2026 Sault Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Provence Travel Guide Best Time to Visit • Lavender Season: Valensole early July to early August, Sault mid-July to mid-August. • Other periods: May-June or September-October have fewer crowds, mild weather, perfect for strolling through small towns and wine tasting. Core Itinerary (4 days 3 nights) • Day 1: Avignon → Palais des Papes (combined ticket about €9.5-11.5) → Pont Saint-Bénézet → Theatre Festival (July) → Stay in Avignon. • Day 2: Avignon → Valensole lavender fields (best at morning mist and sunset) → Lake Sainte-Croix boating → Ceramic village → Stay at a guesthouse in Valensole. • Day 3: Valensole → Gordes (Stone Village) → Roussillon (Ochre Village) → Sénanque Abbey lavender fields → Stay in Aix-en-Provence or nearby towns. • Day 4: Aix-en-Provence (City of Fountains) → Van Gogh Café (Arles) → Return to Avignon/Marseille. Transportation and Accommodation • Transportation: Paris to Avignon by TGV about 2.5 hours; renting or chartering a car in Avignon offers more freedom; mountain roads are many, drive carefully. • Accommodation: Hostels in Avignon offer great value; Valensole guesthouses have flower field views; hotels in Arles are close to the arena and Van Gogh Café. Must-Try Foods • Bouillabaisse from Marseille, Provençal stew, melon with ham, goat cheese, lavender ice cream, rose wine. Photography and Outfit Tips • Timing: Lavender fields are best at 5-6 AM or after 5 PM for soft light; noon light causes backlighting and dark faces. • Outfit: White or light colors photograph best; flat shoes are suitable for field paths and mountain roads. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Some lavender fields charge an entrance fee (€5-10), check opening hours in advance. 2. Bring €1-2 coins for small town toilets and parking. 3. Parking is difficult in peak season; in Roussillon, you can pay €2 in advance to reserve a spot. 4. UV rays are strong; sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential. 5. Mountain roads have many curves; signal may be unstable when driving. Souvenirs • Lavender essential oil/sachets, olive oil, almond candy, lavender honey.

📅 Itinerary Day 1: 1. Ibis Cavaillon → L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: 9km / 15 minutes 2. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue → Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: 8km / 10 minutes 3. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse → Gordes: 11km / 15 minutes ✔️If you love nature and clear water, be sure to visit points 1 and 2. The water is so clear that dipping your feet in it feels refreshing. You can also enjoy freshly baked pizza by the flowing water and enjoy it at sunset. ✔️A stunning ice cream shop that catches your eye: 22 bis Quai Rouget de l'Isle, 84800 L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Visit #2 in the morning for a breath of fresh air. Just a short walk away, you'll come across a paper museum and bookstore. Similar to Korean paper, you can see how paper is made. The indoor location is a great way to cool off, and you can only buy souvenirs here, making it even more appealing. Day 2: Mont Ventoux If you enjoy cycling, this place is packed with locals, so take your time and enjoy the cool breeze. A thin windbreaker is a must! Drinks and snacks are sold only at the pre-climbing point and at the very top, but they're quite pricey. ✔️There's not much to eat, so I recommend buying sandwiches, snacks, and other goodies beforehand. :) Day 3: Sault, exploring the surrounding area. It's also nice to take a leisurely stroll through the Lavender Museum. ✔️While driving around, you'll come across unharvested lavender. You can also buy lavender made and sold by local vendors. :) The place shown in the first photo is also a lavender field and a place to buy lavender products.

| Chase the Lavender in July. In July, Provence in Southern France sends an encrypted telegram, and the decoded message is the signal of lavender blooming wildly across the mountains. At Sault, a plateau 700 meters above sea level, catch the purple wave that arrives half a month later than in the plains. Friends planning to chase lavender in Southern France in July, don’t miss out! This limited-edition hue is about to disappear. 【🚩Must-Visit Spots】 Sault One of the highest-altitude lavender-growing areas in Provence. ▪️Due to its high elevation, the lavender blooms later than in Valensole, from mid-July to mid-August, making it the last stop for chasing lavender in midsummer. ▪️From a high vantage point, the purple sea of flowers blends with distant mountains and villages into a breathtaking panorama. ▪️Around August 15th each year, a grand Lavender Festival is held, featuring parades, markets, and traditional performances. Roussillon The "Ochre City," famous for its unique red ochre cliffs and buildings. Houses, walls, and streets are painted in varying shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown, creating a striking visual impact. Gordes A "village suspended in the air," one of Provence’s most famous and photogenic villages. It’s a patchwork of sun-bleached stone buildings and lush green vegetation, exuding a lazy, artistic vibe. Sénanque Abbey The setting for the book *A Year in Provence*, hailed as one of "the most beautiful valleys in France." Most postcard scenes are shot here, with a lavender field in front of the abbey. The blooming period is from late June to mid-to-late July, where the purple sea of flowers and the ancient stone abbey create a stunning picture. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Famous for the Vaucluse Spring, where water gushes from the base of a massive limestone cliff, forming the emerald-green Sorgue River. Shaded by trees, the riverside is perfect for strolls or renting a transparent canoe to drift on the sparkling water—a summer paradise. 【💥Highlights】 ✔️Experience the romance of lavender and the tranquility of the abbey. ✔️Immerse yourself in the unique world of ochre colors. ✔️Admire the breathtaking panoramas and architectural wonders of cliffside stone villages. ✔️Explore the mysterious spring and enjoy the riverside coolness. Round-trip from Avignon One-day guided tour of Provence’s lavender fields in Southern France.

