Lavender Fields: Day Trips and Tours from Marseille

Take a lavender fields day trip from Marseille and discover the unique beauty of the Provence countryside.

Visit quintessential French villages such as Rousillon and Gordes in the enchanting Luberon Valley and tour the capital of French lavender production, Sault.

Get plenty of opportunities to take fantastic photos or simply revel in the stunning colors and idyllic scenery of this rural region of southern France.

How to get to the lavender fields from Marseille?

French lavender is mostly grown in the Provence region in southern France.

The main areas you can find lavender fields begin around 70 kilometers north of Marseille in the plateaus of Valensole, Luberon and Verdon. They can be easily reached by car or on a tour from Marseille.

From Marseille to the Lavender fields by car

To reach the Luberon Valley by car the journey is pretty straightforward. The distance is around 80 kilometers and takes around 1.5 hours to drive.

Simply head north from Marseille on the A7 until it splits and then take the A51 for around 40 kilometers. Take the D561 east and then the D543 north to Lourmarin. At Lourmarin take the D943 north followed by the D113 which passes near the Plateau des Claparèdes. This is lavender country.

Guided tour to the lavender fields from Marseille

The easiest way to see the lavender fields is on a guided day trip from Marseille. You will be picked up in the city of Marseille and enjoy a small-group guided tour through the lavender fields of Provence.

These excursions include transportation and a knowledgeable local guide who knows the most scenic and beautiful places to visit.

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

On a typical lavender fields day tour you will begin your journey at a convenient Marseille meeting point. You will then board a minivan or car for the excursion to the lavender fields.

The journey will take around an hour or more to reach your first stop and you can take in the views of the rolling hills and rural french villages en route. A typical tour will call at a number of villages.

Popular stops include Sault, which is said to be the capital of French lavender and the villages of Rousillon, Gordes and Valensole. You will have time to explore the villages and maybe buy some local products as a souvenir of your time in the region.

You will also make plenty of stops to take in the views of the fields and snap some photos. Some trips may include a trip to a lavender farm for a quick tour and to learn a little about the ways in which the lavender is processed.

There will also be a stop for lunch in one of the towns before returning back to Marseille.

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

There are a few different guided tours to choose from when it comes to picking a lavender fields day trip from Marseille. Some tours visit different towns and villages and there are small-group and private tours available.

Here are the main ones.

Guided tours to Sault from Marseille

Visit the village of Sault which is said to be the center of lavender growing in France. See the vibrant rows of purple flowers that stretch as far as the eye can see and stop for photographs at some of the region’s best viewpoints.

Explore the villages of Rousillon and Gordes on the way and visit a lavender farm to discover the products it produces. These small-group tours will have a maximum of eight participants and include a guide and driver.

Guided tours to Valensole from Marseille

Join a guided small-group excursion to Valensole to see the picturesque village of Valensole and the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau. Tour the small village of Valensole and stop at some of the region’s distilleries to see the lavender oil being produced.

Visit the Valensole Plateau and get plenty of opportunities to take photos and see the stunning views. These tours include free time to explore the village of Valensole. The tours are available for up to eight participants and include a driver and guide to accompany you.

Sunset tour to lavender fields from Marseille

See the lavender fields at sunset on a small-group tour from Marseille. Visit the Valensole lavender fields for a romantic half-day trip and get plenty of opportunities to snap photos in the golden hour.

Visit a lavender distillery and the village of Valensole with time to explore by yourself. Avoid the heat of the midday sun and capture the beauty of the region at this special time of day. Tours are for up to eight people and include a driver-guide.

Private tour to lavender fields from Marseille

Take a private tour of Provence’s famous lavender fields with your own personal transportation and guide. These tours are the most flexible and include a knowledgeable local guide to bring the region and its culture to life.

These tours include visits to Valensole and Lavande Angelvin and offer pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Marseille.

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

Small group tours are the most budget-friendly way to take a lavender fields day trip from Marseille. Private tours are a little more expensive but can be great value for a family or group.

• Guided group tours to Sault cost from €120 to €130 per person.
• Guided group tours to Valensole cost from around €70 to €120 per person.
• Sunset tours cost around €85 per person.
• Private tours cost from €750 to €800 per group of up to seven, eight or 16 people.

What will you see and do in lavender fields?

The main attraction in this region of Provence is the lavender fields themselves. Many people travel here just to experience the sights and aromas of the picturesque purple fields which stretch off in neat rows towards the horizon.

The unusual yet stunning scenery which is blanketed in deep purple hues has captivated artists for centuries. Some people come to take in the tranquil and serene atmosphere of the place and many also want to snap that perfect photo.

There are some charming villages to visit in the region too including Sault, which is widely known as the capital of lavender production in France. The picturesque villages of Rousillon, Gordes and Valensole offer a look into traditional rural life in the area and are pleasant to explore.

You will also visit a lavender farm or distillery and see the way the plants are processed and the oil is extracted. You can discover what products the lavender is used for and even purchase some souvenirs to take away with you.

Discover this beautiful region of southern France for yourself on a lavender fields day tour from Marseille.

When are the lavender fields open over the year?

The lavender fields need to be experienced between the months of June and August when the purple lavender flowers are in bloom.

When is the best time to visit the lavender fields?

From the middle of June to the middle of August is the best time to take a lavender fields day trip from Marseille. This is the flowering season for lavender when all the attractive purple foliage is in full bloom. If you plan to take photos consider taking a sunset tour to capture the golden evening light.

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

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

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

Travel tips

• Book your lavender fields day trips in advance to be sure you get the best deals and that tours are available during your time in Marseille.
• Bring a camera, you will definitely want to snap some photos of the picturesque lavender fields and landscapes.
• Bring water, sunscreen and a hat as the tours will involve lots of time spent outdoors.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.