Has anyone gone from Arles to Gorde to see the lavender in the afternoon of the second day in Arles of the Rick Steves Loire and the South Of France tour in late June? Thinking we might use a local driver to do the 1 hour and 15 minute drive but don’t know if that is an option.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
Do you mean Gordes ?
If so I would not say that is really a spot for Lavender.
Absolutely loved the town though! The Abbey a little outside of Gordes has some lavender in front and is a very pretty scene though late June think it would be more green than purple there. Due to elevation it blooms a little later there than some lower lying plateau areas.
The Abbey is not walkable from the town and although one could spend hours exploring the town, most do not stay long at the Abbey.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1189 posts
Hi from Wisconsin,
I don't mean to put a damper on your lavender experience. We were driving this area in March/April and the traffic was pretty heavy. I can not imagine being there and having a good time as color season arrives. The area has been over sold. The villages were beautiful but all are filled to bursting with tourist shops. I hate to right off an entire area of France...but oh my gosh, you will not be there alone.
I love France, but this area is crowded. It is pretty, but crowded.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7026 posts
Late June could definitely see some blooming lavender - the timing of the bloom is pretty weather dependent but normally runs from the end of June through mid-August. I was there the first week of July (2012) and it was already at peak that year so was definitely in bloom at end of June. You won't know until you get there (or shortly before). If it's in bloom a half-day tour to see the lavender is worth it if it's something you're interested in - go for it. I wouldn't have missed it. As to where to go to see it, that also depends on the weather and the elevation - different areas bloom at slightly different times, if you take a guided tour they will know where it's best.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
True, but kind of totally different than the OP's question.
If you are there in late June ; yes there will be places you could take a tour or hire an expensive private driver to take you around and see lavender in bloom in fields a couple hours drive away from Arles.
My reply was more directed at their exact question of going to Gordes. Which is a beautiful town and one I would recommend but is not really a trip to see lavender.
I was in the region this year 2nd week of July, 2018. Every week does make a big difference, having tracked the bloom for a few years by looking at photo date stamps the fact of it changing much from year to year is exaggerated. It is true though that the different towns/regions have different blooms so some will be in bloom late June while others still green ; same as some will be done and all cut late July while others in full bloom at that time. The best way to know the timing is check for the planned Harvest day in each town/region. Harvest day is meant to align with the full bloom/time to cut so best to visit an area just before a Harvest day.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7026 posts
Actually there are half-day tours from Arles that go to Gordes, Roussillon, and the lavender museum, with visits to the towns and drives by the fields. They are not cheap, maybe about $65-75 and you wouldn't have a lot of time in Gordes. But then, I think Roussillon is worth a visit too. You could hire a private driver to take you to Gordes, driving by some fields; not sure how much that would be, but if you have a group you could share the costs.