As the weather warms up, various flower seasons are taking turns to bloom again. Right now is the season of cherry blossoms, with everyone rushing to admire their pink romance. So what other flowers will accompany us next? It’s lavender, the flower that symbolizes waiting for love. The world’s four major lavender-producing regions are Provence in France, Hokkaido in Japan, the Caucasus Mountains in Russia, and Ili in China. Besides these four places, I’ll also tell you about other spots to enjoy lavender. Let’s take a look together.
France | Provence
Provence is a large region in southeastern France, encompassing cities such as Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. In summer, nine out of ten people visiting Provence come for the lavender sea XD. The weather in Provence during summer is quite pleasant, not only with suitable temperatures but also with the azure blue sky paired with vast stretches of purple lavender—it’s simply photogenic no matter how you shoot it.
* The peak blooming period for lavender in Provence is from early June to early August, with Valensole and Sault being the most popular spots for flower viewing.
Japan | Hokkaido
Hokkaido in summer is the top choice for many Taiwanese to see lavender. Furano uses hillsides and plains to visually extend into a magnificent sea of lavender, earning it the nickname “Provence of the East.” The famous Shikisai no Oka (Hill of Seasonal Colors) in Biei also features a colorful flower sea woven together with lavender and other blooms—a highly photogenic spot.
★ Recommended attractions: Shikisai no Oka, Nakafurano
Russia | Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus is located at the junction of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, bordering four countries: Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. The high-altitude Caucasus is not only scenic but also boasts fresh air, often regarded as a picturesque paradise. When spring arrives and flowers bloom everywhere, it attracts tourists from all over.
China | Xinjiang Ili
Ili is located in northwestern Xinjiang and is one of the important towns along the ancient Silk Road, renowned as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” In 1964, China introduced three lavender varieties from Hokkaido to trial plant across the country, but only Ili achieved the most successful transplantation. Every year in mid-June, Ili’s lavender bursts into bloom, and the local area even hosts a Lavender Festival.
★ Recommended attraction: Ili River Valley
UK | Norfolk
The lavender garden in Norfolk is located in the town of King’s Lynn, about a 40-minute train ride from Cambridge. This lavender garden offers a minibus tour that takes visitors not only to the main area but also to the newly opened 2019 site, Torrey’s Field, to see even more lavender. Additionally, their own brand, Norfolk Lavender, has a history of over 70 years and is quite well-known in the UK, selling various lavender-related products.
* Official website:Norfolk Lavender
Croatia | Hvar Island
Croatia, located on the Balkan Peninsula, is one of the popular vacation destinations. Its extensive coastline includes numerous islands, and one of the most beloved is Hvar Island, known as the “Lavender Island.” From Split in central Croatia, there are direct ferries to Hvar Island. To see the most spectacular lavender, don’t miss the Stari Grad Plain on the island. The Stari Grad Plain, cultivated as early as the 4th century BC, is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to the abundant sunshine here, the scent of lavender is even more intense, allowing every visitor to catch the faint fragrance of the flowers.
Australia | Tasmania Bridestowe
Bridestowe Lavender Estate boasts the largest lavender field in the Southern Hemisphere, located in Tasmania, Australia. Due to its southern location, the flowering season runs from November to January of the following year. The estate also sells a variety of lavender-related products, among which the limited-edition lavender-themed meals are a must-try, including lavender ice cream, lavender latte, lavender pound cake, and more～
Australia | Queensland Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm
Kooroomba is situated in Queensland and is the second-largest lavender farm in Australia. It features both a lavender field and a vineyard, with an open-air chapel built between the two areas. Browsing their website and Facebook page, you’ll find that many couples choose to hold their weddings here. The fertile soil and ample sunlight provide ideal conditions, allowing visitors to enjoy the lavender all year round.
USA | Sequim, Washington
Sequim is also known as the Purple Town, located near Seattle in the state of Washington. It is home to over 30 lavender farms and is one of the top destinations in the U.S. for lavender viewing, earning the title of Lavender Capital of North America. Every July, Sequim hosts a Lavender Festival that attracts visitors to admire and pick the flowers, taking beautiful lavender blooms home for decoration.
USA | Michigan Lavender Garden
Many gardens around the world are designed around lavender, and Michigan’s lavender garden is one of them. Its most eye-catching feature is its maze-like layout—when the purple lavender blooms in unison, the sight is truly spectacular. This lavender maze garden is located right next to a major road, so if you happen to pass by, be sure to stop and admire this sea of purple.
Beyond its visual appeal, lavender is cherished for its calming properties, making it one of people’s favorite plants. Whether it’s a vast field of blooming lavender or uniquely designed lavender landscapes, each offers a special experience. After seeing these stunning lavender gardens, don’t you feel the urge to visit and breathe in their fragrance? Don’t wait—start planning your trip now, and check off these ten breathtaking lavender fields one by one.
Text by Aimee.H | Tripresso Travel Cafe editorial team