Long before I became a photographer, I had a lifelong obsession with lavender fields and this month I finally made it to Valensole, a beautiful commune in Provence, France. I spent a whole week running around those fields, barefoot, eating cheese and drinking—way too much—wine. While also taking pictures and writing poems, surrounded by nothing but silence, nature and the scent of lavender.
Accommodations In Valensole
I rented a room through Airbnb in a beautiful 100-year-old house owned by an artist in Manosque (a small village about 20 minutes away from the fields). You can alternatively search for the best prices on hotels in Valensole. I drove around the rustic countryside roads and the tiny old villages from morning till sundown every day, determined to create something pretty.
Besides being incredibly beautiful—and the perfect location for stunning travel and Instagram pics—these fields are one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever seen. Some stillness and tranquillity were much needed after the last few months of non-stop work in NYC and experiencing the inevitable burnout that life in the city inflicts upon you.
A Few Photography Tips
- Shoot around sunset or sunrise, the light is pure magic!
- Add a human touch. By putting a person in the picture you add that storytelling element that makes the image much more interesting.
- Take self-portraits not selfies! Put your phone away, refrain from the urge to take a low-quality selfie. Instead set up your camera and take a beautiful portrait of yourself (and of whoever is with you).
- Play around. Have fun, get creative, try unusual angles, add a product, an element, anything that comes to mind!
As cheesy as it sounds, Valensole, with its pink and lavender hues, is one of the most magical places I’ve ever seen. The buzzing of the bees, the tweeting of the birds, the wind blowing, the peace, the silence…it was exactly what I needed to recharge my long-ran-out batteries. It made me think about how sometimes life in NYC moves way too fast, making so much noise and not allowing me to ever hear the silence.
If you’re ever in France in the early summer (the fields are in full bloom between mid-June and early July) I strongly suggest you make a quick stop to this side of the country and enjoy the view and the silence. For more information visit Valensole.com.
Note – at the end of July a lot of the lavender is cut, you may still be able to find some fields of purple through August, but ensure you research in advance so you are not disappointed.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Valensole. If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.
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We Are Travel Girls Contributor Sara Melotti of BehindTheQuest.com
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Vanessa Rivers says
These photos are insanely gorgeous! I have to go see these lavender fields in person! Amazing!
Miss K says
Absolutely LOVE this website and the lavender fields look beautiful!
Allison says
I love every shot! So dreamy and perfectly captured :)
Ed Rennell says
We’re going there in September (one week from today) but too late for the lavender.
Becky van Dijk says
Have a wonderful time. You will just have to go back next year for the lavender!