Lavender and Provence are inextricably tied together in the minds of almost everyone who yearns to visit—and revisit–Provence. What comes to your mind when you think of Provence?
Someday I will survey people about the images “Provence” conjures up. But, in the meantime, I’ll put my euros on lavender as the first image that pops into the minds of most people.
Rosé wine, pastis, truffles, bouillabaisse, markets, the slow pace of life, the mistral, and Cézanne—all certainly contenders, but, to paraphrase France’s well-known author Jean Giono, it’s the lavender that taps into the soul of Provence. Or, as the well-known English writer Peter Mayle wrote, perhaps less romantically but no less persuasively, “Where would the postcard business be without it?”
Questions about lavender are almost always the first to surface in any conversation about traveling to Provence. Just two days ago, while buying some Provence rosé in New York City—more on this very special rosé in an upcoming blog–I chatted with the congenial sales staff at Morrell Wine Store about Provence rosés. But once I mentioned that I write about traveling to Provence, the first words of one of the friendly clerks was: “Oh, I would love to go to Provence to see the lavender.” The day before that, I answered a telephone call about traveling to Provence. “When should I travel so that I can see the lavender?” was the first question. “I’ve been to Provence before, but I have never seen the lavender.”
To see those perfectly aligned rows of brilliant purple lavender grace the hillsides of Provence, maybe dotted with a borie or two, is an exquisite sight. The scent that wafts from the field is incomparable. If you are lucky enough to time your visit to see the sunflowers and lavender together, you will feel blessed by the gods.
Alas, we can’t all visit Provence in July. Late June through early August, when lavender is most likely to be in bloom, is also when the airlines hike their prices and when accommodation can be tough to secure. So consider spring. That is, now!
May is a glorious time to be in Provence. The sun is bright, the days average 70 degrees, the markets are coming to life, and then there are those dazzling bright orange poppies that are, well, popping up everywhere.
You may also be interested in reading these posts about lavender:
LAVENDER–A FLOWER ROOTED IN SUN-DRENCHED PROVENCE
LAVENDER FIELDS FOREVER? NOT IF THE CICADELLE HAS ITS WAY
WITH LAVENDER, ROSEMARY, AN OLD 2CV, AND A BIG HEART, L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE WAS BORN
We were in Lourmarin this time last year and the poppies were spectacular. The one time I was in Provence for lavender season it was beautiful, but unbearably hot. I'll take spring with the irises, climbing roses, and red poppies any day! Thanks for this lovely reminder of our trip.
Like Tuscany, the poppies are abundant and such a wonderful harbinger to all the good that is coming at this time of year.
Do you remember the day we ALMOST saw the lavender? It was just the other side of Bonnieux, and we glimpsed the last unharvested field as we sped by, no doubt on our way to the market. We promised ourselves to return on the same route so that we could get out and sniff (and, of course, photograph!) – but, as we returned, we arrived just in time to find the farmer had just finished harvesting the field. Sigh. We ALMOST saw a field of lavender…
Okay, now I need to book an even longer holiday–from May through July? Alright, I'm going to get there again some day! In the mean time, can't you write about some place like Bakersfield so I am not always dreaming?!
I don't think I'll ever see the fields of lavender in bloom. My husband and I always travel either in the spring or fall for nicer weather. I may get a chance to see the poppies though. I've enjoyed spending times reading your delightful posts and it is always nice to meet another blogger from New Hampshire.