole have come together to create this House, testimonial to their know-how and cultural wealth.
Visit the fabric of “L’OCCITANE en Provence”
The other essential address of this road is L’Occitane en Provence in Manosque, which opens its factory and Mediterranean garden to us. In a bucolic setting, this company, renowned throughout the world for its quality products that smell the sun of Provence, welcomes you for a three-step visit.
Book your free visit of L’Occitane en Provence
First of all, the factory. Thanks to a guided tour, you will discover in all transparency the manufacturing processes of the famous treatments of L’Occitane. You will enjoy an exciting itinerary, punctuated by sensory activities, to progress on the path of beauty inspired by nature. Indeed the one hour visit includes the laboratories, the production workshop and the packaging of the products.
Then the garden! Escape for a walk among wild and cultivated species in the Mediterranean Garden. Let’s take a closer look at the richness of this product, which is the original inspiration for the beauty products of L’Occitane in Provence.
Finally, the Museum Shop: Do not miss out on a visit to the shop, which was completely revamped in 2019.
Please note that visits can be book either in french or English. As a conclusion, we recommend the guided tour by reservation on our website.
Organized tour for lavender fields and gastronomy
If you are in a small group, you can book a lavender tour with a local guide. For example, Verdon Transport Service will guide you for half a day or one full day in a Mercedes van. The tour will allow you to discover the lake and the lavender fields. You will also stop in a local restaurant where you will enjoy specialties made with lavender.
