Lavender Fields: Day Trips and Tours from Aix-en-Provence

Deep in the southeast corner of France sits some of the country’s best-hidden gems: striking lavender fields.

The lavender fields consume visitors with their strong lavender aromas and expansive reach across thousands of square meters. The vibrant shades of purple dance before your eyes as you explore the fields.

Visitors travel from all over the world to take in all of the sights and smells that the fields have to offer. If you are headed to France, considering adding a day trip to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence to your bucket list!

How to get to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence?

Most of the day tours visit the more popular lavender fields like the Valensole Plateau or Plateau of Claparèdes, so the length of your journey depends on which tour you take.

Valensole Plateau sits about 80 kilometers northeast of Aix-en-Provence, while the Plateau of Claparèdes sits just 50 kilometers outside of the city. Whether you make the journey on your own or on a tour, you have plenty of transportation options.

From Aix-en-Provence to the lavender fields by car

No matter which fields you choose to visit, you can always drive there on your own! You can get to Valensole Plateau in just over one hour via the A51, but keep in mind that this route has tolls.

You can reach the Plateau of Claparèdes in just under one hour via the D943. The short travel distance makes the fields an ideal day trip from Aix-en-Provence.

From Aix-en-Provence to the lavender fields by public transportation

Unfortunately, traveling to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence via public transportation is not an option.

You can take trains or buses from Aix-en-Provence to cities that are closer to the fields, but then you must find a way to get from those cities to the fields themselves. Financially and logistically speaking, this is not the best method to reach the lavender fields.

Guided tour to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence

Since public transportation is not a viable option to reach the lavender fields, you can always join a guided tour from Aix-en-Provence.

Most of the day tours will either pick you up from your accommodation in Aix-en-Provence or advise you to make your way to a common meeting location before joining the tour.

The tour operators provide a variety of options, so you are sure to find a day tour that checks off all your boxes!

How much does the entrance ticket to the lavender fields cost?

Most of the lavender fields do not have an entrance fee, so you are welcome to roam around the area! You can also visit some of the neighboring towns free of charge to purchase lavender souvenirs or enjoy a nice meal between stops at the fields.

Some of the tours also include a visit to a lavender distillery. The entrance fee is typically included in the cost of the tour, but you should confirm with the tour operator ahead of time.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence?

All tours from Aix-en-Provence to the lavender fields begin with a pickup in Aix-en-Provence or a meeting at a common location. Once all members have been accounted for, the tours depart the city and head directly towards the lavender fields.

You will have free time to explore the fields and take stunning photographs with the vibrant purple plants as your backdrop. Depending on the tour you book, you may visit more than one field.

After spending time in the fields, some tours will take you to a lavender distillery to learn how they produce lavender essential oils. Other tours may transport you to nearby towns and give you free time to shop and explore.

Your tour group will then head back to Aix-en-Provence after a day (or half-day) of exploring. Some tours will drop you off directly at your accommodation, so check with your tour operator ahead of time.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the lavender fields?

If you want to make the journey to the lavender fields on a guided tour, you have plenty of options to choose from!

Half-day tour to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence

Since the fields are just a little over an hour away from Aix-en-Provence, you can easily take a half-day tour to visit them. These tours are more cost-effective than full-day tours, and you still get to take in the sights and smells of the fields.

The half-day tours may only stop at one field, and they do not include visits to any other neighboring attractions. If you are pressed for time but still want to see the fields, a half-day tour is a perfect option for you!

Full-day tour to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence

Full-day tours provide you with a long experience and more time to enjoy all that the fields have to offer.

You will make your way from Aix-en-Provence to the fields, but then your tour may include visits to neighboring towns or a local lavender distillery. These tours cost a bit more than half-day options, but you get to see more.

Private tour to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence

If you want to experience the lavender fields with a bit of privacy, a private tour is the best option for you. These tours typically follow the same itinerary as full-day tours, but you don’t have to spend the day with other tour group members.

Private tours are not typically priced per person, so they are the most cost-effective option if you are traveling in a small group.

Side-car tour to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence

If you are looking for a unique excursion to the lavender fields, look no further! Some tour operators offer retro side-car tours around the lavender fields and conclude with wine tastings at nearby vineyards.

You will ride in the side-car of a retro motorbike with a local driver past the fields and through nearby towns. What better way to experience southern France than on this once-in-a-lifetime day tour!

How much does a tour to the lavender fields from Aix-en-Provence cost?

The cost of the tour varies based on which operator you select, the attractions the tour includes and how long the tour lasts. The prices usually range anywhere from €43 to €890.

You can pick a more budget-friendly option and pay for a half-day guided tour from Aix-en Provence for €55 to €60. Full-day tours cost €43 to €115. You can also book a private tour for €200 to €890 or take a tour in a retro side-car for €219 to €619.

Half-day tours are the most cost-effective option, but the full-day and private tours include more stops along the way. Regardless of which tour you end up booking, there is an option for everyone!

What will you see and do in the lavender fields?

When you visit the lavender fields themselves, you can take in the stunning seas of purple and the fresh aroma. You can walk through the fields and capture beautiful pictures against the unique backdrop.

Once you are done exploring the fields, you can make your way to nearby towns to purchase lavender souvenirs made out of the very crop you just walked through. You can even visit a lavender distillery to learn how to make essential oils or sip on some wine in a nearby vineyard.

When are the lavender fields open over the year?

Since lavender is a plant, it does not bloom year-round. You can visit the fields at any time of the year, but you will only see the stunning purple seas of lavender during the summer. Most of the tours only operate in June and July.

What are the opening times?

The lavender fields are technically open any time of the day, but it is best to visit them when the sun is out. You can capture stunning photos in the early morning or early evening, and you are less likely to encounter other visitors at this time.

When is the best time to visit the lavender fields?

Making the jaunt to the lavender fields during the right time of the year is essential. The plant blooms for a short time, so you must take advantage of the small window of opportunity!

The best time of the year to view the lavender plants in full bloom is from June to July. You can occasionally still see them in August, but many farmers collect the crop during this time to extract the lavender oil.

Keep in mind that school holidays in France start in July, so the fields will attract more visitors at that time. The plants bloom during the peak of the French summer, so you can expect hot and sunny days during your visit.

Are there any tours to the lavender fields from other cities in France?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in France:

• Day tours to the lavender fields from Avignon
• Lavender fields day trips from Marseille

Travel tips

• The lavender fields offer little shade, so bring a lot of sunscreen!
• You can capture stunning photos early in the morning or evening.
• Be aware of the bees and spiders in the lavender fields.
• Be respectful while walking through the field. A farmer put in a lot of time and effort to grow the crop.