The Purple Beauty of Provence: Lavender
Lavender is the purple beauty of Provence; it is a big industry in France and the key to essential oil production. Tourists and locals flock to see the fields in full blooming glory. The timeframe changes annually depending on weather, but typically some fields are ready by late June, and the harvest is mostly completed by mid-August.
The Lost in Provence team filmed the lavender harvest near Sault and made this purple inspired video after their visit.
Everyone seems to agree that one of the best places for viewing is near Mt Ventoux and tour guide Philippe says definitely near the lavender capital Sault. If you go, it is well worth visiting a distillery to understand the extraction process for essential oil.
One thing is for certain; buyer beware in the markets if you are buying lavender make sure to buy local and not sachets produced in Asia. Read about the dying art of lavender fuseaux these make fabulous, long-lasting gifts.
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