French Waterways in July for lavender viewing

Greenie

Has anyone gone on the French Waterways cruise in July and seen lavender fields? If so, which stops did you see the fields? This is one of the main reasons I am taking this particular cruise. I hope I chose the right itinerary. Thanks for any feedback and photos if you have them.

Claudia Sails

We were on this cruise 5-12 July of this year. There wasn't a specific stop for lavender but on the 5th day we drove through the Provencal (Luberon) countryside stopping for photos at Gordes then on to Roussillon. In between the 2 stops there was a lavender field and the bus drivers stopped to let us get out and take photos. The whole area is beautiful.

Not sure how good my photos are as it was overcast then. We had a cooler, rainier July than I expected. Thankfully I packed a light rain jacket.

We had a fantastic time on this trip. Already planning our next river cruise.

Greenie

Thank you so much for your response to my question about viewing lavender during this cruise. It was just what I needed to hear since this was one of the main reasons I am traveling this time of year. I will look forward to taking many photos. I am also looking forward to the visit to Chateauneuf de Pape

Greenie

Thanks too for the advice about a lite rain jacket. I've just been planning on hot weather clothes.

Claudia Sails

Oddly, the same tour 2 weeks before had very high temps - so much so that people didn't want to go on some of the walking tours because of the heat. You may also want a light wrap (pashmina) for evenings up on deck. We arrived at Avignon late in the day and the captain took the boat in for a fantastic view of the famous bridge with the town in the background and the sun hitting it just perfectly. They had an accordion player entertaining us and the waiters handing out champagne. Great memory.

It's pretty at Chateauneuf du Pape as well - up on a hill with great views of the area.