Lavender Fields: Day Trips and Tours from Avignon

A day trip to the lavender fields from Avignon is a fantastic idea for anyone interested in photography and hoping to see these one-of-a-kind flowers at least once in their life.

The lavender fields and route of Provence offer oceans of purple, and are extremely popular among tourists and residents of Avignon.

The South of France has a reputation for its beauty and the lavender fields are especially beautiful during the warmer months. Enjoy a fun jaunt by yourself or an excursion with friends and family in the many lavender fields close to Avignon.

How to get to the lavender fields from Avignon

The lavender fields are located approximately 90 kilometers away from the city center of Avignon. The length of your trip will depend on how many fields you're visiting, but they are all equally beautiful.

On a day trip from Avignon, the lavender fields you can visit include Luberon, Sault, Valensole, Ardeche, Grasse and Drome.

From Avignon to the lavender fields by car

Depending on the time of day, the journey from Avignon to the lavender fields will take about one hour via the A7. On the A54, the journey takes about 1.5 hours.

Leave the city and take the A7 ramp. Then, keep right at the fork and follow the signs to Aix en Provence.

There are about four toll roads on this route with fees as much as €1.85. You can take other toll-free routes through the D7N and A54, but the journey to the lavender fields will be considerably longer.

From Avignon to the lavender fields by public transport

It is possible to visit the lavender fields from Avignon by train. It takes less than thirty minutes to get to Provence, with a distance of 70 kilometers.

You can take the TGV train without any stops on the way and there are usually up to 30 trains available daily. The trip ends at the Aix-en-Provence TGV station.

On arrival, you can take a bus, taxi, or rideshare from the train station. It's advisable to use a taxi or rideshare and ask the driver to take you to the closest lavender field. The ticket prices start at €10 per person.

Guided tour to the lavender fields from Avignon

There are different types of day trips from Avignon to the lavender fields which make it easier to explore the fields without getting lost.

You can join a full-day trip to the lavender fields from Avignon, including pickup in the city and a chance to see all the famous fields. It's also possible to book a half-day tour instead.

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

You are welcome to roam around the lavender fields without worrying about an entrance fee. The neighboring towns frequently welcome tourists and you will be able to buy meals, lavender-flavored ice cream and other souvenirs there.

It’s advisable to bring some cash on your jaunt to the lavender fields to purchase these souvenirs and meals.

Your trip could include the Lavender Museum in Provence, which features the lavender distillery and other signs. Here is a breakdown of the entrance fees to the Lavender Museum.

• Adults: €8
• Children (11 -16): €4
• Seniors and students: €7
• Persons with disabilities: €5.50
• Children (below 10): free

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the lavender fields from Avignon?

Meet your tour group in Avignon in the morning. If you're going on a group tour, the operator will provide a meeting point close to the city center. Some private tours also offer pickup at hotels.

A day tour from Avignon to the lavender fields will take about nine to eleven hours. In most cases, the excursion will start at places like the Senanque Abbey and Fontaine de Vaucluse, which have beautiful lavender fields.

Then, you will head off to Gordos and Roussilon, and even check out the Provencal markets, in some cases.

Many day tours visit the lavender fields in the afternoon and you will have some time to take pictures there and explore after lunch. Some tours also take you to the Lavender Museum, where you can watch the distillation process.

The tour ends at the Provencal villages of Sault, Luberon, or any other to see their fields and bustling towns. You can buy fragrant oils, lavender ice cream, cosmetic products, food and much more here.

In the late afternoon or early evening, the guide will drive you back to Avignon, bringing the tour to an end. A private tour will drop you at your accommodation, while others might stop at the city center. It's best to check with the operator beforehand.

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

France is well-known for its lavender fields. They don't only contribute to the economy but are popular among tourists for their purple beauty. Thus, there are different tours to choose from if you’re planning on seeing the lavender fields, whether you're visiting for a half-day or full-day excursion.

Full-day tour from Avignon to the lavender fields

Join a full-day trip of the lavender fields from Avignon. You will meet your small group at the pickup point in Avignon and take an air-conditioned bus to the lavender fields for a fun jaunt.

The villages you visit will be in the tour description and operators usually include a trip to the Lavender Museum as well. Part of the tour will consist of photo stops and many opportunities to learn about the lavender crops.

The full-day tour can take up to 11 hours and, although it's a guided tour, visitors will have some free time to explore the grounds. The tour includes access to specific lavender gardens and other sights.

