
Sault Lavender Plateau
Discover the wild beauty of the Sault Lavender Plateau, a less-crowded gem in Provence offering vast purple fields and charming hilltop villages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom for vibrant purple fields

Sault Lavender Plateau
Best Time
Peak bloom for vibrant purple fields
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wild beauty of the Sault Lavender Plateau, a less-crowded gem in Provence offering vast purple fields and charming hilltop villages.
"The Sault Lavender Plateau offers a more natural and less crowded experience than its famous counterparts."

🚗 Drive for Discovery
Explore by car to find unharvested patches. Use Google Maps to navigate between blooming fields .
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on a leash due to guard dogs and passing vehicles on farmland .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Lavender Fields
Plateau de Sault
Miles of rolling hills blanketed in fragrant purple lavender, creating an iconic Provençal landscape.

Charming Hilltop Villages
Aurel, Montbrun-les-bains
Explore picturesque villages perched on hillsides, offering stunning views and a taste of local life.

Vallon des Lavandes
On the walking trail
A farm stand and distillery offering lavender products and a chance to learn about cultivation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Bloom
Embrace the Scenic Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive for Discovery
Explore by car to find unharvested patches. Use Google Maps to navigate between blooming fields.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on a leash due to guard dogs and passing vehicles on farmland.
🧺 Picnic with a View
Pack a picnic! There's a perfect spot with a bench after about 2.5 km on the walking trail.
📸 Photoshoot Ready
Sault is a prime spot for lavender photoshoots, especially outside the most popular Valensole Plateau.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive for Discovery
Explore by car to find unharvested patches. Use Google Maps to navigate between blooming fields.
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on a leash due to guard dogs and passing vehicles on farmland.
🧺 Picnic with a View
Pack a picnic! There's a perfect spot with a bench after about 2.5 km on the walking trail.
📸 Photoshoot Ready
Sault is a prime spot for lavender photoshoots, especially outside the most popular Valensole Plateau.
🦋 Butterfly Haven
Visit during the day to see numerous butterflies fluttering among the lavender blooms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and fragrant aroma of the Sault Lavender Plateau, often describing it as a quintessential Provençal experience. The vast, rolling fields offer a picturesque escape, with many appreciating the more natural and less crowded atmosphere compared to other lavender hotspots. Some note that the best experience involves driving to find blooming patches, as harvesting can affect trails.
"Country walking trail with one farm stand (lavender products, drinks) and one distillery/farm (Vallon des Lavandes) en route. Lots of butterflies. 2025 mid July we saw wheat, hay, and lavender. Some of it is on the road, some is on tractor trails."
Olivia
"I can only agree with the other reviewers: great walk through the lavender fields of Provence. It took us about 1.5 hours for 5.5 km. You can park your car in the car park and come back later. The only thing is that there is only one bench on the trail (after about 2.5 km). But this view is perfect for a well-deserved picnic."
Manuel
"Beautiful fields and beautiful views. A lot of the crop was lost this year in the lower elevations due to heat but the higher elevations stayed cool enough."
T. “Dragon” K.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sault Lavender Plateau is best accessed by car. It's located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. Consider a road trip to explore the region, including charming villages like Aurel and Montbrun-les-bains.
Public transportation options directly to the heart of the lavender fields are limited. Buses may serve the town of Sault itself, but exploring the plateau typically requires a car. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility.
There are designated car parks available, especially near the start of walking trails or in the town of Sault. Some visitors also find roadside parking, but be mindful of local regulations and ensure you're not blocking access.
Yes, cycling is a popular option for exploring the region, especially for those on a road trip focused on scenic routes. The plateau offers beautiful cycling loops, and there are cyclist-friendly cafes in the area [^R].
Driving is the most efficient way to cover ground and discover different patches of lavender. For a more immersive experience, consider combining driving with short walks on designated trails or country roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Sault Lavender Plateau itself is free. The vast fields are open to the public. However, if you plan to visit specific distilleries or farms that offer tours or sell products, there might be associated costs.
The lavender fields are natural landscapes and do not have set opening hours. They are accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
The walking trails through or near the lavender fields are generally free to access. Enjoy the natural beauty without any admission charges.