The South of France, a romantic land kissed by sunshine and steeped in art ☀️ From the lavender fields of Provence to the azure waves of the Côte d'Azur, from the historical relics of ancient cities to the gastronomic feasts at Michelin-starred restaurants. Everything here is calling to me 🤩 🔥Key Highlights 【6-8 person boutique small group】【Relais & Châteaux luxury 5-star castle hotel】Côte d'Azur + Provence | Mediterranean Southern France town tour | Aigues-Mortes pink salt lake 🔲 Signature Experiences – This is how to make your South of France trip special 【Private Lavender Tour in Provence】 💟Valensole: June-July is the peak lavender season, perfect for capturing stunning sunset photos. 🍇Sault: The lavender blooms slightly later here, ideal for visits in late July. Enjoy a private field picnic paired with local rosé wine. 【Côte d'Azur + The Green of Southern France】 🏖️Cruise the Mediterranean, savor the charm of Côte d'Azur towns, and admire the breathtaking sea-sky views from a new perspective. 🍃Èze: The unique hilltop exotic garden offers a green oasis to soothe your soul. 【Avignon Art & History Immersion】 🎭Avignon Festival (July): Reserve front-row seats for world-class theater performances, followed by a champagne dinner on a private terrace. 【Sainte-Croix Lake & Verdon Gorge Adventure】 🚤Private kayak or electric boat: Paddle through the turquoise waters of Sainte-Croix Lake into the Verdon Gorge, one of Europe's most spectacular canyons. 🚁Optional helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of the dramatic cliffs and emerald lake – an unparalleled perspective. 🍋Itinerary 🌟Day 1: Paris - Dijon 🌟Day 2: Dijon - Annecy 🌟Day 3: Annecy - Southern France towns - Avignon 🌟Day 4: Avignon - Valensole - Sainte-Croix Lake - Nice 🌟Day 5: Nice - Èze - Monaco - Nice 🌟Day 6: Nice - Cannes - Saint-Raphaël - Saint-Tropez - Marseille 🌟Day 7: Marseille - Aigues-Mortes - Nîmes 🌟Day 8: Nîmes - Paris 📸 Advanced Photography Guide 1️⃣ Lavender field backshots + floating hat trick (toss your hat mid-air for the perfect shot) 2️⃣ Pose with Nice's Baie des Anges – impossible to take a bad photo by this coastline! 3️⃣ Èze garden overhead shot: Use 0.5x wide-angle with feet at frame bottom for dramatic cliff-edge effect 🍋 Flavor Memories ▪️Van Gogh Café in Arles: Sit under yellow awnings, order absinthe, and recreate the composition of "Café Terrace at Night" ▪️Menton's Saturday market: Grandma's lemon syrup, mixed with sparkling water, is summer's purest taste.

