When is the optimal time to drive through France/Austria to see blooming flowers and rows of lavendar ??
Late June into the summer for lavender.
Early to mid July is when the lavender is at its best. You will also see fields of sunflowers at that time in the South of France. May - June is when the fields of Poppies are in full bloom. Bonne route!
Having been brought up to celebrate "poppy day", it is quite a heart warming sight to chance upon real red poppies growing wild in France. They looked exactly like the paper ones we pinned to our jackets. Happened on my first trip ( late June)
Thank you so much for your input !