Provence

[Sally A. Neff]

My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to Provence--we think in June next year as I have heard that is when the lavender is in bloom.   Any thoughts on this or as to what accommodations you would recommend.   We have not used UNTOURS before but they come highly recommened

[Linda Paplinski]

We did an Untours trip May 28-June 21, 2006.  First was 2 weeks in Provence followed by a week add-on in Paris.  It was a delightful trip, but, alas, no lavender.

[Sally A. Neff]

Thanks so much for answering .  I guess I will call untours and see if they have any recommendations as to when to go--Do you think 2 weeks is too much in Provence or should we divide it up..  I have traveled a lot but it has been several years so I want it to be a good trip/

[Linda Paplinski]

Sally,

When you travel with Untours they always give you a little book with loads of information about where to go and what to see.  In my opinion, there is lots to do in the region and you will not be bored. Two weeks is not too much time.  Having said that, I have to admit that The Netherlands Untours was a more interesting trip for us.  You honestly can't go wrong though with Untours.

[Raymond Leach]

The lavender blooms in July. Please note that Lavender bloom times are wanted by everyone in the world, so it is very heavily booked. In other words book in advance. We took the Provence in June, stayed in Pernes (Hermann 2) and the host/setting could not be nicer (note not fancy but nice). The hosts are very nice and the melons they grow there will ripen about when you get there. The town is a short trip away and has a little bit of everything plus lots of good food. You will have a feast for the eyes, and of course the food is great. Next you drop off your car and take a fast modern train to Paris. We like the Marais but sadly the small out of the way (and cheap) place is no longer on their plan. The Marais is close to many of the places you want to visit, and there is food in all directions. Lastly I would say look into destinations in Provence you want to visit you want to visit (like museums) ahead of time because in the country they sometimes are have fairly random open/close times and dates. For example one town we went to the resistance museum was closed (still plenty to do and see) and then the next day it was the same problem, but on looking at the dates if I would have looked ahead I would have seen both had I just flipped the days. 

[Don Lund]

When does lavender bloom in Provence?

The famed lavender fields bloom in summer, so travel in June to August for violet-tinged views. But weigh up your desire for purple passion against the crowds: you’ll be sharing the view with plenty of other travelers.

this is from Lonely Planet