Lavender fields near Marseille
See the lavender fields of Provence on a tour from Marseille, with a local guide and an 8-seat minivan, for 1 to 8 guests. Both tours go to the Valensole plateau, where lavender and lavandin fields stretch as far as the eye can see, and visit a distillery. Choose a half day of 4 hours, or a full day of 7 hours that adds Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Gorges du Verdon.
When the lavender blooms
On the Valensole plateau, lavender usually blooms from mid-June to the end of July. The dates change from year to year, and in a hot summer the growers start cutting early. On the full-day tour, the route follows seasonal spots to see the blooming fields.
Half-day lavender tour (4 hours)
The half-day tour starts with a guided visit of the Terra Roma distillery on the Valensole plateau, where you learn how lavender and other aromatic plants are distilled. After a stop at the shop of local products, you walk through the lavender fields, with time for photos, and finish at a beekeeper’s with a tasting of artisanal honey and almonds, and olive oil or fresh olives depending on availability. The drive to Valensole takes 1 hour 15, and the same on the way back. See the half-day lavender tour.
Full-day lavender tour (7 hours)
The full-day tour visits the lavender fields and a distillery near Valensole, then continues to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village perched on cliffs at the gates of the Gorges du Verdon and known for its earthenware. You stroll through the village, stop for lunch and see the Gorges du Verdon before the drive back to Marseille. See the full-day lavender tour.
What is included
Both tours include the minivan, the guide, tolls, insurance, taxes and fuel, and the full-day tour also includes water on board. On the half-day tour, drinks and admission fees are extra.
Plan your lavender tour
Look at all our tours, or customize a tour with the villages and the stops you want.