See Lavender Fields in Provence, France

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Lavender blooms from late June to the end of August in the many fields of the Provence region of France planted to this aromatic, useful and colorful blossom. “Blue Gold” as the lavender is nick-named is displayed in multi-hued oceans of the sensual flowers planted in perfect rows crossing the color spectrum from steely grey to violet. The impressive Luberon Mountains and adjoining Vaucluse Plain form the landscape where these brightly colored plants flourish between historic villages. The main growing area is found in a triangle formed by the towns of Séderon, Banon and Pays de Sault with additional impressive farms located on the other side of Mont Ventoux. Wild lavender can be found among the rocky terrain on the hillsides of the Plateau de Calern north of Grasse among impressive displays of other wildflowers. Visitors to Cote d'Azur (the Nice-Cannes area) will find the nearest lavender fields are at Pays de Valensole. Guided day tours that focus on visits to the fields and lavender processing facilities are readily available from the towns of Pays de Sault, Auvignon and Aix-en-Provence among others. Renting a car, Biking or Hiking along and between the colorful fields and factories is a proven way to experience the lavender with the Route de Lavande’ the most popular path for autos and cyclists and Grande Randonne trail offering hikers an alternative adventure. Festivals celebrating the beauty and utility of lavender are found around the region with the Fete de la Lavande in the village of Ferrassieres and the four day Corso de la Lavande’, in the mountain spa town of Digne-les-Baines among the most popular. Many visitors to the area tour the Musee de la Lavande’ (Lavender Museum) and the historic 12th century Abbaye de Senanque. Lavender is used in locally produced edible goodies and teas that are sold in open air markets, shops and grocery stores throughout Provence. Stops in the ancient mountain village of Riez to sample its famous lavender honey is certainly worth the diversion. The month of August finds distilleries in full swing; the air heavy with the hypnotic lavender scent as the flower is crushed to produce the essential oil. Botanical tours and guided walks through the lavender fields are also quite enjoyable during the harvest time. You can make your trip of a lifetime to Provence all the more special by making sure you are there during the lavender growing season. Add the dream to See the Lavender Fields in Provence to your list and start planning how to include this unique and memorable experience.

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