Hey everyone! Nestled in the hills of Provence lies a breathtaking "sky city" that will instantly capture your heart—the charming village of Gordes 🌄. With its thousand-year-old stone houses, stunning mountain views, and authentic cuisine... follow this guide to unlock its romantic secrets 👇 **First Impressions of the Village** 💫 Recognized as one of "France's Most Beautiful Villages" 🏔️ Perched on the southern ridge of the Vaucluse Mountains at 370m elevation 🏠 A cluster of granite houses built since the 11th century, resembling silver stars scattered across the hills ✨. Wander through the winding cobblestone streets—every stone tells an ancient story 📜. **Must-Try Food List** 1️⃣ **Provençal Beef Stew in Red Wine** 🍷 A must-order at local countryside restaurants! Tender beef slow-cooked in rich red wine sauce with potatoes and carrots 🥕—perfect with bread. 📍 Recommended spot: **La Trinquette** Enjoy mountain views from the outdoor seating! 2️⃣ **Lavender Ice Cream** 🍦 A local specialty! The delicate floral aroma blends with creamy sweetness—available at street-side shops. Super photogenic 📸! 3️⃣ **Goat Cheese Platter** 🧀 A Southern French classic! Served with baguette and jam, featuring cheeses at different aging stages. Don’t miss the goat cheese tart (Tartiflette)—crispy crust + creamy filling = pure bliss! 4️⃣ **Provençal Fish Soup** 🐟 A hearty broth made with assorted seafood, paired with garlic bread and aioli. A local favorite for its rich, warming flavor! **Top Photo Spots** 1️⃣ **Village Viewpoint** 🌅 From the roadside lookout, capture the entire stone village—best at sunset! Golden light bathes the walls for dreamy shots 📷. 2️⃣ **Castle Ruins Platform** 🏰 The medieval ruins offer a dramatic backdrop of stone houses and valleys. Fly a drone here for epic aerial views! 3️⃣ **Hidden Alley Corners** 🧭 Wander the maze-like lanes—every turn reveals photogenic scenes: weathered walls, flower-filled windowsills, arched doorways... straight out of a movie 🎞️. 4️⃣ **St. Francis Church** ⛪️ The white church against blue skies is pure serenity. Morning light on the steps makes for perfect portraits or empty-frame shots! **Nearby Itinerary Ideas** Start from Avignon 🚙 and follow this classic Provence route: Sault (Springs Village) → Sénanque Abbey → Roussillon (Ochre Village) → Gordes. This loop covers: 💦 Europe’s natural spring waterfalls 💐 A white abbey amid lavender fields 🟠 A fairytale town in ochre hues —all the best of Southern France in one trip! In Gordes, time seems to slow down... Bask in the Provençal sun, stroll ancient streets, savor local flavors, and snap those dreamy shots. Ready for this romantic escape? 💓 Gather your friends and unlock the magic of this sky city!

From June to August every year, Provence seems to be under a spell. Large tracts of lavender spread from the horizon to the valley. The endless purple makes people feel like they have walked into a fairy tale. Today I want to recommend to you the three major lavender resorts in Provence: Sénanque Abbey, Sault, and Valensole. Each of them has its own style and is full of romance, making it a paradise for photography, aesthetics and nature lovers! 🕘【Opening hours】： 🌞 Best viewing period: from mid-to-late June to mid-July every year. The flowering period in So Village is relatively later, but it can still be seen in late July. 🧭 It is recommended to avoid noon. The light in the morning and evening is more suitable for taking pictures, and there are relatively fewer people. ⛔ Note: Some private lavender fields do not allow entry for photography, please respect local regulations. 💴【Ticket Price】: Sénanque Abbey: It costs about €8 to visit the interior of the abbey, and taking photos outside is free. Sault/Valensole lavender fields: Most of the fields are open to the public and no tickets are required, but if you want to visit the museum or workshop, you need to buy a ticket separately. ⛺【Amusement Project】: Abbaye de Sénanque——[Purple Faith in Tranquility] 🏛 This 12th-century monastery is surrounded by lavender fields. The stone monastery blends perfectly with the purple lavender, which is quaint and quiet. You can visit the abbey, learn about its history, and take photos of the beautiful lavender fields surrounding it. ✝️ The monastery is still in operation, please keep quiet and take photos without disturbing the monks' lives. 📸 Photography tips: The front shooting angle needs to be on the roadside, and the light is best before 9 am or after 6 pm. Sault——[Overlooking the flower fields from the hills] 🌄 Sault is the "Lavender Capital". The town is on a mountain with a high terrain, overlooking the entire lavender field. It has rich layers and is very suitable for long-range aerial photography. 🍯 There are many small soap shops and honey shops in the town, which are good places to restock souvenirs If you have time, don't miss the observation deck in the town, which is a great angle to take pictures of the distant view. 🎉 There is a lavender festival on August 15th every year, with handicraft exhibitions, food markets, and music performances. Valensole——[The End of the Purple Ocean] 🌾 The largest and most spectacular lavender field, stretching endlessly, is especially suitable for shooting "portraits + lavender" blockbusters. 🌻 If you are lucky, you may come across the "purple + yellow" combination: lavender + sunflower! 📷 Recommended shooting time: After 5pm, backlit photos are the best with soft light and shadows 🚌【Transportation Guide】 🛣 Public transportation: The train + bus combination is more troublesome. There are some tourist lines in the peak season, but the frequency is limited. 🚗 Self-driving: Starting from Marseille, you can rent a car for 1.5-2 hours to reach various attractions. The route is flexible and it is convenient to stop and take photos at any time on the road. 👉Chartered car: suitable for friends who want to travel independently but don’t want to drive. Some Chinese drivers and guides also provide itinerary services. 📌 TIPS: Lavender fields are scattered, and it is convenient to stop and take photos by yourself. It is recommended to plan the route in advance. 👉【Itinerary】: 🌅Route 1 (starting from Marseille): Check in at the three most classic lavender resorts Provence Lavender Day | Sénanque Abbey + Sau + Valensole Route 🍽 At noon in Sault, we recommend ordering southern French country roast chicken and lavender-flavored desserts 🧡【Preparation before departure】： 👗 Dressing suggestions: White skirts or light-colored ones are the best for taking photos, and comfortable shoes are recommended. 🧴 Sun protection is essential (the sun in southern France is very strong), and a hat and sunglasses are also required. 🦟 There may be a lot of mosquitoes, so prepare mosquito repellent spray. 📷 Bring your camera + spare batteries. If you like aerial photography, remember to check the drone regulations. If you also yearn for the movie-like summer in Provence, don’t hesitate, add these three lavender holy places to your itinerary! Not only is it good for taking photos, but you can also feel the unique tranquility and romance of southern France💜

