“Lavender is the soul of Provence”
–Jean Giono
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If you are thinking of visiting Provence, you may want to try to go when the lavender, also known as “blue gold”, is blooming in late June through early August.
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Not only will you have the opportunity to see the breathtaking fields of lavender that bloom all over Provence, you may also be able to visit one of the many lavender festivals that happen every summer in the region. Several of the biggest festivals are in Sault, Dignes and Valres and are held in August.
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One “do not miss” stop along the way is the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, the 12th Century Cistercian abbey where the monks grow lavender and tend honeybees for their livelihood.
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Much of the lavender that is harvested is distilled into lavender oil, which is then used in perfumes and other scented products. At the Distillerie Aroma Plantes in Sault you can visit the distillery and walk amongst the lavender on the farm.
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For a real adventure, see the lavender fields from above…in a hot air balloon. France Balloons operates balloons from Forcalquier in Haut Provence.
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| Les Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa L’Occitane via |
There are quite a few tour operators in Avignon and Aix-en-Provence which organize day trips to visit the lavender fields and surrounding sights. But, if you are interested in staying in the heart of lavender country, check out these two luxurious hotels and spas that are both nearby many lavender fields:
Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa L’Occitane in Mane-en-Provence
Les Bories & Spa in Gordes
Just looking at the these photos makes me long for the smell of lavender wafting through my house. I like the products of L’Occitane en Provence. I also like to add a little bit of lavender oil to water to create my own linen spray, and a few drops to equal parts white vinegar and water to create a natural cleaning spray.
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And, finally, here a few recipes that include fresh lavender:
After all of this, I think I need to go find a lavender plant for my kitchen so I can close my eyes and dream I am in Provence every time I smell it!!
Sandy, This post is gorgeous and that first picture doesn't even look real! Lavender is my favorite. I use it in my cleaning products and in pillows to send my into an instant slumber. We have lavender fields locally but they don't look like these. My favorite spot has an organic farm and restaurant. They serve lavender martinis:) I'm not a martini drinker but I did try it and it was very good.
Happy Monday! xxL
Beautiful images Sandy…makes me miss the South of France. I love all of your travel resources in the previous post as well…. enjoy your time with your kids.
Sandy, these are stunning images of Provence! I have been there for a few of the lavender festivals and lavender is EVERYWHERE! In the markets in bundles, sachets, oil, etc.
If you would like to visit a beautiful lavender field in the USA there is one on the San Juan islands in Washington State. It is called the Pelindaba Lavender farm. The fields are stunning, with the beautiful purple blossoms, and the are alive with the humming of the bees. This farm makes over 400 products and you can find them on their website, there is tea, salt, oil, linen spray, shortbread, and so much more.
Thanks for sharing. I hope you had a fabulous weekend with your boys.
Speaking of Provence, I just finished reading "The Provence Cure for the Brokenhearted: by Bridget Asher.
Take care, Elizabeth
Those first two photos are breathtakingly beautiful. Lavender is a favourite of mine and I just can't resist buying more for our garden – a little bit of Provence in the north of England!! Well, I'm trying to make an effort!
Lavender is a favorite fragrance around our house and this has me wanting to plan a trip to Provence during the summer time, just to take it all in.
Such a great post!!! Hope you're staying cool on this sweltery day where a tepid bath with lavender sounds better than sitting by the pool!
xoxo Elizabeth
Good morning beautiful traveler!
Provence is my heaven on earth, and lavender is my flower of choice. Thank you for this tour; sorry to be so late! I have been in Wisconsin for three days at LAKE GENEVA; what a fantastic place…check it out! Anita
Lavender, Lavender! is my favorite scent! and now it comes in July, is close to reaching its splendor.
It is a curiosity, but I made a post about La Provence also,,,, jejejjejeje
I share with you the love of Lavender and Provence,
regards
Luisa
Sandy… these photos are gorgeous!! And thanks for the lavender recipes too.!!
Hi
Your pictures are great ! The lavender blooming season is so beautiful in Provence !
We are an agency in Avignon organising tours to the lavender fields in the Luberon area and Valensole. We have so many persons who come from everywhere to join our tours and they enjoy so much discovering the fields of lavender !
Have a look on our blog if you would like to have more information !
Julie