Group size
Max 5
Duration
6 nights / 7 days
Fitness Level
Low to medium
Accommodation
Meeting place
Marseille airport at 16:30 on the 2 July 2028
A seven-day Provence photography tour of the stunning landscapes, as well as the surrounding area
Join me in the summer of 2028 for a photography tour of Provence with its beautiful lavender fields and pretty villages.
The photography tour will be based in two separate areas so that we can maximize the photo locations of this beautiful area of southern France. Sunday 2 July – Wednesday 5 July 2028 is based in the Valensole area, then we move westwards to Avignon from Wednesday afternoon to Saturday.
During the summer months in early July, the lavender starts to come into full bloom, and this is especially so on the Plateau de Valensole, where we will begin the photography tour. These fields are filled with lone trees and farm buildings, which make the perfect backdrop for our photography.
But it’s not all endless fields of lavender; if we’re lucky, the sunflowers will be in bloom too, providing a sea of yellow. In addition, our photo tour of Provence will also include some of the surrounding villages as well as a trip to Avignon.
We will spend time in the beautiful villages too, so you’ll have a chance to capture the architecture of the south of France as well as still life scenes and lifestyle images.
A typical Provence Photo Tour itinerary in the summer
During early July, the average time of sunrise is 0550am, whilst sunset is around 930pm. During our photo tour, we will be out to catch the sunrise before heading back to the hotel to eat breakfast.
Ideally, we need to be at our chosen sunrise location around 0515am, so be aware that an early start is needed. Of course, you are under no obligation to wake up early and can choose to stay at the accommodation until we return from the sunrise shoot.
Breakfast is going to be around 830am, as by this time the light on the landscape has become harsh.
After breakfast, we’ll take a break and meet up again around 11 – 1130am when we’ll head to photograph one of the beautiful villages that form part of the area.
In the early afternoon, if time permits, we’ll have a short break before heading out for the late afternoon light heading into sunset.
Provence Photography Tour 2028 Itinerary
During late June and early July, the average time of sunrise is 0555am, whilst sunset is around 920pm. During our Provence photo tour, we will be out to catch the sunrise before heading back to the hotel to eat breakfast.
Ideally, we need to be at our chosen sunrise location around 0515 a.m., so be aware that an early start is needed. Of course, you are under no obligation to wake up early and can choose to stay at the accommodation until we return from the sunrise shoot.
Breakfast is going to be around 830 a.m., as by this time the light on the landscape has become harsh.
After breakfast, we’ll take a break and meet up again around 11 – 1130 a.m., when we’ll head to one of the beautiful medieval villages that form part of the area.
In the early afternoon, if time permits, we’ll have a short break before heading out for the late afternoon light heading into the sunset hours.
Day 1
You’ll be picked up from Marseille airport (MRS) at 16:30. From there, we’ll head to our first hotel in Manosque. We’ll check-in then try and catch an early dinner before heading out for sunset on the Plateau de Valensole.
Days 2 to 7
For the rest of our time, I don’t give a specific itinerary as there are many subjects that we can shoot, and we’ll also be keeping an eye on the weather. It may be summer, but that doesn’t mean a downpour could interrupt our day. However, I will bring you to the best locations in the best lighting conditions.
As a general guide, we will be visiting a variety of lavender fields as well as some of the beautiful villages such as Gordes, Lacoste, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Rousillon and Saignon amongst others.
A visit to a market or two is also on the agenda. French markets are famed for their beautiful displays of wares and we’ll endeavour to go to at least one during the photo tour.
I’m here as a professional landscape and travel photographer to help you get the best from the Provence photography tour. You can expect:
- In the field guidance
- Instruction in composition and how best to compose your images
- Understand how the exposure triangle works
- Explanation of the different exposure modes
- How to use filtration, such as polarizers, ND and ND grad filters
- RAW files and White Balance
- Understanding Light and getting the best out of it
- Understanding shutter speed so you can make the right choice
- The Importance of Composition – Using Lines and Texture
- Histograms Explanation – Exposing to the Right for Maximum Details
The two inevitable questions before any photographer tour are “what camera gear do I bring and what clothing?”.
- Ensure you bring spare batteries for your camera as well as the battery charger.
- During the photo tour, we will be taking images at both wide angles and telephoto, so ensure you have the following focal lengths covered: 17mm to 200mm.
- Tripod.
- A cable release, but you can also use the self-timer if you don’t have one.
- The manual for your camera can be useful
- Filters – Circular Polariser, ND’s, and graduated ND’s will be of use
- Expect warm temperatures to be at least 30°C or 86°F, so sun cream, shorts and T-shirts.
Additional information
Where do I meet you?
We will all meet at Marseille airport at 16:30 on 2 July 2028.
Is it hot in Provence during the summer?
Yes. Southern France can get hot indeed during the summer, but we will make sure to work in the best of the light at either end of the day. After lunch, we will keep out of the intense heat by taking time back at our hotel or in a café if we are out on location. Please remember to bring your sun cream as it will be essential.
What clothing should I bring?
Make sure to bring comfortable, loose clothing. You will need shorts and maybe a light fleece for dawn/ evening shoots. A hat is essential, as are sunglasses.
Footwear?
Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for the countryside and landscape. A pair of trainers is better for our visits to the towns and villages of Provence.
Do I need a computer?
Although not essential, it’s a great idea to bring a laptop computer with you so you can discuss imagery with me.
What computer support do you give?
I try to make a point of helping those who need it in digital photography. If inclement weather or tiredness takes hold, it can really help to have a computer session to assess our progress.
What’s included in the tour?
Double room accommodation with en-suite bathrooms
Accommodation is provided on a single occupancy basis
Breakfasts
Transport on arrival and departure from Marseille airport during the photo tour
Ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles for listed activities
Site entry fees (if applicable)
Tuition from Julian Elliott
What’s not included in the photo tour?
Meals not mentioned
International flights to and from France
Airport taxes
Entry visa, if required, to France
Early/ late check-in/ out service at hotels
Travel insurance and trip cancellation (highly advised)
Medical expenses
Personal expenses such as telephone charges, laundry, etc
Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides and hotel porters
Services and transportation are for the listed activities only
Charges will be applied for any additional requests
All other services which are not mentioned in the Inclusion section
My tours fill up quickly but sometimes spots open up due to cancellations.
If the tour you are interested in is currently full and you would like to be added to the waiting list then please fill out this form