1. Purple: Many people travel to southern France in summer to see the dreamy purple lavender. Mid-June to early August is the best time to see lavender in Provence, especially in early to mid-July. Sault and Valensole are two iconic places to see lavender. The lavender in Sault blooms later due to the higher altitude, blooming in late June and still visible in August. The flowering period in Valensole is earlier, from mid-June to mid-July. The vast lavender fields here are ideal for taking beautiful lavender photos. 2. Blue: The blue of southern France comes not only from the Mediterranean Sea but also from the Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix. Nice, Cannes, and Marseille are all well-known cities on the French Riviera. The Bay of Angels in Nice is named for its resemblance to angel wings. The calm and clear sea is a great place to spend the summer. Cannes is famous for its film festival and beautiful beaches. One side of the Promenade de la Croisette is a delicate sandy bay, and the other side is colorful hotels. 3. Yellow: The summer in southern France also has yellow sunflowers, which contrast with the purple lavender to form colorful pastoral paintings. 4. Colorful: The small towns in southern France, such as Antibes, are known for their perfect blend of architectural colors and sunlight. The whole town is full of artistic atmosphere and French romance. 5. White and dark blue: When it comes to southern French style, you can't miss the Breton Stripes, a knitted horizontal striped top in dark blue and white. This color combination has become a must-have for summer.

🇫🇷 In the South of France, Provence, this land kissed by the sun ☀️, is a dreamy destination for countless travelers ✈️. On a summer afternoon, take a stroll through the fields of blooming lavender 🪻, where the purple sea of flowers sways in the wind, as if you are in a fairy tale 🏰 world~ 【🟣 Provence】 A region in the south of France 🇫🇷, home to many beautiful towns 🌆 and villages 🏠. Lavender is the travel highlight of this area, and during the summer when the lavender blooms, the entire region is covered with a purple sea of flowers, and a grand Lavender Festival is also held. 🥰 Best travel season: June - August 🥰 Travel tips: Choose Marseille/Nice for airports, 🥰 Travel recommendations: Self-drive/Chartered travel 【🟣 Top Three Lavender Viewing Spots】 ✅ Sénanque Abbey An ancient abbey, also a classic spot for lavender fields. Every summer, the lavender in front of the abbey blooms, forming a purple ocean that complements the ancient abbey buildings. ⏰ Blooming period: Mid-June - Mid-July ✅ Valensole A location for many films and TV shows, with vast lavender fields and sunflower fields. The town also hosts a Lavender Festival every year. ⏰ Blooming period: Mid-June - End of July ✅ Sault The capital of lavender, the production center for indigenous European lavender. The terrain here is undulating, with a sea of flowers at the end and winding mountains, inside which are small villages surrounded by flower fields. ⏰ Blooming period: Mid-June - Mid-August 🌈 Recommended Tour Route ✅Day1. Paris - Montpellier ✅Day2. Montpellier - Saint-Tropez - Saint-Raphael - Frejus ✅Day3. Mandelieu - Monaco - Eze·French Riviera ✅Day4. Nice - Valensole - Vaucluse ✅Day5. Avignon - Paris