Valensole, the Mecca of lavender and lavandin

Along Routes de la Lavande® on the Plateau de Valensole, distilleries and a museum welcome you to reveal all the secrets of this plant with a thousand virtues…

Here the air is fragrant in early July when the lavender is in full bloom. The fields undulate in waves of purple and blue as far as the eye can see, to the delight of photographers.

Discover the secrets of this plant with a thousand virtues cultivated for years by the passion of Men.

Recognized as one of the largest plateaus in France, the Valensole plateau is located in the Verdon Regional Natural Park, between Durance and Asse, near the Verdon Gorges and its lakes. Erected at 590 meters of altitude, on more than 800 km² the commune of Valensole and its plateau of nearly 12.700 hectares is one of the largest communes of France! From the plateau of Valensole, you will be able to admire all the chain of the Prealps, the massif of Dévoluy, the Mont Denier, the Chiran, the Moure de Chanier, the mountain of Lure, the Mont Ventoux, the massif of the Sainte Victoire and the Sainte Baume.

Lavender is a symbol of Provence.

In addition to lavender growing, this land is suitable for cereal growing with the famous durum wheat, olive growing, truffle growing and almond growing. For a few years, before the blooming of the lavender flowers, we have noticed the presence of clary sage, a biennial herbaceous plant used for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. Depending on the season, the plateau has different aspects. The snowy peaks and almond trees in bloom in March give way in July to the blue of lavender and the gold of wheat. In November, the ochre of the ploughed land stands out against the pure blue winter sky. Numerous sheds and pigeon-houses testify to the richness of this small country heritage.

Routes de la Lavande® on the Valensole Plateau

Drive, observe, and take a unique and typical route of Haute-Provence. Meet the farmers, discover the distilleries, smell the scent of this ocean of lavender and make a few stops for a few shots.

This pleasant circuit winds along roads flooded with lavender and takes you from village to village to meet the emblematic landscapes of Provence.

Find here all practical information to organize your stay.