Few things are more calming than the smell of fresh lavender. This miracle flower has been used since Roman times to calm the nerves and is still popular today for therapeutic and culinary purposes. If you’ve ever wanted to frolic in rolling fields of lavender, here’s our guide to the best places in the world to see lavender fields.

Évora, Portugal

The Alentejo region of Portugal is home to lush swaths of lavender and cork trees. The best place to see lavender fields here is Quinta Las Lavandas, a working lavender farm. They do tours in the summer and offer cute farmhouse-style accommodations so you can wake up to the sights and smells of sprawling fields of violet. To stretch the trip, visit the nearby medieval town of Castelo de Vide, which includes a well-preserved Jewish quarter from the 17th century.

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Provence, France

The south of France is top of mind for most when it comes to lavender fields. In Nice and Marseille, street markets offer a wide selection of lavender soaps and other goods. But if you want to be surrounded by lavender, check out Valensole, a charming village situated on a plateau with lavender as far as the eye can see. For that postcard view of rolling lavender fields stretching to the horizon, visit in late July or early August. You can bike and hike along pedestrian paths and take in the calming scent of lavender wafting from the fields. As a bonus, there are also clusters of sunflower fields. Between the soft purples and bright yellows, it’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the nose.

Beyond picture-perfect Valensole, Provence has plenty of other lavender excursions. With over 70 lavender themed trip ideas in Provence, check out Routes de la Lavande in partnership with the local government for more travel inspiration.

Hvar, Croatia

Hvar is an island off the coast of Croatia known for its greenery and fresh water springs, plus a long history of lavender production. To reach the island, take the ferry from Split to Stari Grad (Hvar). Then, take a taxi or bus to Zastrazisce, Gdinj, or Bogomolje—the surrounding areas in any of these towns are covered in lavender fields. In the village of Velo Grablje, there’s even an annual lavender festival, where you can not only stock up on every lavender product imaginable, but also participate in lavender themed arts and crafts workshops and enjoy traditional Hvar singing and dancing.

Hokkaido, Japan

With over 1200 acres of lavender fields, Tomita Farm in Furano is easily the top destination to see lavender in terms of sheer size, not just in Japan, but the whole world. The farm is so popular that there’s a dedicated train station that drops you off directly. The farm is home to so much more than just lavender fields, though: there are dozens of houses dotting the compound where you can take workshops in perfume making, essential oil distillation, and more. Before you leave, don’t miss the lavender soft serve ice cream at the café.

Just a few minutes from Tomita Farm is Choei Lavender Farm. Here, you can hop on a ski lift designed to give you a stunning aerial view of the lavender fields. Don’t leave Furano without checking out this unforgettable view backed by the impressive Mt. Tokachidake.

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Victoria and Tasmania, Australia

At Bridestowe Lavender Estate, explore over 260 acres of lavender and learn about the farm-to-table harvesting process, including on-site beekeeping. Try the famous lavender scones or the lavender pancakes at the Woodcroft Café located in the Visitor Center. If you prefer to eat outdoors, there are dedicated picnic sites where you might get a chance to interact with the wildlife.

The 7-acre Port Arthur Lavender Farm is located on the Long Bay coast and includes swaths of rainforest and natural lakes. Enjoy ocean views while you walk the Lavender Trail, with the most blooms between December and February. At the gift shop, pick up some lavender jam or fudge as a souvenir.

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne is Warratina Lavender Farm, which regularly hosts maker’s markets by artisans in the Yarra Valley. It’s also the site of an annual Wood Working Expo. There are also regular “Dog Days” with agility competitions, grooming and training sessions, and even a full doggy menu at the café. This farm is a great option for those who are visiting Melbourne and looking for a scenic day trip.

Travel Crush of the Week: Tasmania, Australia →

Cape Town, South Africa

For an exclusive lavender-themed getaway on the outskirts of Cape Town, check out Lavender Farm Franschhoek (Guest House). With a capacity of 28 guests, this is a great private retreat for solo travelers and couples. It’s also located in wine country, so you can spend the day wine tasting in the Franschhoek Valley. The fields of lavender juxtaposed with the huge African Acacia trees makes this farm a popular spot for weddings and photoshoots.