Hot Air Balloon Flight over Lavender Fields in Provence
One of the rarest and most unforgettable ways to experience Provence is a hot air balloon flight over lavender fields. At sunrise, when the air is calm and the light is soft, the balloon rises above the plateaux of inland Provence, revealing endless purple ribbons of lavender, hilltop villages and wide open landscapes below.
These flights are available only during a short lavender window and remain one of the most exclusive seasonal experiences in Provence. We can arrange your private transfer from the French Riviera and organise the day around the balloon flight, with the possibility of adding villages, scenic stops or a Provence day tour afterwards.
Format: early departure · sunrise flight · lavender landscapes · approx. 8–10 hours including transfer
Book your hot air balloon flight over lavender fields
After your request, we confirm your preferred date, number of guests, pick-up location and whether the balloon flight is available in the lavender period you want. Because balloon flights over lavender run only during a short seasonal window and depend entirely on weather conditions, early booking is strongly recommended.
How the balloon flight works
A hot air balloon flight is a calm, floating journey above the Provençal landscape. Unlike a helicopter or plane, the balloon moves with the wind, so each flight feels a little different and completely unique.
A very early start
Flights take place only early in the morning, when the air is at its calmest. Departure from the French Riviera is usually around 3:30–4:30 am, depending on the launch area.
Preparation and take-off
Before take-off, the crew prepares and inflates the balloon and gives a short safety briefing. The basket then rises gently above the fields, roads and villages of inland Provence.
Flying above lavender landscapes
The flight itself usually lasts around one hour. From above, you may see lavender fields, roads across the plateau, isolated farms, villages and the soft morning light that makes Provence especially photogenic.
When do lavender balloon flights take place?
Flights over lavender fields are possible only during a very short period, when the lavender is at its most beautiful.
In most years, the best window is late June to the first half of July, when lavender reaches peak visual impact in areas such as Valensole and other inland parts of Provence.
Flights take place at sunrise, usually around 5:00–6:00 am. This is linked to both flight safety and the quality of the morning air.
Balloon flights depend entirely on wind and weather conditions. If the conditions are not safe, the flight will be postponed or cancelled.
Where do the flights take place?
In Provence, several areas can be used for hot air balloon flights over lavender landscapes, depending on the operator and the season.
Valensole Plateau
The best-known lavender area in Provence. Seasonal balloon flights may operate from the Puimoisson / Valensole side, where the plateau opens into wide lavender scenery.
Forcalquier area
Another strong flight area in Haute-Provence, with lavender landscapes, hilltop villages and the more rural, open scenery of inland Provence.
Albion Plateau
A quieter lavender region with wide open plateaux and a less obvious, more atmospheric side of Provence. Availability here is more selective and depends on the operator and season.
Explore more Provence tours
If you are planning a wider Provence trip, these routes pair especially well with a balloon flight and show the region from different angles — from lavender landscapes to the Verdon Gorge and the hilltop villages of the Luberon.
Verdon Gorge Tour
One of the most impressive natural routes in Provence: scenic roads above the canyon, Lake Sainte-Croix and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Lavender Photography Tour
A private lavender route focused on the most photogenic fields in Provence, with scenic stops and time for beautiful images throughout the day.
Luberon Valley Tour
Hilltop villages, scenic roads and one of the most classic Provence landscapes, ideal for travelers who want the region’s most iconic village atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
Below are the most common questions about hot air balloon flights over lavender in Provence.
