A road trip through Provence's lavender fields

Away from the South of France's glittery coast, Provence has its own draws, from sprawling fields and winding scenic routes to arty cities and sleepy squares. In the summer, the region's farmlands are painted violet as lavender blooms. These are the spots to see the prettiest lavender fields, plus some important practicalities to help you along.

When is lavender season in Provence?

Provence's fields start to bloom in June – by the end of the month, most of the region's lavender will be flowering. The fields peak in early to mid-July. The higher the altitude of the field, the later the flowers will bloom.

When is lavender harvested in Provence?

Harvesting starts in mid-July. By the middle of August, the lavender fields in the Luberon, Sault and Valensole Plateau will have been harvested.

When is the best time to visit Provence for lavender?

Visiting before the British and European school holidays kick off (usually around 20 July) means the better-known areas won't be as crowded. Don't visit until early July for a guarantee of vibrant fields.

These are the areas to visit for the most-impressive lavender spotting in the region.