Travel Guide to Valensole and the Fête de la Lavande

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Valensole is a dreamy destination that will delight you with its fragrant purple landscapes. Journey with me to experience the magic as we explore endless lavender fields, culinary delights, and amazing photo ops.

A Lavender Wonderland

Valensole is celebrated for its lavender fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The lavender blooms from June to August, transforming the landscape into a sea of lavender waves. The sights and scents of the lavender fields are truly enchanting and the quaint town will capture your heart. The best time to visit is in July, when the flowers are in full bloom and the fields are buzzing with bees and butterflies, set against a clear blue sky. Keep in mind that July is hot in the Southern France, so sundresses and linen clothing are the perfect attire.

The Town of Valensole

Valensole itself is not a tourist destination. Instead, it’s a quiet community perched on a hilltop with a rich history. As you walk or drive into town, you enter Place Thiers where there is a lovely stone fountain. Most of the shops and cafes can be reached by walking along the tree lined street, Boulevard Frederic Mistral. You can also wander uphill into the delightful maze of winding alleys lined with old stone buildings with colorful shutters and window boxes in bloom. The town comes alive for the weekly markets and of course, for the famous Fete de la Lavande, which is when I made my visit. The town is also known for its funfair in June and its full moon parties in August.

Valensole Lavender Festival

Each year, Valensole holds their Fête de la Lavande on the third Sunday in July. The festival is the largest in the region and features live music, tributes to the region’s history and culture, lavender exhibitions, and an array of shopping. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local community and culture. The town transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, color, and fragrance to celebrate the crop that defines the landscape and livelihoods of Provence.

If you choose to stay away from town, plan accordingly for parking during the festival. Some of the roads are shut down and re-routed, making it difficult to reach some of the parking lots. We were diverted a couple of times and the next place to turn around was quite a distance away.

The festival kicks off at 10 am with folk dancing in traditional costumes and local bands playing music and continues until 7 pm. In 2023, Place de la Mairie hosted the after party with a live DJ starting at 9 pm.

The Lavender Market

The lavender market, a highlight of the festival, is where local producers and artisans showcase their products. Here, you can find everything from fresh lavender bouquets to lavender-infused honey, soaps, and essential oils. It’s an excellent opportunity to purchase authentic products directly from the people who grow and craft them. With so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect gifts to take back home.

The exhibitor area is spread out into two sections. The first was below the town in a large parking lot with the other market area set up in town along the promenade. The market also features food vendors serving fresh croissants and other bakery items, cassoulet, and small plates. Lavender makes its way into some of the food, including honey and my personal favorite, lavender ice cream, of which there are several varieties for you to sample. It’s the perfect treat on a hot summer’s day.

Lavender Exhibitions and Tours

During the festival, you can tour St. Mayeul Chapel and St. Blaise Church, watch films, or attend exhibitions to learn about the cultivation of lavender, the distillation process, and it’s uses in cooking, medicine, cosmetics, and other products. Various lavender farms are open to visitors for tours, accessible by a shuttle that leaves from the post office.

The lavender museum, Musee de Lavande, is a must if you’re interested in learning more about the significance of lavender for the region. Using informative exhibits and historical distilling equipment, this small museum tells the story of the history, cultivation, and uses of lavender.

The Church of St. Blaise crowns the hilltop of the village of Valensole. St. Blaise is known for his miracles of healing people who were choking as well as taming wild beasts. He is the patron saint for throat problems.

The flyer for the festival also talked about donkey rides for the kids “depending on their mood.” While something might have been lost in translation, we didn’t see any donkey rides while at the festival, so I’m guessing they weren’t feeling it that day. Lol!

Perhaps one of the most exciting opportunities is a helicopter ride, at incredibly affordable prices (50 Euros in 2023), where you can view the gorgeous purple, yellow, and green hues from the air. (I somehow missed this, thinking that the helicopter tours would be pricey like in other tourist destinations and didn’t investigate it. When I realized later what I had missed, I was so disappointed.) But here are a few shots that are as close to elevated as I got!

Dining in Valensole

Lavender finds its way into the cuisine in the Southern France, especially during the Fete de Lavande. Many local restaurants offer special menus and dishes that incorporate lavender in creative and delicious ways. Be adventurous if you have the option.

Brasserie du Plateau: We ate here and thoroughly enjoyed it. It looks like a bar with just a few tables when your first walk in, but there is a bright and spacious dining room in the back. Thinking about it, this is actually one of the few restaurants that seated us inside where you could escape the heat of summer. We ate pizza (which is everywhere in France) and had lavender crème brulee for dessert. Both were delicious. The server was attentive and friendly, making the entire experience a positive one. We would eat here again.

