Although we have spent a significant amount of time in Provence we had never visited the region when the lavender was in bloom.  The lavender fields are best viewed from late June to late July. In June the fields will start to bloom and by late July or early August it’s harvested. We were there in mid-July which was the perfect time to visit.  Stunning purple lavender fields can be seen for miles covering the rolling hills and creating a lovely scent in the air.

We missed out on the local festivals, but we have been told the lavender festivals (fêtes) or street parades with colorful floats (corsos) are spectacular. The fetes give the locals an opportunity to showcase their lavender honey, soaps, dried lavender bouquets and many other lavender products. They are held in July and August depending on the harvest time, which varies with the altitude of the lavender fields.

Having a car is necessary. Thankfully, we did not meet any tourist crowds, probably because many of the roads appear too narrow for the large tourist buses to navigate. This gave us time to explore at leisure. We spent one day viewing but you could easily spend 2 or 3 days. This will allow you to combine a stroll through the lavender whilst exploring the many ancient hill-top villages (“villages-perchés”) in the region. Of course, a leisurely drink or lunch in these villages always adds to the day!

Click the pictures to view in carousel mode. 

We had booked ourselves a place in Saint Saturnin-les-Apts, in the Luberon just north of Apt. Our Airbnb host recommended a round trip journey which we followed. The objective was to enjoy the beauty of the lavender fields in full bloom. This circular route took us through several areas of amazing lavender fields. We also made a couple of deviations to visit hill-top villages in the region.  The round trip without deviations is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) and takes almost two hour, without stops. Needless to say, we stopped a lot, and also picnicked next to a lavender field. The colors are unbelievable, and the fields stretch for miles. As you walk the fields you hear the thousands of bees buzzing and swarming about, doing their valuable work. Without their hard work the fields would not be nearly as spectacular. Details of the route have been included below.

Leaving Saint Saturnin you wind up and over the northern hills of the Luberon (Monts de Vaucluse). As you descend towards Sault you will start to pass the lavender fields with views to Mont Ventoux in the distance.  Arriving at Sault, you pass through the center of town to continue in direction Aurel / Montbrun les Bains. As you are about to leave Sault you will notice a gravel parking area on the left. Here you will find several restaurants / bars from which you can enjoy the view over the valley, especially this time of year. We have spent a few enjoyable lunches on the outside terrace here in previous visits. Leaving Sault, you will travel along a ridge looking down at the lavender fields that stretch all

along the valley.

 

Approaching Montbrun we made our first side trip to the village of Brantes. This small medieval village, perched on a rocky outcrop, sits in the shadow of north side of Mont Ventoux. The village is a labyrinth of lanes, archways and old stonework houses. The pedestrian village is worth a short stroll around and allows you to take a break to take in the stunning scenery and sample some lavender ice cream.

 

After reaching Montbron les Bains, we started to turn south towards Ferrassieres. This road takes you along a plateau at about 1,000 meters altitude. The route will provide you with stunning views of fields of lavender, often stretching way into the distance.  On every bend you want to stop to take a photo. Eventually, as you descend from the plateau, the lavender fields slowly become replaced by vineyards and olive groves. Plenty of beautiful scenery. Heading back towards the Luberon we took our second detour at Simiane-la Rotonde. This town is typical of the regions hilltop towns. The remains of medieval castles surrounded by beautiful old villages. Reaching the Luberon we pass Rustrel and the nearby “Le Colorado Provencal” This area has the colored sandstone, over 20 shades of yellow and red ochre. Although an interesting side tour, it is best to head a little further to the nearby village of Roussillon. We found these ochre mines are quite spectacular. These mines were worked into the 20^th century, when more profitable mines were found, and synthetic pigments were introduced. The mines subsequently became tourist attractions.

Three views of former ochre quarries in Roussillon. 

Since it’s summer and daylight savings time it doesn’t get dark till at least 9pm so you have plenty of time to explore. Leaving you with time to relax and sample the local wines, especially as Provence is famous for its delicious rosés.  A perfect match for the hot days!

 

 

Detailed Route Guide

Leaving Saint Saturnin by D230 you wind up and over the northern hills of the Luberon (Monts de Vaucluse). Descend towards Sault through the lavender fields, then turn onto D943 which will bring you to Sault. You pass through the center of town to follow the D942 in direction Aurel / Montbrun les Bains. North of Aurel you change from the D942 to D542.

Approaching Montbrun, for the village of Brantes, turn left onto D72 then D40. You must park just outside this pedestrian village. Continuing past the village you can return to the D542 via D41 and D72.

Then turn north to Montbron les Bains. Crossing this town, take the D189 south to Ferrassieres There take the  D63A / D518 /D950 to Revest du Brion, then continue on the D950 to Banon. From Banon take the D51 to Simiane-la Rotonde. Continue on D51 and D22 past Gignac to Rustrel. From there you head on back to Saint Saturnin-les-Apts on D179.