Full Day Ocean of Lavender in Valensole from Avignon

If you’re dreaming of rolling hills covered in fragrant purple blooms, this guided tour promises a chance to experience Provence’s iconic lavender landscape at its peak. Designed for travelers who want more than just a quick peek, this 9-hour journey takes you through some of the most photogenic spots and charming Provençal towns, all while providing insights from a knowledgeable guide.

What we love about this experience is its combination of stunning scenery and small-group intimacy—limited to just eight travelers, it offers a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the visit to the famous Valensole fields and the chance to stroll among endless rows of lavender are real highlights. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite full, with a packed itinerary that leaves little time for lingering at each stop.

This tour suits those who appreciate authentic regional scenery, are eager to learn about lavender growing, and enjoy small-group adventures with a bit of sightseeing in provençal towns. If your goal is to soak in the sights without the hassle of self-driving, this might be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
• Comprehensive itinerary includes picturesque lavender fields, local towns, and cultural stops.
• Expert guide provides not just navigation but enriching local insights.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation hassle-free.
• Timing during peak lavender season (mid-June to early August) guarantees vibrant blooms.
• Limited to 8 travelers—great for those seeking an intimate experience.

This full-day tour offers a taste of Provence’s legendary lavender landscape, combined with cultural stops and charming villages. While we haven’t participated ourselves, the detailed itinerary and reviews suggest a well-organized, value-packed trip.

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Avignon—a real convenience for those staying centrally. After being picked up, you’ll transfer to the tour’s starting point near the tourist office, where the group—limited to just eight people—gathers for the drive ahead. The small size means more engagement with your guide and less cramped travel, making for a comfortable start to your day.

The transport is described as a coach or van suitable for small groups, equipped to handle the countryside roads comfortably. The drive out into Provence is around 1.5 hours, providing an opportunity to relax and get into the regional mood before the scenery starts unfolding.

Visiting the Lavender Fields of Valensole

The centerpiece of the tour is undoubtedly the Valensole area, famous worldwide for its fertile lavender fields. These fields are at their most vibrant from mid-June to early August, which is when the tour operates.

You can expect to walk among the rows of purple flowers, inhale their sweet fragrance, and enjoy the sunlight bouncing off the blooms. As Desiree_M shared, the guide “took us to several stunning lavender fields before finishing off the tour in the gorgeous Moustiers Sainte-Marie.” The ability to visit less crowded, more vibrant spots seems to be a highlight, according to reviews. This suggests your guide is attentive to the best photo and scent opportunities, making the most of the short time allocated here.

Expect around two hours in Valensole, which is enough to absorb the scenery, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without feeling rushed. The free access to the fields means you can wander at your own pace, capturing the perfect shot or simply breathing in the aroma.

Exploring the Town of Aix-en-Provence (Note: Mentioned in the overview)

Though some reviews mention that Aix-en-Provence was part of the original plan, one reviewer notes that this stop wasn’t included on their trip. Regardless, if you do visit, you’ll find it to be a vibrant town known for its art scene, history, and cafes. It’s a good place to stretch your legs and sample some regional cuisine or browse local shops.

The Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Next stop is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, acclaimed as one of France’s prettiest villages. It’s famous for its pottery and traditional craft, with winding streets lined with shops showcasing ceramics and artisanal work.

Visitors often enjoy walking through the narrow alleys, admiring the views over the cliffs, and soaking up the village’s authentic charm. The views over the cliffs are particularly striking, making it a favorite among those who love scenic vistas and quaint village life.

In about two hours, you’ll have enough time to explore, browse, and perhaps pick up a piece of pottery as a souvenir. The overall experience of wandering through such a picturesque village is often praised, with reviews mentioning it as “one of the most beautiful days” they’ve had.

The l’Occitane Museum and Shop in Manosque

The tour’s final cultural stop is at l’Occitane en Provence in Manosque. Here, you’ll learn about the company’s famous products made from local ingredients, and have the opportunity to browse their wide selection of skincare, fragrances, and gifts.

Many reviewers value this stop, noting that it provides a nice blend of education and shopping, with free admission. It’s an ideal way to relax after a busy morning, and some might find it a good chance to pick up a memorable gift or souvenir.

Returning to Avignon

The day wraps up with a comfortable return trip to your original pickup point in Avignon, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. The entire experience is around 9 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

At $133 per person, this tour offers a lot: scenic drives, cultural sites, and time in the fields—all with the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off. Compared to self-driving, the price includes the convenience of local knowledge and expert guidance, which many reviewers mention as a key plus.

The small group size is particularly attractive for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience over large bus tours. This setup allows for more personal interaction, better photo opportunities, and a flexible pace, especially during the stops.

While food and drinks aren’t included, the itinerary leaves enough time to bring a picnic or buy snacks in the local towns. The tour’s focus on lavender, a true symbol of Provence, ensures you’ll leave with plenty of fragrant memories and stunning photos.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free day exploring the iconic lavender fields and charming Provençal towns. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group intimacy, scenic beauty, and cultural stops.

If you’re visiting Avignon in the summer and want to see the best of Provence’s lavender landscape, this tour delivers a well-rounded day with a knowledgeable guide. It’s a good fit for first-timers, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic experience without the stress of planning.

When is the best time to take this tour? The lavender fields bloom from mid-June to early August, making this period ideal for vibrant, full blooms.

Is the tour suitable for children? Based on the information, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long drive and walking involved. It’s best for families comfortable with a full day out.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, sun protection, and water. Since food isn’t included, consider packing a picnic or snacks for the day.

Can I get picked up from my hotel? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Avignon, which is a nice convenience.

How long do we spend at each stop? Expect about two hours in Valensole, plus time for walking in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and visiting the l’Occitane museum. The drive is roughly an hour and a half.

Is the tour customizable? It’s a fixed itinerary with limited group size, so while the guide offers insights, the schedule is set to maximize the experience.

What if the weather isn’t perfect? Since the tour depends on outdoor scenery, cloudy or rainy days might affect visibility and fragrance intensity, but the scenic towns and cultural stops remain worthwhile.

This tour offers a beautiful blend of scenery, culture, and convenience. The chance to stroll through endless lavender fields, visit a scenic village, and learn about local crafts all in one day is hard to beat. The small-group format enhances the experience, making it more personal and immersive.

While the price may seem on the higher side, the included transportation, guide expertise, and curated stops provide good value—especially for those without a car or unfamiliar with the area. It’s a fantastic choice for lovers of Provence’s iconic landscapes, seeking authentic experiences with minimal hassle.

If your goal is to capture the spirit of Provençal lavender, enjoy charming villages, and learn about local traditions, this tour checks many boxes. Just remember to book early during peak season to ensure you catch the fields at their most vibrant!