Le Jardin de Celina: This restaurant was recommended to us and we tried to dine there the evening before the festival, but it was full. I did not think to reserve a table for the following night while I was there and was unable to understand the message on their voicemail. Luckily, the host at our gite was gracious enough to call for me. The menu that night was special due to the festival and was a three course prix fix for just under 40 Euros. There were two options for each course so we ended up trying the entire menu. Starters included puff pastry stuffed with either smoked salmon or local goat cheese. The pastry was light and flaky while the fillings were flavorful and fresh. Risotto with seasoned vegetables and ravioli with truffled mushrooms in cream sauce were hits for the main course. Dark chocolate filled pastry with hazelnuts and pistachio and a local cheese plate finished off our meal. Not only was this meal one of the best we had in France (remember we are a bit of food snobs being from New Orleans), but it was one of the most affordable. To top it off, the ambience outside was lovely and relaxing. It was the perfect setting for enjoying a glass of wine and soaking in all the sights, sounds, and scents that Provence has to offer. Parking is at the base of the hill and there is a short walk uphill on a gravel path, so be mindful if wearing heels. I was wearing wedge sandals and didn’t have any issues.

Comptoir de Valerie: We also ate al fresco at this corner restaurant in the heart of Valensole. I had a salad with tomatoes, steak, and goat cheese while Jason had a steak with sauteed vegetables. The meal was good and the atmosphere was delightful. The menu is handwritten on a chalkboard so it is difficult to use a translation app. We muddled our way through, but my order was not exactly what I expected. The exciting part about that is the menu changes regularly based on which ingredients are in season!

We also stopped at Boucherie Dossetto Sendra’s outside table during the festival to grab a quick bite while walking around. When we went in to pay, I sampled their Tiramisu, which was pretty fabulous.

Our trip was a whirlwind 16 days, but if you have wisely booked a more relaxing vacation, consider spending an afternoon at one of Valensole’s charming cafes. These spots offer the perfect vantage point for people-watching and enjoying the slow pace of life in Provence. Sip on a café au lait or a glass of local wine, and watch the world go by.

Shopping in Valensole

Shops in Valensole specialize in lavender products, such as soaps, sachets, and essential oils, but you can also find kitchen towels, gorgeous tablecloths, ceramics, and a myriad of other housewares. Olive groves are also plentiful here so make sure to sample the tapenades and olive oils. You’ll also see nougat, wines local to the region, cheeses, almonds, herbs de Provence, and a variety of honey.

The local market in Valensole is held on Wednesdays and Saturday. We were there specifically for the festival but if you’re visiting at any other time, this should be your best opportunity to shop amongst the locals for fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, hand-crafted goods, and lavender products. From what I’ve read, it’s an explosion of colors, smells, and textures, similar to the festival, and is also a social event for the town.

Where To Stay in Valensole

We stayed at a lovely AirBnb rental at the Arnoux Exploitation, a local farm that grows lavender, olives, and honey. Our gite (a French guest house) was a three story stone building with colorful shutters nestled at the end of an olive grove. A small kitchen and dining area took up the first floor with a living area and bathroom on the second and the bedroom with a balcony overlooking the farm on the third floor. The entire unit was impeccably clean and well maintained. If you like dining al fresco, you’ll love the outdoor patio. There are also some chairs near the olive grove to sit and enjoy the warm, sunny weather and gentle breezes.

I decided to get up early the morning of the Valensole Lavender Festival to go for a run and this location was perfect. I jogged to the end of the drive along the olive trees and turned right, away from town, immediately immersed in fields of blooming lavender. Luckily, even though this was one of the busiest days of the year for the region, these roads were not crowded. The sight of the morning sun rising over purple fields combined with the feel of the wind as it carried the crisp, clean aroma of the lavender made this run a truly “scentsational” experience. It definitely made my list of top 3 favorite places to run.

The farm has a lovely gift shop and it was here that I purchased many of my souvenirs, which saved me from carrying them all over town. They had beautiful, scented soaps, olive oil, tapenades, jellies, and a myriad of other special gifts. I was not able to meet the host in person as I’m sure it was one of her busiest times of the year, but I had the pleasure of meeting an older gentleman at the gift shop and the three sweet dogs that scurry around happily in one of the world’s most beloved areas.

I’ve also taken the liberty of researching other charming places to stay in case a short-term rental isn’t your preference.

L’Auguste Maison d’Hotes is a family run business that strives to tailor your stay to your needs. They offer three ensuite bedrooms with use of the kitchen and living areas that can be rented out individually or as a group for 6. Breakfast is included and there are multiple areas to relax, including a terrace, gardens, and a pool. They also have a charming 2 bedroom gite that will sleep 4. The family is also willing to host family reunions or small business events for up to 10 and will provide additional supplies as needed.

