Surprise Lavender Field Picnic Proposal in Provence

Proposal Planning

This session with M and S was one of the more unusual and memorable shoots we have done. S first reached out to us to plan a proposal session in the Valensole lavender fields in late July, but that plan had to change.

Every season the timing of the lavender harvest can vary depending on weather and location. In Valensole the fields usually bloom from mid‑June through early July and are often harvested around late‑July, sometimes even earlier if the weather has been hot or dry, as happened this year. Once the lavender is harvested the fields lose the vibrant purple colour that makes them so popular for photos, and we found that many of the expected fields had already been cut by the time M and S were due to visit.

With all the Valensole fields cut, we had to look further afield at the last moment. Because of its higher altitude the northern lavender region around Sault in Provence, including the area near Aurel, often keeps blooms later into July and sometimes even into early August.

In the end we found a stunning field near the town of Aurel. This lavender field sits beautifully with views of the village and surrounding countryside, and it turned out to be the perfect setting even though the start of the day had been chaotic.

Scenic view of a charming Provence village overlooking vibrant lavender fields under a blue sky

Proposal Setup

When M and S arrived the picnic was already set up and ready to enjoy. We arranged the setting with local market produce, snacks, drinks and the relaxed atmosphere that makes the picnic and photo sessions so special. Because S wanted the proposal to be a complete surprise, M had no idea why the day had taken them to this particular region of Provence. When they approached the picnic, the moment came. S proposed to M there in the field. M was completely unaware and visibly emotional when everything unfolded. It was incredibly beautiful and full of genuine emotion.

Man proposes on one knee to a surprised woman in a stunning Provence lavender field picnic setting Man proposes on one knee to a surprised woman in a stunning Provence lavender field picnic setting Man kneels proposing to a surprised woman during a romantic picnic in a Provence lavender field Man kneels proposing to a surprised woman during a romantic picnic in a Provence lavender field Man kneels proposing to a surprised woman during a romantic picnic in a Provence lavender field Engaged couple hugs admiring the scenic view of a Provence village from a lavender field picnic Engaged couple shares a romantic kiss on a red picnic blanket in a beautiful Provence lavender field Happy engaged couple celebrates their surprise proposal in a vibrant Provence lavender field picnic setting Excited couple on a picnic blanket in a lavender field during a surprise Provence proposal

Capturing the Emotions

After the proposal we captured a quick photo session right at the field. We took a mix of candids and posed portraits, focusing on the natural joy and excitement that followed.

Loving couple smiling in a beautiful Provence lavender field with a charming village backdrop Romantic couple posing in a vibrant lavender field during their Provence engagement session Engaged couple embracing joyfully in the blooming lavender fields of Provence Happy couple holding hands walking through the fragrant lavender fields of Provence Cheerful couple walking hand in hand through the beautiful Provence lavender field Out of focus couple holds hands in a Provence lavender field with a picturesque village background Joyful couple holding hands and smiling while walking through a Provence lavender field Engaged couple laughing and walking hand in hand through golden hour lavender fields in Provence Happy couple poses in a vibrant lavender field with a charming hilltop village in Provence France Romantic couple gazes at each other in a beautiful lavender field with a scenic Provence village background A sparkling engagement ring rests delicately on a beautiful lavender stalk in a sunlit Provence field couple holding hands and showing off the new engagement ring out of focus couple embracing with the city in the background in focus Happy couple walks hand-in-hand through rows of fragrant lavender in picturesque Provence France Smiling couple enjoys a romantic stroll holding hands through a vibrant purple lavender field Intimate moment of a joyful couple embracing and laughing amidst fragrant lavender fields Provence

Once the photos were done we continued the picnic together, enjoying the evening light, the views and the chance to get to know M and S a little better. It was a lovely end to a day that had started with uncertainty and turned into something truly special.

Planning Your Private Picnic

Contact us if you are interested in organising your private picnic in the Lavender Fields or in the French Riviera. We also host private picnics in the lavender fields of Provence during June & July:

Airbnb Picnic Experience

Planning Your Own Proposal in the Lavender Fields of Provence?

If you're dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime proposal in a setting as breathtaking as this, we would love to help capture your story. Whether in the lavender fields, another town on the French Riviera, or another magical destination, we specialise in preserving the emotions and beauty of your most unforgettable moments.

Read our guide to our favourite proposal locations on the French Riviera:

Best Places to Propose in the French Riviera

Contact Us