Last updated: 19 July, 2024
When people think of ‘Provence’, they’ll think of medieval villages, rich culture, exceptional food and… lavender. Vast fields of it, smothering the rolling landscapes like a purple carpet.
Locals in Provence have been cultivating lavender for centuries, using it for a variety of purposes. It’s distilled into an essential oil, which is then used as an ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy products. It’s also used in traditional Provencal sachets to scent linens and wardrobes, and in local dishes to add a unique flavour. (There’s even lavender ice cream). Lavender is also known for its medicinal properties, such as soothing burns, relieving headaches, and aiding sleep.
Lavender thrives in Provence due to its ideal climate, characterised by abundant sunshine, well-drained soils, and altitudes between 500 and 1,500 meters. No wonder, then, that lavender is deeply rooted in the region’s culture and economy.
The most famous locations for lavender gazing are the Valensole Plateau, Sault, and the Luberon region. The fields bloom from late June to early August, so you need to go then for the full immersive experience.
To learn about cultivation and distillation, head to the Lavandes Angelvin Estate in Valensole, where they’ll tell you all about it in the onsite shop, and stock a range of lavender-themed products. Another good adoption is the Blue Provence Distillery which offers free tours of their facility. Also, be sure to stop by the elegantly beautiful Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, the subject of the classic Provence ‘lavender’ photo.
