Lavender

Endless expanses of purple, enchanting fragrances, and time-honored expertise: lavender shapes the landscapes of the Alpes de Haute Provence. Between mid-June and the end of August, explore the blooming fields, distilleries, and festive villages. A unique sensory experience awaits you in the heart of Provence.

When is lavender in bloom?

To take beautiful souvenir photos, make the most of the landscapes and smells so characteristic of ProvenceThe best time is the flowering period which extends from mid-June to the end of August depending on the location.
Indeed, take advantage of it before the harvest! Come when the lavender is in bloom for the most beautiful photos!
It is worth noting that farmers generally harvest it from the second half of July onwards. Valensole plateau until the end of August around the country of Forcalquier.

Lavender or lavandin?

Can you distinguish between the two species cultivated in Provence?

La true or fine lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the noblest of lavenders for the quality of its essential oilIt is characterized by a long branch bearing only a single flower spike, and grows in the form of bushes that can reach up to one meter in height. It is widespread between 500 and 1500 meters in altitude, on the sunny slopes of the mountains of Provence.

Le washin current is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavenderIt grows easily in its natural environment, but it can also be found primarily in cultureIts branching stem with three flower spikes makes it larger than the fine variety. Its yield, four times greater than that of true lavender, is widely appreciated.

Multiple uses

What is the purpose of lavender? What are the benefits of lavender?

The flower is used in the perfumes and in household products such as soap or detergents.
En aromatherapyshe does Its properties are so extensive, it's a marvel.It soothes insomnia, headaches, wounds and sunburn, insect bites, aches and pains, sore throats, etc.

When you you will have discovered its many benefits, there is no doubt that you will always have some in your bag or at home !

Summer festivals

During the harvest period (July and August), numerous festivals take place in several towns and villages across the department. Distillation demonstrations, distillery and field tours, product demonstrations – there are plenty of discoveries to be made!
The producers and distillers will reveal the secrets of distillation to you…
For other dates, please consult our calendar of events.

The lavender roads

To enjoy the benefits of this special flower even more, how about exploring the lavender routes?
Whether by car, motorcycle, or camper van, but also, to take more time, by bicycle, especially with electric bikes, or even on foot, the Routes have put together itineraries to cross these landscapes, all so different from one another, and to make unforgettable encounters.

Where can I see lavender in bloom?

From the Drôme to the Alpes-Maritimes, passing through the Hautes-Alpes, the Vaucluse and the Alpes de Haute Provence, the Routes tell you a story, a memory, a know-how, an economy… of this mountain plant with magical virtues and whose renown, over the centuries, has gone around the world.

For more information on summer festivals, distillation sites, workshop visits, etc., you can visit the Lavender Routes website.

Products featuring lavender

Go and meet the local producers. You can take home a little bit of the local fragrance! Lavender sachets, lavender sticks, essential oil, dried lavender, honey, in biscuits, etc. You'll find plenty of ways to enjoy its scent every day.
Are you familiar with lavender sachets? Did you know that this traditional technique preserves the fragrance of freshly picked flowers? It's quite an art!

Provençal markets and local produce shops

local markets These remain must-see places. Stroll among the colorful stalls to meet the producers and smell or taste their products.

You will also find many local produce shops, country houses and delicatessens.

Hiking trails

These cycling, mountain biking or walking routes take you to discover the fields of lavender and lavandin in the summer season.

Museums

To further your knowledge of lavender, visit our dedicated museums.