Shore Excursion · Marseille Cruise Port · Private
Lavender Shore Excursion from Marseille Cruise Port
A private lavender day trip from the Marseille cruise terminal to Valensole — timed around your ship, with a year-round distillery visit; the fields bloom late June to mid-July.
- 5.0 / 5 1+ Reviews
- Round-Trip Transport From Aix · Marseille · Nice
- Photo Stops In the Blooming Fields
- Free Cancellation
When the lavender is actually in bloom
The Valensole fields peak roughly late June to mid-July, and harvest begins in mid-July — so outside that window the rows are green or freshly cut, not purple. Distillery, farm and workshop visits run year-round; for the blooming fields, plan for late June to early July and book ahead. See when lavender blooms in Provence for the full timing by area.
The Experience
Why Book the Cruise-Port Lavender Excursion
Lavender on your day in port, with timing matched to your ship.
Highlights
- Take in the vastness of the lavender fields
- learn the distillation process
- discover the world of a beekeeper
What's Included
- Guided tour in English
- high-end minivan with air conditioning and panoramic roof
- Bottle of water
- Driver, tolls, fuel, insurance.
How the Cruise-Port Lavender Tour Works
Terminal pickup, the plateau, and a guaranteed return for all-aboard.
Choose Your Departure City
Pick a tour leaving from Aix-en-Provence (closest), Marseille, or Nice. Each is a guided day trip with round-trip transport — no rental car or route-planning needed.
Book a Date in Bloom Season
The lavender peaks roughly late June to mid-July. Book early — bloom-season weekends sell out, and the fields are harvested from around mid-July.
Confirm Instantly
Pay through our secure GetYourGuide booking partner — instant confirmation by email, mobile voucher, and free cancellation on most tours up to 24 hours before.
Ride to the Plateau
Meet your guide at the pickup point and travel by air-conditioned minibus to the Valensole plateau for photo stops in the fields and a working lavender-farm visit.
Photo Gallery
Valensole Lavender — A Shore Excursion
The Provence lavender plateau, reached on a day ashore from Marseille's cruise port.
Book Your Experience
Check Availability & Prices
Select your date and group size. Instant confirmation — free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Compare Marseille Lavender Tours for Cruise Passengers
A cruise-timed excursion versus standard full-day tours from Marseille — compared.
| Feature | CRUISE-TIMED Cruise-Port Lavender Excursion | Winery & Farm Visit | Verdon & Fields Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $799/per group | $183 | $183 |
| Pickup | Cruise terminal area | Central Marseille | Central Marseille |
| Timed for Ships | Yes | No | No |
| Length | Full day | Full day | Full day |
| Lavender Farm Visit | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Main Fields | Valensole plateau | Valensole plateau | Sault + Valensole |
| Best For | Cruise passengers in port | Land-based coast visitors | Seeing the higher Sault lavender |
| Check Availability | View Tour | View Tour |
More Provence Lavender Tours
Live lavender experiences across Provence if you'd rather not book a private excursion.
SOAP + LAVENDERAix-en-Provence: Soap Workshop and Visit to the Terre Ugo Lavender Field
Lavender Soap Customization Workshop Amidst the Lavender Fields in Aix-en-Provence. Come and customize your own lavender-scented soaps and take them home with you!
VERDON DAYVisit the lavender fields, the Gorges du Verdon, and Moustiers from Aix
Visit the Verdon gorges, the Valensole plateau with its lavender fields, and explore the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
+ CHAMPAGNEVisit a lavender field + a bottle of Champagne: Domaine Terre Ugo
Discover the Domaine de Lavande Terre Ugo, a place full of charm and serenity. Enjoy this exceptional estate and savor a bottle of champagne to enhance this unique experience.
Cruise Shore Excursion
Lavender on Your Day in Port
How a cruise-timed tour differs from a standard one.
If your cruise calls at Marseille during lavender season, the Valensole fields are within reach as a shore excursion — but timing is everything. A dedicated cruise-port tour is picked up at or near the Marseille cruise terminal, paced to the plateau and back, and built to return you well before all-aboard, which a standard day tour won’t guarantee.
The plateau is about 90 minutes inland from Marseille, so the excursion is a focused full day: photo stops in the blooming rows and a working lavender-farm visit, with the drive carefully managed around your ship’s departure. It’s the lowest-stress way to see the lavender when your time on shore is fixed.
Outside a cruise, the same fields are covered by standard tours from Marseille and the closer departures from Aix-en-Provence. Whatever the base, the bloom window is the same: late June to mid-July, harvest from around mid-July.
Guest Reviews
What Travelers Say
Read all 1 verified reviews
See All ReviewsReady to See the Valensole Lavender in Bloom?
Skip the self-drive logistics — let a local guide handle the route, photo stops, and farm visits. Choose from lavender tours departing Aix, Marseille & Nice, most with free cancellation. Starting from $799 per person.
Browse Lavender ToursFAQ — Marseille Cruise-Port Lavender Excursions
Everything cruise passengers need to know about visiting the lavender.
A dedicated cruise-port excursion is built around all-aboard times and includes terminal-area pickup. Standard day tours are not timed for ships, so book a tour described as a shore excursion or for cruise passengers.
Pickup is at or near the Marseille cruise terminal. The exact point and time are on your booking confirmation — confirm them against your ship's port schedule.
The Valensole plateau is about 110 km — roughly 90 minutes' drive each way — from Marseille, so the excursion is a focused full day in port.
Peak bloom is roughly late June to mid-July, with harvest from around mid-July. Cruise itineraries calling in late June or early July hit the best window.
Typically round-trip transport from the port area, photo stops in the Valensole fields, and a working lavender-farm or distillery visit. Lunch is usually at your own expense.
If your call is in mid-to-late July, some fields may already be cut. A guide can route you to fields still standing; ask the operator about conditions for your date.
It's mainly a scenic driving tour with short walks at the fields and farm. Contact the operator in advance about specific access needs and terrain.
No. The fields are private working crops; picking and trampling are not allowed. Photograph from the edges and follow your guide.
Cruise excursions often use minibuses or small coaches. Group size varies by operator; check the listing if a small group matters to you.
Many excursions offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Cruise passengers should book early in the season, as lavender-window dates sell out.
Still have questions? Email us at info@valensolelavenderfields.com