The Heavenly Lavender Fields of France
Quick! What are the first 3 things that come to your mind when you think of France?
France is the world's second largest producer of lavender and the world's largest producer of lavandin (a lavender hybred).
The Eiffel Tower, the pastries and the wine? Maybe the Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre and The Seine? How about the champagne, The Moulin Rouge and The Palace of Versailles?
All of those would be excellent choices, but for me, one of the first things that comes to mind when I think about France, are the lavender fields.
Lavender is just as much France as wine and cheese and street side cafes, and hopefully you’ll be inspired to think about it and perhaps France in a whole different way.
There’s something uniquely magical about lavender. Though it comes in many shades of blue and even white, those deep deep purple flowers perched on top of muted green stems, just seem to hit our eyes differently. I don’t think there’s a purer shade of purple than those remarkable little flowers.
And though a couple of lavender bushes are lovely to look at, in France, in particular around the region of Provence, it’s row after row after row of bushes, hundreds of them blanketing the countryside like a fragrant, purple coverlet. It really is one of those sights that needs to be experienced, to be believed.
Though the very best time of the year to go, varies a little from year to year and city to city, if you plan your visit around late June to early/mid August, you’re sure to find fields in full bloom, festivals, lavender tours, and even some cooking experiences as lavender is highly prized in France for its culinary versatility.
There are museums dedicated to lavender, distillerie tours, biking tours, and truly unique accommodations available from staying on the grounds of old abbeys, castles and beautifully appointed manor houses and farm houses.
Seeing and experiencing lavender in abundant fields of deep purple and green will hopefully leave you inspired to see both lavender and France in ways you had never considered.
Introducing you to this striking and scenic area of France by creating your perfect lavender filled holiday, would truly be my pleasure.