Provence is a beautiful region of France that is blessed with clear blue skies, and with air that is as fresh as the iced lemonade. One of the many things that make the region of Provence so famous is the sight of its lush lavender fields, which bloom for only three weeks of each year. From the middle of June until the first days of July, these fields are among the most beautiful sights in the world. I happened to take a vacation to Provence a couple of years ago, where I fell in love with the region… and ended up moving here. Wanting to share my love for this region of France is the main reason that I have decided to share my top 5 tips for making the most of your visit to the lavender fields in Provence.

As a wedding photographer living in Provence, and working with Flytographer, I shared these tips on their blog last year. I am sharing these tips again, here, in the hopes that a new audience will find valuable information about this subject.

For those who might don’t know, Flytographer is an international network of the best local photographers, from many different cities throughout the world, who are available to offer you a timeless souvenir for your travels.

1.- What is the best time of year to visit the lavender fields of Provence?

The best time to catch the lavender in full bloom is between the middle of June and the first days of July. As the weather can be a big factor in determining the length of the blooming season your best bet is to check with people local to the area as they are updated regularly about everything to do with the lavender blooming season, including the timing of the current blooming season

2.- Where are the best spots?

Although you can find lavender fields in Gordes, Luberon, and Mont Ventoux, the most beautiful region that you should surely visit is the Plateau de Valensole. The reason for this is that you won’t just be taking in these lavender fields on their own, you will also be treated to a stunning mountain background. This location is also home to the gorgeous Verdon Canyon (Gorges du Verdon, of course!) which makes the areas surrounding Valensole the best location for its lavender fields.

3.- What is the best time for shooting?

If you plan on taking pictures of these gorgeous fields of flowers you should do so just before sunrise in the morning, or just before dusk sets in the evening. The reason for this is that direct sunlight can affect the quality of the colours in your photos, and add dark shapes and shadows to the subjects of your photographs. The soft light during the transition periods of dawn or dusk will perfectly complement the stunning lavender fields.

 

4.- What should I wear?

If you’re planning a photo shoot with a professional photographer it is highly recommended that you wear comfortable clothes. Wear something white or creamy so that you get soft dreamy and high-quality images. Good quality, comfortable clothes will also go a long way in helping you to keep any bees, mosquitos, or any other insects at bay.

We are talking about early summer after all, so remember to protect the ones that you love from any outdoor pests… and from too much exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.

5.- What else can I do besides visiting the lavender fields?

If you are a nature lover like me, the best places you should go are to the lavender fields in Valensole and to the Verdon Canyon. One of the great things about visiting these locations is that there aren’t usually as many other tourists around, particularly during the morning hours. It is amazing how calm the mornings can be when you are able to avoid the “tourist stampede”.

Keep in mind that these locations can get pretty hectic from a little before noon until the end of the day, meaning that your adventure will be a lot more serene if you try to get here for around 8:30 am. This will give you ample time to soak up the tranquil beauty of the area. You will even have the time for a leisurely ride in a pedal boat, or electric if you prefer, as you explore this magical, natural space.

As you have noticed now, there is a bit of a limitation for having a photo shoot at the lavender fields each year, and the available dates are running off fairly quickly. This is why I will recommend that you choose your dates in advance (if you decide to take a lifetime souvenir of your holidays, of course!)

If you enjoyed this article and found that my photographs have brought delight to your eyes, feel free in contacting me at hello@marinoandrea.com as a local photographer and nature lover, I’d be happy to guide you with M-O-R-E valuable information about our region, and tips on the best ways to enjoy your visit 🙂

Until next time 😉