If it’s Friday, it must be France …
“Lavender is the soul of Provence” ~ Jean Giono, author of The Man Who Planted Trees (A quick 4000 word short story you will enjoy.)
It’s that time of year again in France! Lavender season is at its peak. I was never an avid fan of the scent until my husband and I drove up through the lavender fields a number of years ago so … no surprise here … I could take photos. When we opened the car door and stepped out, we were enveloped in a calming fragrance that was both intense and delicate. I wish I could add that to these photos, but I hope somehow the magic of it comes through.
Small growers and private gardens create patchwork quilt views through the countryside.
Some landowners grow lavender simply for their own pleasure.
Where there is lavender, there will be bees. Delicious honey is one of the many offshoots of lavender production. Try it with goat cheese or in a salade de chèvre chaud. Yum!
Explore the back roads and stop in to buy from local producers.
The Cistercian monks of the 12th century Abbaye de Sénanque continue the ancient tradition in an isolated valley near Gordes. It’s a “must” stop on the lavender trail.
Visit early in the morning to avoid tour buses and find the best light for your photos.This photo was taken early in the season, about two weeks before the peak of glorious color.
And other times, the fields seem to go as far as the eye can see. It’s almost hypnotizing.
A visit to the Musée de la Lavande in the hameau de Coustellet, near Avignon, is advised and guided tours are available in seven languages. Learn the difference between lavender and lavandin and the way they are grown and used. Discover the natural benefits of the essential oil produced and be sure to inspect the collection of stills dating back to the 16th century.
Of course, if you aren’t in the neighbourhood at this time of year, local markets will always have plenty of lavender products to tempt you year round.
Are you a lavender fan? Do you grow it in your garden? To see more information about the plant’s history, what to do with it and where to find it in France, including maps, click here.
Wonderful photos. Congratulations on getting the colour right: I find this next to impossible. The sight and smell of lavender is so seductive, but I haven’t yet graduated to enjoying the experience in food. However subtle, I find it overwhelming, and chemical, somehow. Should I persist?
I love a light custard of lemon and lavender. Unfortunately, we were on the run when I snapped this shot of the tartes lavandes in a patisserie in Arles. I’ve regretted ever since not popping in to buy one. Next time, without fail! They look yummy!
Lovely post. I haven’t visited the lavender fields in Provence for so long….in fact it was in the 50’s! Very nice pics and the Cistercian monastery looks beautiful. We have lots of lavender in our garden ….couldn’t live without it. I remember buying some very expensive lavender oil from a shop in the rue Cherche Midi in Paris…a long time ago…the smell still haunts me:)
Bonjour Roger! A comment from you is truly a compliment. Will we get to see photos of the lavender in your garden and perhaps be treated to one of your brilliant recipes? Do you have one for a tarte lavande? I hope that very expensive lavender oil fragrance haunts you in a good way! 🙂
Heaven, just heaven! We have a tiny bit of lavender in our garden but it’s my dream to make it once to the Provence during lavender season…
How lovely to have some in your garden. Once upon a time I did as well but now a pot on my condo terrace is the best I can do in Toronto. That’s just another reason why I love to be in the south of France at this time. The fragrance that fills the air when you stand in those fields truly is heavenly. I’m sure you will make that dream come true!
You must be in Grasse (?) My first thought was C. A. Belmond’s “A Rather Charming Invitation” which takes place on a lavender/flowers estate there. What a joyous feeling. Thank you for sharing your life experiences.
Nancy, thanks for that book recommendation. I will look it up immediately. I actually have given myself a bit of time to read this summer while I work on edits with Amazon. Most of these photos were taken in the lavender fields in the Luberon and Valensole area. I love sharing my photos with all of you.
It must look and smell wonderful over there! The soaps must be wonderful. We buy them at street fairs here in NYC.
It’s a unique experience, Phil, to be in the midst of the real deal.
Gorgeous photos, Patricia. We can almost smell the lavander.
Glorious photos! I wish I was there. I want to dive into them.
Thanks, Niamh. It’s a joyful thing to dive into those fields. I hope you get to do it sometime. Congratulations on your new project. Your website is fabulous and the books sound delightful. I’ll be picking some up for The Adorables!
Just back from our first visit to Provence – wonderful! Having stayed in the Gorges du Verdon area, which was truly spectacular, the memory of travelling through acres & acres of lavender fields whilst being able to see the turquoise Lac du St.Croix in the distance was amazing. Then on to Aix-en-Provence which we loved for its’ atmosphere & ‘joie de vivre’. Cassis and les calanques. Can’t wait to return…
Oh, Petrina! What a lovely trip you planned through that very special part of France … but then all parts are special, aren’t they? What a wonderful country you call home. You chose your destinations well!
So gorgeous, Patricia! Hubby and I went to a lavender festival in Ojai (not fair from Santa Barbara) a few weeks ago. It smelled so amazing. Hope to see the lavender fields of Provence one day…hopefully on one of your tours! 😉
Beautiful pictures! Beautiful place! I love the scent of lavender.
Thanks! I must admit I never tire of looking at the photos of lavender … well, of anything in the south of France to be honest! I love the scent now too.
I love lavender and I want to go to Provence to see it during the summer. Wonderful pictures Patricia!
You and your camera would love it, Meg! The last week in June, first of July is always the best!
Beautiful photos! I love the smell of lavender.
Thanks! I love the smell too and it is quite a wonderful experience to have the air around you filled with the fragrance of the lavender fields in bloom. 🙂