Hunting for Lavender Fields in Provence

As I told you in my previous post about my favourite things in Provence, one of them is finding purple fields of lavender under a brilliant blue summer sky. So, of course, our first outing after arriving back in Sablet after our long absence due to the pandemic was to go to Sault to see if we could find lavender fields that had not been cut.

From previous visits, we know that the town of Sault is famous for its many fields of lavender spread around the town. The town spreads out along a ridge above lavender fields in the northeast part of the Vaucluse department about one hour from Sablet. The name Sault comes from “Saltus”, referring to the forests that covered the area.

Continue reading the original blog post by: Our House in Provence

Lavender Essentials in Provence

The lavender industry in Provence is a significant economic driver impacting agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and retail. There are 2,000 producers and roughly 25,000 people employed in the industry. The main growing areas are the four (4) departments the Drôme, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse, with some small production in the Auvergne, Quercy and the Ardèche (source: FranceAgriMer). Over 20,000 hectares are under cultivation. According to France 24, “The number of producers has grown from 1,000 to around 1,400 and France now also has 120 distilleries.” Read more here.

Where to See Lavender in Provence

Everyone seems to agree that one of the best places for viewing is near Mt Ventoux and the lavender capital Sault. There are fields in the Luberon Valley near Bonnieux, Saignon, Apt and the photogenic Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey near Gordes. However, as previously mentioned it’s unlikely you will be alone unless you get up early.

There are plenty of lavender fields in the Luberon near Bonnieux, Jouques, Menerbes and Gordes. However, the timing for cutting the fields is dependant on Mother Nature and the farmer.

Visit the Musée de la Lavande (Lavender Museum) at any time of the year for a tour and workshops. Location: 276 Route de Gordes, 84220 Cabrières-d’Avignon. Make sure to book your tour in advance.

Recipes with Lavender

These recipes call for culinary lavender. Usually found at speciality stores or reputable online merchants such as OliveNation in the United States.

Apricot and Lavender Ice Cream

Don't shy away from making ice cream. This recipe takes advantage of ripe stonefruit (apricot, peach), and needs little sugar. The lavender flavouring gives it that hint of Provence.

Check out this recipe

Lavender and Ginger Scones

These scones are light and fluffy, easy to make and incredibly versatile. Stick to the recipe with Rose Petals or add in the fresh herbs of your choice. It’s up to you to choose to make wonderful “plain” or add in herbs, and the dried fruit or any other additions you feel would work. The choice is yours!

Check out this recipe

Lavender Shortbread: A Sweet Provencal Treat

This recipe takes my classic shortbread recipe and adds a new flavour and colour dimension, both natural, by adding Fresh Lavender. Processing fresh lavender flowers with sugar releases the natural oils to create a heavenly smell and colour of our beloved lavender, an herb thought of mostly for perfumes and now for our culinary delight. Close your eyes, and you will think you are in a lavender field!

Check out this recipe

Lavender Shortbread a Sweet Provencal Treat

Lavender Ice Cream

Lavender ice cream is an excellent way to cool off during a warm summers' day without an overly-sweet treat. This ice cream is easy to make and sure to impress, even if you don't have access to fresh-cut lavender from Provence.

Check out this recipe

Apricot and Lavender Ice Cream

Don't shy away from making ice cream. This recipe takes advantage of ripe stonefruit (apricot, peach), and needs little sugar. The lavender flavouring gives it that hint of Provence.

Check out this recipe

Lavender Mint Meyer Lemonade

Refreshing and tasty this drink may be come your go-to summer beverage.

Check out this recipe

Lavender Mint Meyer Lemonade @AtableenProvence

Creamy Lavender Honey and Almond Pots

A rich, decadent and creamy pud with summer berries and a lovely crunch of almonds.

Check out this recipe

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Tags:Lavender,Lavender Fields,Sault

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Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.