Driving through the Provence you can hardly miss the endless lavender fields. Lavender is thé symbol of the Provence. We know the smell of lavender in perfume, bath oil and scentend candles, but lavender is also seen as a medicinal herb. According to the alternative medicine has lavender a soothing, antiseptic and healing effect.
Lavender routes in the Provence
There are six different lavender routes that tell you all about the special lavender culture in the Provence. The distances vary from 70 to more than 200 kilometers. Along the route you can find lavender distilleries, museums, lavender parks and also nice shops. The starting point of one of the most famous routes is at Enclave des Papes and ends near Gorges du Verdon. You learn a lot about lavender and the lavender farmers are more than willing to welcome you and to tell you all about the distillation process.
Biking through the lavender fields
Also fun to do, discover the lavender fields by bike. This way you can enjoy the spicy lavender smell right away. The French organization Grande Traversée des Alpes has no less than six different routes mapped out along the lavender fields. At every rout you can find a handy overview map including fun tips.
Valensole, capital of lavender
Valensole plateau is situated at an altitude of 500 metres in the south of the Alpes-de-Hautee-Provence and covers an area of 800 km2. The town of Valensole is home to the largest lavender field in France and is the perfect starting point for your visit. Here you will find many shops selling lavender flowers as well as perfumes, oils, and other products made from lavender. You can also learn about the history of lavender cultivation and the traditions of Provence. In August you can enjoy the Lavender Market and Lavender Parade in Digne-les-Bains. The lavender fields are in bloom in the summer, and usually from mid June to mid July in this particular area.
When does lavender bloom?
- - in the Haute Provence up to Verdon: from mid-June to mid-July
- - between Luberon and Lure: July to mid-August
- - in the Préalpes Provençale: mid-July to late August
- - between Ventoux and the Luberon: July to late August
- - from Drôme Provençale to the Haut-Vaucluse: mid-June to late July
- - from Vercors to Diois: mid-July to late August
Visiting Sault
Visiting Sault, is thé way of enjoying the magnificent views of the lavender fields, walk through them and smell its aroma. So flourishing and rife are Sault’s lavender fields that these fragrant flowers have long been used to make cosmetics and soap in Provence. Asides beauty products, the lavender of Sault is used as an ingredient in Provencal cuisine, with lavender honey being an essential ingredient in the region’s legendary lavender sorbets. We really encourage you to visit Sault before September. On August 14th and 15th is the Lavender Festival. The celebration comprises games, competitions and other activities to do with lavender, including sales exhibition of local products.
Notre-Dame de Senanque
Notre-Dame de Senanque is a Cistercian abbey near the village of Gordes in the department of the Vaucluse in Provence. Abbey de Senanque was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks. They remain there even today practicing the medieval cycle of prayer, silence, study, and work. They work cultivating lavender and honey in order to maintain the upkeep on the gray stone buildings of the monastery.
Visit the Lavender Museum in Coustellet and explore the universe of lavender. Open from February to December.
