Embrace the Lavender Seasons in Provence

Purple Lavender

It’s the essence of Provence—intoxicating, calming, soothing, stunning—the purple elixir of Provence. Yet, it’s here for just a short time—at its peak in July but still stunning at the end of June. Provence is raw, rugged, and enchanting all year, but how can one resist being there when the purple elixir makes its show? There are beautiful photos on Cobblestone and Vineyards of Cheryl’s visit to the lavender fields of Provence in June.

Provence Lavender in June – August

This two-month period from mid-June to mid-August is the peak of the lavender season in Provence. The exact timing of the flowers depends on what Mother Nature delivers in the first part of the year. A cold, wet spring will translate into later blooms. The lavender fields at lower elevations, and with good sun exposure tend to bloom sooner than those at higher elevations.

A lavender farmer will wait for the flowers to reach their absolute peak before harvesting. For those who produce lavender essential oils, this is critical to maximizing the output from the distillation process. Discover how lavender is processed.

Often by mid-July, the fields are blooming. When the lavender is harvested in Provence, a heavenly scent is carried on warm evening breezes. Alerted by the first wafts of perfumed air, from our terrace we can sometimes see the smoke rising from the other side of a small ridge. The lavender distillation has begun.

Sault is generally considered to be the centre of Lavender in the region. However, you can find large-scale fields in the Vaucluse, in markets, the Luberon, the Valensole Plateau, la Vallée de Jabron, and if you are lucky a field to yourself off-the-beaten-track.

There are many festivals dedicated to this purple flower of Provence. These are family-friendly events with all sorts of activities including traditional lavender cutting demonstrations, markets, lavender-inspired crafts, decorated floats and more. The final celebration of the season is the Sault lavender festival which happens annually (rain or shine) on August 15th.

Provence Lavender in September – May

Then the lavender season is over. The plants have had their annual haircut. Slowly the little green rows of plants shaped like hedgehogs turn brown then a dusty grey. It’s time for the plants to rejuvenate after their big season.

Cheryl Shufflebotham

Although, Cheryl and her husband live in upstate New York, she tells us that she is always yearning, planning, maneuvering to make her way back to France.

Cheryl's love for France started almost eleven years ago with "a once in a lifetime" ten-year anniversary trip. These wannabe expats have been back every year since that trip!

Cheryl's first French love is the region of Burgundy, but then a few years ago, she discovered Provence. Now she admits that she is torn between Burgundy and Provence. It sounds like Provence has her spellbound, "I can’t quite put a finger on what it is about Provence, but its intoxication keeps luring me back for more."

Cheryl started her blog Cobblestone and Vineyards to explore the simple charms of France, those small details that capture the heart.