Half-day tour from Avignon to the lavender fields

If you don't have time for a full-day tour, there are different half-day tours you can take to the lavender fields with a small group excursion.

The guided half-day tour will take about five hours and you will still get to enjoy the aroma and sights of the lavender fields. They are also more cost-effective.

The main point of a half-day tour are the lavender fields and you might visit only one or two during your journey. Expect to spend most of the time in the fields and the little time left will be spent in the villages or for photo stops.

You might not have time to visit the Lavender Museum or neighboring vineyards though.

Private tour to the lavender fields from Avignon

If you'd prefer an exclusive way to enjoy the lavender fields in the Provencal villages from Avignon, you can book a private day trip.

The private tour will provide pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Avignon, and you can enjoy a personalized experience from your tour guide.

The private driver will take you to the villages, museums and other places of interest along the way. You can make changes to the itinerary and how long the tour takes will depend on what you request.

The private tour can also take you to hilltop castles, the panorama viewpoint and photo stops close to the lavender fields, making the journey even more special. You can choose between a morning or afternoon tour.

Tour to specific Provencal villages and their lavender fields

If you don't want to visit too many spots but still want to enjoy the lavender fields, there are specific tours that you can book. These include tours to Sault, Luberon, or Valensole. The tours can take between five to nine hours, depending on your preference.

During these tours, you can visit shops in different villages and get lunch and lavender ice cream. If you choose a tour of Gordes, your itinerary will include visiting the Lavender Museum.

Some specific tours include visiting the markets and lavender fields alone, while others are focused on the fields and Lavender Museum. You can also book a tour to see the lavender fields in the morning.

It's essential to read the details of the tour and contact the operator before you book the tour.

How much does a tour to the lavender fields from Avignon cost?

Prices of a day tour from Avignon to the lavender fields differ greatly. A guided half-day tour from Avignon with a small group will cost between €55 and €60 and last up to five hours.

A full-day trip will cost between €95 and €120. You can also book a private Provence tour which takes you around the villages and lavender fields and costs between €238 and €570.

If you're taking tours to specific villages and lavender fields, a group excursion will cost between €50 and €110.

What will you see and do at the lavender fields?

When you reach the lavender fields, you can enjoy the views, take in the different shades of purple and be amazed by the fresh aroma. You can take pictures of the fields and yourself against this beautiful backdrop.

Aside from checking out the lavender fields, visiting the nearby villages is a fun activity for your jaunt. Different shops sell lavender souvenirs like cosmetic products and ice cream, all produced from the famous purple crops.

You can also have a drink and visit the Lavender Museum. The guides at the museum will teach you how to extract lavender to make oils, show you the historic equipment used to make cosmetics with lavender and explain the rich history behind the fields. You can also participate in workshops and visit during events.

Head to the Valensole hilltop for a wonderful view or check out the Gorges du Verdon, a natural canyon famous among kayakers. There is also a vineyard near the lavender fields and you can visit them for a wine tasting before going home.

When are the lavender fields open over the year?

The lavender fields are open at any time of the year, but the plant does not bloom year-round. You can only see the mesmerizing shades of purple during the summer. Many tours only operate between June and August.

What are the opening times?

There are no specific opening times to visit the lavender fields since the crops are open to all. But, the best time to visit is from the afternoon to the early evenings, when the weather is good and the sun is out, this will be the best time to take photos.

Avoid crowded lavender fields by planning your jaunt for the late afternoon.

When is the best time to visit the lavender fields?

The best time to visit the lavender fields is when the purple crops are in full bloom between June and August. But keep in mind that school holidays start in July in France and, in August, the farmers start collecting the crops to extract the oil.

So, the best time to visit will be in June because the crops will be left alone and there will be fewer visitors. You should expect hot weather conditions when you visit because the plants bloom during the summer, so dress for the occasion.

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 trips to the lavender fields from Marseille
• Lavender fields day tours from Aix-en-Provence

Travel Tips

• Be careful not to damage the crops when visiting the fields. If one location is busy, move on to another to prevent overcrowding.
• You can bring a drone but only fly at a distance to avoid disturbing the bees.
• If the field has a sign prohibiting entry, move on to the next. Some local farmers don't accept visitors so make sure to respect their wishes.
• Dress light and take sunscreen with you because of the hot weather.
• Take cash to buy your lunch, souvenirs, ice cream and wine.