If there’s one flower that symbolizes France, it’s lavender, thanks to the vast carpets of purple flowers covering the picturesque landscape of Provence. The stunning beauty of the lavender fields truly lives up to the hype – immerse yourself in the fragrant summer breezes while navigating through charming hilltop towns, ancient churches, and lovely valleys.
Lavender Season in Provence
From mid-June to mid-August, especially around the Luberon valley, the Plateau de Valensole near Manosque, and the Sault area, you will find numerous lavender experiences awaiting you. Lavender cultivation in this region dates back hundreds of years, with freshly cut lavender bundles, locally known as paille (straw), still tightly packed into steam stills to extract their essential oils.
Lavender Oil and its Heritage
Since 1997, the huile essentielle de lavande de Haute-Provence (Haute-Provence lavender oil) has had its own protected designation, appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC). However, the majority of farms produce a higher-yielding hybrid called lavandin, which is a cross-breed of English and Portuguese lavender. This variety produces five times more oil than the fine lavender, or lavande. Although only a few farms still cultivate the more delicate lavande species, they command much higher prices and are believed to offer a superior aroma.
Visiting Lavender Farms and Festivals
Numerous farms and distilleries welcome visitors, and you can find more details on the Routes de la Lavande website; an accompanying leaflet is available from local tourist offices. Throughout the year, there are also vibrant lavender-themed festivals taking place in Valensole (mid-July), Sault (mid-August), and Valréas (early August).
Captivating Lavender Landscapes in Provence
Visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Famed for its breathtaking views, the 12th-century Cistercian Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque near Gordes is beautifully surrounded by lavender fields. Founded in 1148, this abbey is still home to a small number of monks, providing a serene experience for visitors who take the time to appreciate the enchantment of the lavender fields.
Explore the Plateau de Valensole
The dreamy Plateau de Valensole, located just east of Manosque, boasts the greatest concentration of lavender farms in Provence. When you reach Valensole village, head to MEA Provence for stunning lavender fields, an aromatic garden, and informative exhibition panels detailing the history of lavender cultivation on the plateau. The shop here offers a variety of lavender-infused products, including essential oils, soaps, skincare items, dried bouquets, honey, candy, and even ice cream.
The Charming Town of Sault
The enchanting hilltop town of Sault seamlessly combines lavender views with lush plum orchards and forests. Visit Les Lavandes de Champelle roadside farm stand for unique finds perfect for culinary enthusiasts, such as fleur de sel (sea salt) infused with local herbs. The distinctive dark lavender grown here is notable for its deep purple hue.
Picturesque St-Saturnin-lès-Apt
The quaint village of St-Saturnin-lès-Apt is refreshingly authentic. With breathtaking views of the surrounding Vaucluse plateau mixed with vibrant lavender fields, a climb to the village ruins rewards visitors with stunning vistas. At Moulin à Huile Jullien, guests can discover the olive milling process while enjoying tastings of honey and olive oil.
Discover the Prieuré de Salagon
This historic 13th-century priory in Mane features beautiful gardens and an engaging museum, showcasing the poetic and sensory aspects of ethnobotany. Wander through recreated medieval herb gardens, fragrant with lavender, mint, and mugwort. The museum’s exhibitions also provide valuable insights into rural life in Haute-Provence.
Lavender Blooms and Distillation Process
If you wish to witness lavender in full bloom, the period between mid-June and mid-August is ideal, with July being peak season. However, anticipate the influx of visitors during this time. The sweet-scented lavender flowers are typically harvested mechanically when fully bloomed, between July 15 and August 15. Once harvested, they are distilled to extract essential oils, a process you can observe at the traditional family-run Distillerie du Siron, located near the charming village of Thoard.
Year-Round Lavender Experiences
Even outside the summer bloom, the spring-green lavender fields of Haute-Provence and the Luberon offer a beautiful sight, with autumn and winter fields showcasing a subtle pale grey-blue. For lavender enthusiasts, visiting the Musée de la Lavande just outside Coustellet presents an opportunity to delve into the history and traditions surrounding this quintessential Provençal flower. You may also consider a detour to the charming hilltop village of Gordes or explore the Musée de la Lavande in Digne-les-Bains.
Lavender Products to Taste and Savor
Approximately 80% of the essential oils produced in the Provence region’s distilleries are exported, while the remaining 20% is available locally in markets and artisan products. Lavender is frequently used in Provençal cuisine, flavoring herbal teas, desserts, grilled meats, and soups, with additions in ice cream, chocolate, and delightful lavender honey. Don’t miss out on tasting lavender crème brûlée if it’s on the menu!
Throughout the region, bustling weekly food markets feature a vibrant selection of marinated olives, goat’s cheese, honey, seasonal fruits, and of course, an abundance of lavender products. When shopping for lavender, it’s essential to distinguish the fine lavender varieties, as they are much sought after for their superior fragrance, differentiating them from spike lavender and lavandin.
The town of Manosque, while lovely with its historic cobblestoned core and fountains, is more notable for its proximity to the L’Occitane factory. Here, the renowned skincare and fragrance company showcases the beauty of traditional Provençal products.
