Enjoying the Lavender fields in Vaucluse and nearby Drôme Provençale

It’s a toss-up between coquelicots (red poppies) and lavender, but probably no other scent or sight says Provence better than the pungent aroma of a purple field of lavender growing in mounded rows under a brilliant blue summer sky.

We were lucky that it was the lavender season when we were in Sablet last summer with our daughter Tricia, husband Alvin and grandkids Avery and Caedon. The pictures which follow show the lavender fields we found during outings to the Drôme Provençale area west of Nyons, the Sénanque Abbey and to Sault.

Continue reading here for details on the types of lavender that grow in Provence. Michel shares some photos and details on the Sénanque Abbey and a driving itinerary to see the beautiful purple fields.

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Where to See Lavender in Provence

Everyone agrees 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, you will unlikely 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 depends on Mother Nature and the farmer.

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

Visit the lavender fields near Aix-en-Provence! Terre Ugo is a 7-hectare family farm located on the outskirts of Aix in Puyricard. In 2017, the family planted 30,000 organic Lavandin Grosso plants on a portion of the property. Now, during the peak of the flowering season, you can visit Terre Ugo to walk through the fields, take a workshop, have a meal, or shop in the boutique.

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.