My family and I are planning to visit France’s lavender fields in the Vaucluse region during their peak season over the summer. We’ll be traveling with a guide from the Marseilles port. We’d like to visit either Avignon or Aix-en-Provence during the trip as well. Which would you recommend? And how long should we allow for the round trip? If you have a favorite spot to recommend for visiting the fields, we’re all ears, of course! Many thanks.

What day of the week? Are you interested in market day or prefer to avoid? What else do you want to see and do on the day trip? Do you want to sight-see in either village or just see lavender fields. Either would work just fine. I'd want to continue on to Saignon to see the fields there. Do you want to stop for lunch? Honestly, if you don't have a strong preference, I'd rely on the advice of the driver/ guide - based on local conditions when you are there - bloom, traffic, restaurant, etc.

Thanks so much for the reply, starrs. We’ll be there on a Sunday. Would love to have lunch outside and if the markets are open, to stroll through those. What did you like about Saignon?

I enjoyed both, but for a quick stroll, I'd opt fir Aix -- its fountains are lovely!

Thanks so much, kja!

I wrote a LONG response last night and then had an internet issue. I'll write it again tonight.

I look forward to seeing it, starrs, and really appreciate your time.

Depends on your plan do you wanna just see lavender's or see the market, how long do you plan on staying there, like the total time, then coud recommend something worth-while for your time.

Thanks so much for the reply, muntiqa. This is just for the day. We probably have eight hours total, including travel time to and from the Marseilles port. We’re most interested in seeing a beautiful town, have a casual meal outside, strolling streets/a market, and getting some beautiful photos of the lavender fields. We’ll be with a teenager, so learning about lavender oil production or visiting a related museum is probably lower on our list. Any and all suggestions are welcome! Thank you!

Although Avignon has some nice features, I much prefer Aix which is beautiful.

Many thanks, shelemm. We are leaning towards Aix.