Provence is world-famous for its lavender and its intense purple color stretching as far as the eye can see. But did you know that it is also home to spectacular tulip fields? These flowers, emblematic of the Netherlands, also color a few plots of land in France. To our delight, one of them is located just an hour from Marseille. This spring, we’re taking you between La Brillanne and Lurs for a colorful floral getaway .
Tulip fields in Provence
Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or simply curious, the tulip fields of Provence offer a real trip to the Netherlands. Located between the villages of La Brillanne and Lurs, they welcome visitors in early spring for a spectacle that is as vibrant as it is exceptional. “Oh, the beautiful red! Oh, the beautiful yellow!” A whole carpet of colors unfolds before our eyes, enhanced by a typically Provençal landscape. Here, rows of flowers stand alongside peaks that are sometimes still snow-capped and the heights of the charming village of Lurs. A picturesque setting, between here and elsewhere, that is well worth the detour.
Tulip fields: a success story worth protecting
Such an explosion of magic attracts many photographers and curious visitors every year. However, this enthusiasm requires the implementation of a few essential rules to preserve the beauty of the site. It is therefore strictly forbidden to walk between the rows or pick the flowers, in order to respect the meticulous work of the farmers. Although access is restricted, it still allows visitors to admire this colorful mosaic up close and capture some superb souvenir photos.
A little piece of Holland in Provence
Although these fields bloom near Marseille, the flowers themselves have their roots in the Netherlands. Dutch growers send their bulbs to the region so that they can benefit from the mild Mediterranean climate. Local growers plant them in La Brillanne, where they grow faster than in their country of origin. Once the tulip has bloomed, the flower is cut and the bulb is sent back to the sender. So it’s the bulb that’s grown, not the flower! This ingenious round trip then allows Holland to export these sublime cut flowers all over the world.
When to see the tulips in La Brillanne?
It depends on the year, but the show usually takes place between the end of March and the end of April. As the flowers bloom quickly and last between a week and 10 days, it is advisable to check the flowering dates so you don’t arrive too early or too late.
