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.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).