Your photos in the fields of Valensole:
Every summer, a sea of purple floods the Instagram feeds of photographers from around the world. Most of those dreamy images come from the lavender fields of the Plateau de Valensole, in Provence. From late June to early July, the plateau transforms into a breathtaking natural spectacle: endless lavender rows, golden light, and that unmistakable scent of summer.
Travelers from across the globe come here to experience this iconic landscape of Southern France. And honestly? I love creating your photo sessions there. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or even with your furry companion, Valensole is one of my favorite places to photograph at the start of every summer. Each session feels unique and unforgettable for both of us.
I’m Sylvia Calmet, a wedding, family, and brand photographer based in Provence since 2018. Every summer, I guide you through the most beautiful spots between Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Gorges du Verdon for your lavender photo session. In this article, I’m sharing my best tips to help you plan stunning photos on the Plateau de Valensole from timing and outfits to the most photogenic locations.
Ready to capture your own lavender story?
Lavender season is short and dates fill up quickly. If you’re planning a trip to Provence between late June and early July, feel free to reach out to check availability or book your session. I’d love to create something beautiful together.
The Valensole plateau in the middle of lavender season:
A commune in the Alpes de Haute Provence region, Valensole is known for its endless fields and plateau. Located between Manosque and Gréoux les Bains, Valensole is a typical Mediterranean hilltop village.
In the town centre, the Château du Grand Jardin, its park and the Maison de la Lavande offer tourists a range of activities and accommodation options to enjoy the plateau. Numerous bakeries sell traditional southern French pastries and lavender ice cream: a real treat!
The lavender fields of Valensole provide a breathtaking natural backdrop for photo shoots. With their endless rows of purple flowers, the fields create the perfect backdrop for portraits, couple photos, family shoots or artistic shots. The vibrant colour of the lavender contrasts beautifully with the azure blue sky of Provence, creating stunning visual compositions.
Every day is different on the plateau. Every sunrise or sunset is a unique moment.
Intimate weddings and elopements in Valensole
The Valensole plateau is also a magical setting for intimate weddings and elopements. Imagine exchanging your vows surrounded by endless lavender fields, with only the sound of cicadas and the warm Provençal light around you. Whether you’re planning a private elopement for two or a small celebration with your closest loved ones, I help you create a simple, elegant, and deeply personal experience in the heart of Provence. From sunrise ceremonies in the fields to sunset portraits overlooking the plateau, I guide you through the most beautiful locations and the best light of the day. My approach is natural and emotion-focused, capturing real moments as they unfold so you can fully enjoy your day while leaving with timeless memories from the Plateau de Valensole.
If you’re dreaming of a romantic and effortless wedding in Provence, Valensole offers the perfect blend of wild beauty, intimacy, and authenticity.
The scent on the plateau:
What is impressive, in addition to being visually stunning, is that the lavender fields give off an intoxicating scent. As you approach Lavandes Angelvin, the location of our meetings, this adds a sensory dimension to your photographic experience. You haven’t even got out of your car yet and the lavender is everywhere.
Then, as you walk among the lavender, the delicate and soothing aroma creates a unique atmosphere. It is relaxing and adds a touch of originality to your entire experience.
This is a season when I like to eat a scoop of lavender ice cream in the centre of Valensole or at the start of your sessions in Moustiers Sainte Marie. It’s a flavour I never usually choose, but I find it adds a touch of sweetness to these moments shared with you.
Tips for successful photo shoots on the Valensole plateau:
- Take your photos during the lavender season:
It may seem obvious, but visiting Valensole out of season to see seasonal flowers will not give you the desired effect. On the plateau, lavender is grown to be harvested, so the season is very short.
- Be there at sunrise:
Most photo shoots on the Valensole plateau take place at sunset, which is a magnificent time of day as the sun sets over the plateau. As the plateau is huge, being there at sunrise can be an opportunity to have the fields ‘all to yourself’. Photo shoots at sunrise in Provence take place early in the morning at this time of year. This is not the time when there are the most tourists in the fields.
- Choosing your outfit:
To create a striking visual contrast, opt for bright colours that complement the purple hues of the lavender. Shades of yellow work very well with the purple of the lavender. Pastel and white tones can also create a soft and romantic atmosphere. White is my favourite colour to wear in the lavender fields.
- Respect the location:
The fields are primarily intended for harvesting. While there is no prohibition on taking photographs there, it is essential to respect the location, the plants and the lavender growers. If you would like to have your photograph taken with a bouquet, ask your florist to arrange one for you that matches the lavender. Be careful not to pick the farmers’ flowers to take a picture. You can also buy bouquets in shops such as Folies de Provence in Aix-en-Provence or Moustiers Sainte Marie.
Sylvia Calmet : your destination wedding and family photographer in Provence
I’m Sylvia, a family and wedding photographer based in Provence, working between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille since 2018. Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of couples and countless families, capturing real stories and meaningful moments along the way. What drives me most is creating memories that last, images you’ll come back to years from now, with the same emotion.
Every summer, I return to the Plateau de Valensole for lavender sessions. It’s a place that never stops inspiring me, and one I truly love sharing with the people I photograph. Whether it’s your first time in Provence or a special trip back, these sessions are always something special and I’d love to create that experience with you.
So … are we doing this? 💜
If lavender fields are already on your moodboard, let’s make it real.
Send me a message, tell me your travel dates, and let’s plan something beautiful together.
As a photographer based in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Provence since 2018, I would be delighted to accompany you for your photo shoot in one of my favourite locations in our beautiful region: the Valensole plateau.