"Lavender is the soul of upper Provence" - Jean GIONO
In summertime, the beautifully coloured fields are softly caressed by the wind and seem like a blue sea. Lavender is a Mediterranean plant and is the most popular of aromatic plants known for its perfume and therapeutic virtues. The Romans already used it for its olfactory qualities. Moreover, the word "Lavender" comes from de verb "laver" that means to wash.
In the early days, it was a wild plant, growing on the rocky limestone soils, and picked by farmers and shepherds. It is only in the beginning of the 20th century that lavender start to be cultivated. The first flowers appear in June and are cut of at the end of July or beginning of August.
In September flowers have been cut and it only remains long parallel lines.
Lavender fields can be admired and distilleries visited in Provence around the Mount Ventoux or around the Luberon areas.
Source: Provence Personnaly website