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Do you want to discover the most beautiful villages and towns on the French Riviera?

The ones that make you dream?

Here is a selection of the most stunning places in the Alpes-Maritimes just for you

The Valensole Plateau

Beauty of Provence…

The Valensole Plateau, nestled in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is one of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in the region. This vast plateau, covering nearly 800 km² and sitting at around 590 meters above sea level, is primarily dedicated to the cultivation of lavandin, wheat, almond trees, and truffles.

Nothing captures the essence of Provence better than its expansive lavandin fields in bloom, painted in shades of violet and bathed in sunlight. Among the most famous places to witness this breathtaking sight, the Valensole Plateau stands out as a true highlight. In just a few years, it has become an unmissable destination, attracting visitors from all over the world every summer, all eager to capture the beauty of its scenery.

Let’s be honest: visiting Valensole outside the lavandin blooming season, whether before the flowers appear or after they’ve been harvested, loses much of its appeal. The plateau, relatively arid and sparsely wooded, owes its charm above all to its spectacular purple fields. While you’ll also find sage, sunflower, and wheat fields scattered across the area, it’s the lavandin that truly steals the spotlight — and the cameras.

The plateau, relatively arid and sparsely wooded, owes its charm above all to its spectacular purple fields. While you’ll also find sage, sunflower, and wheat fields scattered across the area, it’s the lavandin that truly steals the spotlight — and the cameras.

The blooming period varies slightly each year, depending on the climate and altitude. In this article, I focus exclusively on the lavandin of Valensole, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and not on other regions of Provence.

When to see the lavandin in bloom in Valensole?

On the plateau, lavandin usually starts to bloom around mid-June, but it reaches its most vibrant purple color in early July. The harvest traditionally begins during the Lavender Festival, which takes place each year on the third Sunday of July.

👉 The best time to admire the blooming lavender fields in Valensole is between July 1st and July 15th.

Important: The blooming dates can vary each year depending on the weather (a warm or cold spring), so be sure to check local updates before planning your visit.

The Valensole Plateau, nestled in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is one of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in the region. This vast plateau, covering nearly 800 km² and sitting at around 590 meters above sea level, is primarily dedicated to the cultivation of lavandin, wheat, almond trees, and truffles.

Lavender or Lavandin: What’s the Difference?

On the Valensole Plateau, what you see in the vast majority of fields is lavandin, not true lavender.

Lavandin is a hybrid plant, the result of a cross between fine lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). Unlike wild lavender, it does not grow naturally — it is propagated by cuttings, mainly for its higher yield in essential oil.

How to tell them apart:

Lavandin forms a dense, rounded bush, larger than that of true lavender.
Its flower spike is longer and fuller.
Lavandin’s scent is more camphorated, and less delicate than that of fine lavender.
They also have different properties in aromatherapy.

In short: the vast, perfectly aligned purple fields you see in Valensole are lavandin, cultivated on a large scale for industrial use (soaps, perfumes, etc.), yet just as photogenic.

🚗 Where to See Lavandin in Valensole (and Avoid the Crowds)?

The Valensole Plateau is crisscrossed by secondary roads lined with lavandin fields — some are very popular, while others are much more peaceful. Here are a few must-see spots, along with more hidden gems to enjoy the scenery in peace:

🌟 Iconic spots (beautiful but often crowded):

The D6/D8 junction (between Valensole and Puimoisson): probably the most photographed location on the plateau, with endless rows of lavender rolling across the landscape. A dream at sunrise… but expect to run into plenty of people, especially in July.
Around the field with the famous lone house (recognizable from Instagram): stunning in photos, but keep in mind this field is on private property. Stay on the edge, and respect the location.

🚶‍♀️ Quieter spots:

The road between Valensole and Saint-Jurs: less busy than the D6, this route offers spectacular panoramic views with the Verdon mountains in the background.
The Grandes Marges area (north of the plateau): here you'll find more isolated fields, sometimes bordered by sunflowers or clary sage, making for incredibly photogenic landscapes.
Around Brunet and Le Castellet: off the typical tourist paths, these neighboring villages offer a more peaceful atmosphere and some beautiful patches of lavandin.

🕓 Tips for an Optimal Experience:

Visit early in the morning (6 a.m. – 9 a.m.) or after 7 p.m.: the light is softer, the colors more vibrant, and the temperatures more pleasant.
Avoid weekends in July if you can, especially around July 14 and the Lavender Festival, when the crowds are at their peak.
Respect the fields: don’t trample the plants, stay on the edges, and avoid picking the lavender — even if it’s tempting!

The Lavender Festival in Valensole

The Lavender Festival in Valensole is a must-see event that celebrates the iconic flower of the Provençal plateau each year. It traditionally takes place on the third Sunday of July, right in the middle of the harvest season. The entire village dresses in shades of purple and comes alive with local traditions. Visitors can stroll through artisan markets offering essential oils, handmade soaps, lavender honey, and other regional products. Lavandin distillation demonstrations are held, showcasing the full process — from flower to oil. The festival also highlights local crafts, traditional Provençal costumes, folk dancing, and regional music, offering a rich and immersive cultural experience.

It’s the perfect opportunity to taste the local cuisine, all in a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The village streets come alive with stalls, brass bands, and activities for all ages. The day often ends with a dance or fireworks display, enjoyed in the coolness of a summer evening.

In short, the Lavender Festival is a true immersion in Provençal culture, blending rural traditions with the natural beauty of the Valensole Plateau.

How to get there:

• By car: (134 km – about 2 hours and 20 minutes)

Link for more information: www.paysdemanosque.com

It’s the perfect opportunity to taste the local cuisine, all in a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The village streets come alive with stalls, brass bands, and activities for all ages. The day often ends with a dance or fireworks display, enjoyed in the coolness of a summer evening. In short, the Lavender Festival is a true immersion in Provençal culture, blending rural traditions with the natural beauty of the Valensole Plateau.

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