Les Secrets du Mistral is a small bed and breakfast run by a couple from Belgium. There are three rooms, two of which have a private terrace, and a heated swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Breakfast is served in a bright sunroom.

La Grande Dame is another small bed and breakfast overlooking the town of Valensole. From the tiered terrace, you can take in the views while you enjoy the pool or hot tub. With just two rooms, this one is sure to book up quickly, so make your reservations early.

Chateau du Grand Jardin is one of the most beautiful buildings in Valensole. Restored by its owners, the main building was built in the 19th century, but its foundation is two hundred years older. A lovely chateau that offers two suites and three rooms as well as a separate “castle” that was a former aviary. Rumors have it that the chateau is haunted by an Admiral from the times of Napoleon’s rule. A wonderful place to explore, the chateau features a beautiful formal garden and terrace.

Le Jardin de Celina is a small boutique hotel with bed and breakfast rooms and cottages, situated at the base of the town. It is a short, but uphill, walk into town. The restaurant is a local favorite that offers wine tasting in a relaxed setting, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Amenities include a pool and an onsite spa.

A Photographer’s Paradise

Valensole, is a haven for both professional and amateur photographers. With its enchanting fields awash in color, historic architecture, and stunning natural landscapes, there are countless opportunities to capture breath taking images. Every new turn can yield a different perspective, a new focal point in the distance, or a unique light, making it a place that photographers return to time and again.

Photographers will also love the possibilities beyond landscapes. The streets of Valensole, with its old stone buildings, colorful shutters, and winding alleys, offer a glimpse into the rustic charm of Provence. Historical sites, ancient fountains, and traditional farmhouses offer a chance to capture the historical and cultural aspects of the region, telling a story of the town’s past and its unique heritage. The Lavender Festival, parades, and market days as well as portraits of locals in traditional attire, offer a glimpse into the lively and colorful spirit of Valensole.

The Lavender Field Photo-Ops

Of note, I’d like to start with some honest remarks about visiting the lavender fields. First, if you are here for the festival, they can be quite crowded. Luckily, most people are very considerate, and we were able to get some great shots that still gave the impression you had the fields to yourself. I did notice the morning after the festival, the crowds had dissipated, at least in the direction that we went. Second, the fields are not all picture perfect, as is true with all of nature. Several fields have overgrown areas with tall weeds encroaching on the lavender. Again, due to the vastness of the fields, we were able to change angles and still get top notch shots, leading you to believe the fields are the epitome of perfection.

The fields are said to be best photographed during sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft. Sunrise offers a serene and tranquil ambiance, with the light casting a warm glow over the dew-covered lavender. Sunset, on the other hand, bathes the fields in rich, golden hues, creating a dramatic and vivid backdrop. Keep in mind that sunset is quite late if you are visiting in the summer months. I took some photos at nearly 10 pm and still had a faint light that cast a beautiful glow on the fields.

The lavender fields are also a fantastic place for close-up shots of the lavender flowers as well as the bees and butterflies. These detailed images capture the essence and natural beauty of the region and are a good chance to get some vignettes.

Renting a car will give you the chance to venture into the countryside around Valensole where panoramic views of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence can be seen. Photos from these locations can highlight the contrast between the vibrant purple hues of the lavender fields and the rugged, natural beauty of the landscape with its distant mountains, rolling hills, and olive groves.

If you are interested in night photography, on clear nights, the sky above the lavender fields is a canvas of stars, providing a stunning backdrop and creating truly magical images.

Sunflower Fields

While lavender is the predominant crop in this area, you will also see yellow fields filled with sunflowers. These tall flowers form yet another gorgeous backdrop for your photos. An interesting fact, immature sunflowers follow the arc of the sun from morning until night. But, once they hit maturity, they face east. Who knew?

Exploring Valensole is an experience that stays with you. Whether you are wandering its streets steeped in history, exploring its natural beauty, or simply enjoying the relaxed pace of life, Valensole offers a glimpse into the soul of the French countryside. A feast for your senses, you will experience visual delights, aromatic scents, and a taste of authentic French culture.

If you are lucky enough to visit during the Fête de la Lavande, you’ll realize it’s more than just an event, it’s a heartfelt celebration of a plant that is integral to the region’s identity and economy. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the local traditions and savor the flavors of Provence in this charming town.

I hope this guide helps make your journey unforgettable. It’s an incredible place and worth visiting a second time! If you’ve experienced this for yourself, I’d love to hear your thoughts!