France Lavender Fields: Provence Purple Escape




Itinerary
Experience Provence at its most magical: purple fields, ochre cliffs and picture-perfect hilltop villages. This 5-day micro-escape starts and finishes in Marseille, gives you a comfortable base in Cavaillon for three nights and includes a carefully-timed visit to the Valensole plateau so you hit the lavender at its best. We balance sunrise or long-walk lavender time with hands-on local experiences — a traditional Savon de Marseille workshop, a friendly pétanque lesson, olive-oil tasting at a family moulin, and a stop in the fairy-tale village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Transport is easy: compact cars are provided for Days 2–4 so our group can drive the scenic lanes with freedom and comfort. Evenings are social and relaxed - with free evenings to browse markets and restaurants. This trip is designed for 20s–40s travellers who want great photo moments, authentic food & drink, and a social, slightly active pace. Book early—lavender season and small village parking fill up fast.


Welcome to Marseille!
1 night: Marseille
Pastis & Portside Welcome
We arrive in Marseille, drop bag,s and take a gentle introduction to the city with a stroll around Vieux-Port and Le Panier. The Pastis tasting is deliberately short and sociable, leaving time for a relaxed welcome briefing and a group dinner at a nearby bistro. This evening is about group chemistry and practical trip information — we go over early-start requirements, lavender field etiquette, and car logistics so everyone is prepared for the next day.

Marseille, Savon & Pétanque
1 night: Cavaillon
Activities and drive to Provence
This day blends light culture with practical logistics. The morning offers an optional soap workshop for hands-on makers, followed by a sociable pétanque lesson. In mid-afternoon the group collects rental cars — we allow time for paperwork and a safety briefing — then drive to Cavaillon where we check in for the three-night base. The evening is a relaxed group dinner with time to plan the early start for the lavender visit.

Full Lavender Day
1 night: Cavaillon
Valensole lavender visit
We set off early to the Valensole plateau and spend time among the lavender rows. Whether we choose a sunrise visit or a long morning walk, the experience focuses on immersive time in the fields: we'll visit a lavender house, and we'll take our group photos on the amazing photogenic paths.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie exploration & rosé tasting
We head to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — a postcard village famous for faïence pottery and dramatic setting beneath cliffs. Lunch here is relaxed and independent time allows guests to explore artisan shops and the pretty streets. On the way back toward Cavaillon we’ve scheduled a rosé vineyard tasting at a nearby domaine: a short cellar tour and 3-wine tasting that highlights Provence’s rosé tradition (pre-booked if required).

Ochre Trail & Olive-oil Tasting
1 night: Cavaillon
Ochre Trail hike
In the morning, we'll check-out and set off to walk the ochre cliffs of Roussillon on the Sentier des Ocres, a short but spectacular loop that runs through vivid orange and red mineral sand formations. The route is easy to moderate (45–75 minutes), offering saturated colours perfect for photography and short interpretive stops highlighting the history of ochre mining. The trail is family-friendly but be prepared for dusty paths and bright sunlight — bring water and sun protection.
Olive-oil moulin visit + return to Marseille
We visit a traditional moulin for an olive-oil tasting. After the tasting we drive back to Marseille and return the rental cars at the city desk — allow time for vehicle inspection and paperwork. The evening is a convivial farewell dinner in Marseille to toast the week.

Goodbye France!
Departures
Today, everyone can leave at their own pace. Enjoy a relaxed farewell with final coffee by the port and seamless transfers to Marseille airport or Saint-Charles train station. Your Travel Coordinator will ensure everyone has their transfer to sorted towards their onward destination.
What's included
4x nights accommodation in shared rooms with private bathrooms
4x breakfasts
Car rental on Days 2-4
Lavender farm visit
Olive oil mill tour
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
- Petrol, tolls and parking
- Savon de Marseille hands-on workshop at Marius Fabre in Marseille
- Any permits to go into additional lavender fields
- Coordinator's money pot share
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
Accommodation will be in twin rooms where available. Each customer will always have their own bed.
Car rentals will be automatic where available
- Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
This journey begins at Marseille. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Marseille. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
During summer in Provence, France, expect temperatures to reach 35 degrees Celsius
For this itinerary, soft luggage is required for logistical reasons and the convenience of the whole group - including yourself! Soft luggage includes backpacks, duffel bags, or sports bags, but not trolleys or bulky suitcases. The Travel Coordinator will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.
About France
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for France, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for France – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
France operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. During daylight saving time, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in France during standard time and 2pm during daylight saving time.
If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 6pm in France during standard time and 7pm during daylight saving time.
Keep this in mind when planning your activities!
France uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The exchange rates are approximately:
- 0.87 GBP
- 1.07 USD
- 1 EUR for the Euro
You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, and sometimes in hotels. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.
In France, you can use credit cards, debit cards, and cash for payments. Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. Contactless payments are widely accepted, making it easier to pay for small purchases with a tap. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller markets and local shops that might not accept cards. ATMs are available throughout the country, so withdrawing cash is convenient if needed. Always inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.
Tipping in France is not obligatory since service charge is typically included in your bill at restaurants, cafes, and bars. However, if you receive exceptional service and want to show appreciation, you can leave a small tip. A few euros or rounding up the bill is common. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a couple of euros as a tip is appreciated. In hotels, a euro or two for the porter or housekeeping is a nice gesture. Remember, tipping is always optional and based on your satisfaction with the service.
In France, if you're from a European or Schengen country, you can easily use your roaming plan without additional charges. If you're from outside Europe, we suggest you consider buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include Orange and SFR. Wi-Fi is widely available in France, especially in cities. You'll find free Wi-Fi in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and even some public spaces, making it easy to stay connected during your travels.
In France, the official language is French. Here are a few useful expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: Bonjour
- Thank you: Merci
- Please: S'il vous plaît
- Yes: Oui
- No: Non
French is widely spoken throughout the country, and knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful during your travels.
In France, you'll find Type C and Type E plugs. Both have two round pins, but Type E also has a hole for the grounding pin. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure compatibility.
The main religion in France is Christianity, with the majority of Christians being Roman Catholic. However, France is a secular country, and there's a significant number of people who identify as non-religious. Other religions practiced in France include Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.
Important religious holidays include:
- Christmas on December 25th
- Easter, which varies each year
While religious practices are diverse, France's secularism means public life is generally separate from religious affiliations.
For your trip to France, packing smartly is key. Here's a handy list to help you get organized:
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Clothing:
- Light layers for varying weather
- A warm sweater or jacket
- Casual and smart-casual outfits
- Scarf for style and warmth
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Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Stylish yet comfy shoes for evenings
- Sandals for warmer days
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Accessories and Technology:
- Universal adapter
- Portable charger
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Travel guide or map
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Toiletries and Medication:
- Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste
- Sunscreen and moisturizer
- Pain relievers, antihistamines
- Prescription medication if needed
This list should cover the essentials for a pleasant stay in France.
France has a diverse climate, so the weather can vary depending on the region and time of year:
- Paris and Northern France: Mild and rainy winters, cool and wet summers. Best time to visit is from May to September.
- Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur): Warm, dry summers, mild winters. Best time to visit is from May to October.
- Eastern France (Alsace, Lorraine): Cold winters with snow, warm summers. Best time to visit is from June to September.
- Western France (Brittany, Normandy): Mild, wet weather year-round. Best time to visit is from May to September.
- The Alps: Cold winters with heavy snow, making it great for skiing, mild summers. Best time to visit for skiing is December to March, for hiking is June to September.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.
















