Lavender fields are some of the most popular sights in Provence, and they attract thousands of tourists hoping to time their visit for the peak flowering period.
However, the precise timing of blooming will vary depending on weather and climate factors.
The main lavender field region in Provence is centered on the Luberon plateau, to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. The area is generally in bloom from mid June to mid July, though it can vary a bit depending on rainfall and temperatures.
Planting
When planning a trip to France, you’ll likely want to visit the lavender fields of Provence. If you’re lucky enough to get there in the spring or summer, it can be a wonderful experience! The flowers are a showy, colorful sight and the fragrance is delicious. If you’re a fan of the plant, you may also like to try growing it in your own garden!
Fortunately, French lavender is very easy to grow. It is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives in dry conditions. It can handle temperatures as high as 108°F (43°C) and humidity levels as low as 0%. It can even tolerate a mild frost, though you’ll probably need to cover it with plastic to prevent it from getting damaged.
In addition, you can grow it in your own backyard if you’re lucky enough to live in an area that does not get harsh winters. To get started, you can either purchase a lavender plant or start seeds in the fall. You can start seeds indoors or in a cool greenhouse.
Lavender plants can also be grown from cuttings. These can be taken in the fall or from a small pot of the plant, and they need to be kept dry until roots are established. Once they’re ready to be planted, a well-draining potting soil is recommended.
You can also prune lavender to shape the plant. Be sure to prune only twigs that still contain leaves. Otherwise, the wood will not grow back.
The best time to see lavender fields is mid-June through late July in Provence. During these months, the fields in the Luberon and Valensole will be in full bloom, and in Sault and Drome, harvesting will begin.
During this period, you’ll likely see more people visiting the lavender fields than at any other time. If you plan on taking a tour, book well ahead.
There are a few farms in the region that will give you a great introduction to lavender and how it’s grown, harvested, and distilled. Among them, GAEC Aroma’Plantes is an organic farm that is open all year with tours and free samples of their lavender oils. They’re located on Route du Ventoux outside Sault.
Harvesting
The lavender fields of France can be found throughout the country, but they are mainly located on the Luberon plateau to the north and east of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and in the Verdon region to the south and west of Avignon. In the summer, when the flowers are in bloom, they are a dazzling display of purple.
The best time to see lavender in full bloom is mid-June to mid-August, although this varies year by year depending on the amount of rainfall and temperature. It is a wonderful thing to see, especially when the fields are dotted with rows of sunflowers too, which make for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
During the summer, lavender is one of the most popular sights in Provence and for good reason. It is a gorgeous flower and can be used to create fragrances, soaps, cosmetics and perfumes.
For a chance to see the flowers in their prime, many tourist companies offer tours to the lavender fields of Haute Provence. These tours will take you to a variety of farms, most of which are small family run businesses, and give you the chance to pick up some lavender products along the way.
If you are short on time and want to see some of the most picturesque fields, you might like to visit Valensole, a charming little town that is home to one of the largest concentrations of lavender in all of Provence. The town also hosts a lavender festival in July and August, so you might like to make a day of it if you can.
Another great place to visit is Mevouillon, a village that is situated at the edge of the Drome département and renowned for its lavender production. Here you will find a beautiful, small museum dedicated to the history of lavender in Provence and where you can learn about the various techniques of harvesting this stunning plant.
If you are a keen cook, there are many lavender-scented products to buy in the area, including lavender honey and essential oils. These can be found at many of the lavender farms and shops in the area, and are a great way to add scent and color to your kitchen.
Distilling
Lavender has been used for centuries as a soothing and relaxing aromatherapy aid. It can also be a beneficial anti-inflammatory when applied topically. In addition, it can help to reduce symptoms of hay fever. It can also reduce feelings of stress and anxiety when inhaled.
In France, lavender is distilled to produce essential oil that can be used in aromatherapy. In this method, the plant material is placed in boiling water and the steam and oils are captured to separate out the essential oil.
This process has a lot of similarities to distilling herbs in the kitchen, with one major difference: The plants are left in the steam for longer than they would be in the oven. This gives the plant more time to oxidize, producing a more intense scent.
The distillation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months. The length of time is determined by the condition of the plants before harvest and the weather. In years with favorable conditions, lavender can be distilled to give off a very fresh fragrance right away.
There are a few lavender distilleries in the area, and visitors can tour them to learn about the process. Some distilleries have old-style open fire methods, while others use modern technology.
Distillerie les Coulets is a lovely, old style distillery that uses traditional open-fire methods. It is only open for tours in July and August, but it’s well worth a visit to see the process first-hand.
A few other lavender distilleries are available throughout the region, including GAEC Aroma’Plantes in Apt and Ho! Bouquet de Lavande near Sault.
GAEC Aroma’Plantes has a wide variety of products, including lavender and lavender-based oils, soaps, cosmetics, and other Provence herbs. It is also home to a number of exhibitions and workshops.
The company’s Simiane-la-Rotonde Lavender Farm and Distillery is located in the charming hills of Provence, a region renowned for its beauty and summer-long festivals. The location and deep cultural roots make it a popular destination for essential oil enthusiasts and artists alike.
Young Living’s Simiane-la-Rotonde farm offers a variety of ways to experience the art of distilling lavender, including an interactive live distillation session where guests can gather their own lavender and then distill it themselves. It also has an educational area that focuses on the history of the farm, its botanical origins, and its production techniques.
Uses
In Provence, lavender has long been a staple in many foods. It is used in jams, jellies, and condiments as well as in lavender-scented sweets like truffles or chocolate.
Lavender is also grown for its therapeutic benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties that can help fight bacteria on your skin. It can also be used to treat cuts and scrapes. In addition, lavender can be used as a perfume, and can be found in soaps and other products.
Some lavender farms in Provence are open to the public, and you can visit them to learn about how they are grown. You can even buy a bouquet or sachet of the flowers from these fields.
It is easy to find lavender at outdoor markets, especially during the summer months. You can also find sachets of dried lavender and lavender-scented oils in pharmacies.
Visiting the lavender fields in Provence is one of the best ways to see the beauty and scent of this flower. You can hike through them on foot or by car.
Once harvested, the lavender stalks are bundled and sun-dried for essential oils or sachets. You can also get the essential oil distilled on site at some lavender distilleries.
The most popular variety of lavender in France is called le lavandin, a hybrid between the stoechas and the vera varieties. The fragrance is a rich floral scent with balsamic undertones and it has strong medicinal properties.
A small amount of the essential oil can be added to water and mixed into a bath or used as a room freshener. It is also very effective at soothing migraines.
While it is used in a wide range of products, lavender is most commonly known for its aromatherapy uses. This essential oil has been shown to reduce stress, relieve insomnia, and soothe muscle aches and pains. It can also be brewed into tea or added to desserts for its delightful flavor.
Lavender is also a natural insect repellent, and can be sprayed on clothes to help keep moths away. It is also used in herbal remedies for burns, rashes, and headaches.
