Provence’s Valensole Lavender Fields in Full Bloom: A Tapestry of Purple and Summer Celebrations

The Valensole Plateau in Provence, France, is currently 沉浸在一片紫色的海洋中. The 9,500-hectare lavender fields entered their peak bloom on July 14, with the harvest season expected to last until July 28, inviting travelers worldwide to witness this "most romantic rendezvous in Southern France".

As the epicenter of Provence’s lavender cultivation, Valensole is renowned for its undulating fields dotted with stone huts and olive trees. The 2025 season coincides with enhanced Sino-French tourism cooperation, with direct flights from Shanghai to Marseille operating three times weekly, cutting travel time from the airport to the plateau to just one hour. Local operators offer tailor-made experiences like "private sunrise photography tours" and "lavender harvesting workshops," allowing visitors to engage deeply with the lifecycle of this iconic plant.

Cultural Festivities and Ecological Resilience
The 29th annual Fête de la Lavande will take place on July 20, featuring parades, traditional music performances, and a bustling market for lavender products. Highlights include essential oil distillation workshops and Gregorian chant concerts in ancient stone corridors, blending lavender’s aromatic allure with religious heritage.

However, the journey to this vibrant spectacle was not without challenges. In 2023, North African hot winds brought noctuid moth larvae that devastated 50% of lavender fields in the Drôme department, causing farmers millions in losses. Through ecological pest control measures, the region has rebounded, with fields once again glowing in "shimmering violet".

Economic Powerhouse and Global Appeal
Lavender has become a cornerstone of the local economy. Chinese tourists account for 70% of visitors during June-July, driving an annual €1.7 billion tourism revenue in Provence’s lavender region. Beyond sightseeing, Valensole offers cycling routes linking the Verdon Gorge Prehistoric Museum and Roman spas, creating an "ecology + culture" immersive experience. Aerial adventures like helicopter tours and hot air balloon rides provide breathtaking aerial views of the plateau.

The fusion of agriculture and tourism has transformed Valensole from "Europe’s granary" to a "lavender kingdom." As a local medicinal plant association president noted, "Lavender is not just scenery—it’s our way of life".