Forget Provence. A sweeping perfumed purple lavender field awaits just outside of Budapest. Hues of indigo and mauve mingle in the rolling rows, where an afternoon stroll is a special experience. This splendid place is by the foot of Nagy-Kevély Hill at Pilisborosjenő, half-an-hour from the capital. While Hungary’s number one lavender destination is Tihany by Lake Balaton, this fragrant field is a close second best to treat your senses to this year’s epic bloom. And if you take a few examples home, you’re only helping out a friendly family. But if you can't be here, enjoy our lovely photo gallery.

This one-hectare field is beautifully maintained by a Hungarian family. Lavender season is at its peak between June 9th and 24th here, and by the end of it, all of the lavenders need to go. During this time the field is harvested and the flowers are taken to Pannonhalma, where oil is made from them. But as there is more than meets the eye, everyone is welcome to come for a visit, grab a bag for a couple of thousand forints and pick as many fragrant flowers as they wish to take home. But any romantic visit is free and entirely memorable. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

How to get there: Take bus 840 from Árpád Bridge to its terminus at Pilisborosjenő végállomás. From there, the field is a five-minute walk.