EMBARK ON AN HARMONIOUS AND SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO THE PURPLE FIELDS OF YOUR DREAMS
When summer approaches, it brings with it cicadas’ song, cool Mediterranean air, countless smiles, and something that is long-awaited by many of us all year round: lavender season. From June to the end of July, Provence is covered in a purple coat of delicious scents. The fragrances that emanate from these elegant blossoms are a reflection of the region they belong to “peaceful and refined”. If you’re planning a trip there this summer, there is something you should know first: lavender is not only a flower, it represents a culture, a philosophy, an “art de vivre”.
A LITTLE TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
While you take in the beauty of the fields, you’ll get to reflect on lavender’s past and how it traveled through time to end up right in front of your eyes. In the time of the Roman Empire, lavender was grown to perfume baths and linens. It then appeared in Provence in the Middle Ages and was praised for its olfactory and medicinal virtues. Indeed, lavender is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties and, when infused, it also has an anxiolytic and relaxing effect. The turning point was in the 19th century when lavender started becoming more widely cultivated and celebrated by artists. In that time, the perfumeries of Grasse would extract its essential oil to elaborate their elixirs. Here we are, 2 centuries later, still cherishing this timeless flower.
WHERE TO FIND THEM?
There are three types of lavender that grow naturally in Provence: fine lavender, aspic and lavandin. Depending on where go, you will have the privilege to admire one of these three varieties – or all of them. Late june to late july is the best time to go, before the lavenders are collected by the farmers, even though you can sometimes still catch a glimpse of them in the course of august.
The Plateau de Valensole is one of the places where you’ll witness the most gorgeous fields. When you arrive there, you’ll feel all your senses being stimulated. We’ve all at some point in our lives wished that we could step into a Van Gogh painting, and we can assure you that this is precisely how you’ll feel in this purple ocean. After having absorbed all of these powerful emotions and having taken a couple of pictures, your next destination should be Luberon, followed by Pays de Sault and Drôme Provençale. Each one of this places will make you feel a different type of energy, and this is why lavender is not only about the scents : it’s about your whole being. During this journey, you’ll get to discover villages with pastel-coloured houses, or overlooking gorgeous lakes, like the charming Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, where you’ll enjoy a nice dip in the refreshing water. If you’re into unique places, we recommend you the medieval Sénanque Abbey, where monks grow lavender and honey. This spot should reopen to public this summer and it will make you feel resourced and content. On the road, you’ll also get to enjoy the traditional meals prepared in the region, as well as meeting locals and living the spontaneous provencal lifestyle.
LAVENDER THROUGH THE EYES OF ART
Today, lavender attracts many passionate photographers who love to capture its unusual colors, and it has in fact always been a source of inspiration. In the 19th century, Provencal landscapes of lavender fields were often depicted in the paintings of the impressionists, who wanted to show its beauty through their art. It is no coincidence that in 2019, Jacquemus decided to celebrate its 10 year anniversary by organizing a fashion show on a pink carpet in the middle of a lavender field. Not only was the idea genius and artistic, but it also enhanced the magnificence of his creations. . Guests were able to enjoy the beautiful Provencal landscape while discovering his exclusive collection. We’d be lying if we said it wasn’t a dream of ours – to witness a catwalk in such a precious place.
If you’re interested in booking a tour for summer 2021, we highly recommend booking one with Exclusive France Tours. Their deep knowledge of the region will allow you to discover charming secret places that you’re not ready to forget. Find more information here.
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