While not as common as in some other tourist spots, some local operators or farms might offer guided tours, especially during peak season. It's best to check with local tourist information centers or specific farms like Vallon des Lavandes for availability.
It is generally discouraged to pick lavender from the fields, as they are often private property or cultivated for harvest. Respect the crops and enjoy them visually.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photographing the lavender fields. Midday sun can be harsh, but it's still possible to capture stunning shots.
The entire plateau offers incredible photo opportunities. Look for areas where the fields meet the sky or are framed by charming villages. Driving around allows you to find unique perspectives away from crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the fields, while a telephoto lens can isolate details or compress the landscape. A polarizing filter can enhance the purple hues and reduce glare.
Drone regulations can be strict in France. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone. Respect private property and avoid disturbing wildlife or other visitors.
Light, airy clothing in complementary colors (whites, blues, or even contrasting yellows) works well. Consider a hat and sunglasses for comfort during long photo sessions.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Yes, there are walking trails that wind through or near the lavender fields. One popular trail is about 5.5 km long and takes around 1.5 hours to complete.
Amenities are minimal. There's a farm stand and distillery (Vallon des Lavandes) along one trail, and a bench for resting after about 2.5 km. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
The terrain can vary. Some parts are on roads or tractor trails, while others might be uneven. The walking trail is generally manageable, but be prepared for some inclines.
The lavender fields are a haven for butterflies, which are abundant during the day. You might also encounter other insects and birds.
Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be kept on a leash due to guard dogs on farms and passing vehicles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The town of Sault offers several restaurants and cafes. For a more rustic experience, you can find farm stands selling lavender products, drinks, and local snacks along the routes.
Look for lavender-infused products like honey, ice cream, soaps, and essential oils. Local Provençal cuisine, featuring fresh herbs and produce, is also a must-try.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are designated spots, and the scenic views make for a memorable dining experience. Remember to pack out all your trash.
During peak season, you might find temporary stalls selling local produce and lavender-themed items. The Vallon des Lavandes farm stand is a notable stop.
Sault has a range of options from casual cafes to more traditional restaurants, offering local Provençal dishes and often featuring lavender-inspired treats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
🚗 Road Trippers & Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Lavender Cultivation
The lavender season here is a spectacle of vibrant purple, attracting visitors from around the globe. While the peak bloom is typically in mid-July, the exact timing can vary based on weather conditions. It's important to note that harvesting begins later in the month, so planning your visit for earlier in July might offer the most complete and untouched fields. The plateau is characterized by its rolling hills, dotted with charming hilltop villages like Aurel and Montbrun-les-bains, which add to the picturesque scenery.
Beyond the visual feast, the Sault region offers a sensory experience. The air is thick with the distinct, calming aroma of lavender, and the fields are alive with the buzzing of bees and the fluttering of countless butterflies. Visitors can explore via car, discovering hidden patches of blooming lavender, or opt for walking trails that offer a more intimate connection with the landscape. The Vallon des Lavandes distillery and farm stand is a popular stop for those interested in learning about lavender products and enjoying local refreshments.
Experiencing the Plateau: Trails and Drives
For those who prefer a more grounded experience, walking trails are available. A notable trail is approximately 5.5 km long and can take about 1.5 hours to complete, offering a more intimate encounter with the lavender fields and the surrounding nature. These trails are often on country roads or tractor paths, providing a rustic feel. While amenities are sparse, with only one bench and a farm stand/distillery along a popular route, the views are considered perfect for a well-deserved picnic. It's advisable to bring your own provisions, including water, as services are limited once you venture onto the trails.
Regardless of your chosen method, remember that the plateau is an active agricultural area. Signs may indicate the presence of guard dogs on farmland, and vehicles do pass through. Therefore, keeping dogs on a leash is a crucial safety precaution. The experience is enhanced by the abundance of butterflies that are drawn to the lavender, adding a dynamic element to the visual landscape.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit