We took to the scenic roadways east of Avignon and before long I found my lavender field.
Rows of Cypress Trees |
Olive Oil for Sale |
Luberon Vineyard |
Cyclists Share the Road |
Traditional Stone Wall |
Melons Grown in Cavaillon |
This field of lavender wasn’t as vast as the photos in the calendar hanging on my wall back home. But on that day in June, with the hot sun beating down on my face and the air laden with perfume, the buzzing bees and chirping cicadas completed my bucket list Luberon experience.
My Luberon Lavender Field |
Not far from the village of Gordes
is Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. This Cistercian monastery dates from 1148 and
is perhaps best known as a backdrop to iconic photos of its own lavender field.
We were a little too early to see these blooms at their peak so I’ll have to be
content with a postcard.
The Perched Village of Gordes |
No Railing - Don't Look Down! |
Lavender Field Begins to Bloom |
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque |
As consolation, the roadside fields were
still sprinkled with springtime poppies (which the French consider weeds). Sunflowers and broom were also in full bloom.
Roadside Field of Poppies |
Sunflower Field |
Broom |
I’ve now been to Provence twice. So when is the best time to see the lavender fields in bloom? On my first visit, I came away disappointed as many fields had been cut down early due to heavy rains and the lavender tours were cancelled. This year I was a little early to experience the full glory of the season. As with so much in life, timing is everything. Based on my two experiences, I’d recommend a date midway between those when I was there, June 16 and July 22.
To further whet your appetite for Provence, here are some books by Peter Mayle:
A Year in Provence
Toujours Provence
Provence A-Z
Hotel Pastis
Chasing Cézanne
The Marseille Caper
The Corsican Caper
The Diamond Caper
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