My Photography & Travel Guide to Provence, France

Capturing the Lavender Fields

By Vito L Tanzi

Capturing the Lavender Fields

There’s a certain kind of light in Provence that feels almost mythical—soft, golden, and endlessly flattering. It’s the same light that drew Van Gogh to Arles and Cézanne to Aix, that spills across lavender fields in July and casts long shadows through olive groves in the Luberon. But you don’t have to be a painter to fall for it. For photographers and travelers alike, Provence offers a canvas of color and texture unlike anywhere else in France. Plus, the food in the south of France is simply amazing.

This is a place where time seems to stretch. Mornings begin with the slow bustle of open-air markets, afternoons drift past vineyards and ochre-hued villages, and evenings end with golden hour glowing on stone façades. I would definitely stop at every open-air market that you run into. You will buy incredibly delicious fresh cheese, wines, and the best produce.

Provence, in the southeastern part of France, is renowned for its picturesque villages, rolling vineyards, and, most famously, its stunning lavender fields. Each summer, these fields burst into bloom, painting the landscape with hues of purple and attracting visitors from all over the globe.

In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite places to stay, eat, and photograph across the region. Whether you’re coming for the lavender or the rosé, the Roman ruins or the Mediterranean light, Provence offers inspiration for everyone.

5. Rosé Wine

More a lifestyle than a drink in Provence. Light, dry, and perfect with basically anything you eat in the region. Try a bottle from Château d’Esclans