Provence is a region famous for wine as we well know but it is equally famous for growing another highly desirable crop, lavender. The lavender fields of Provence are legendary for their beauty and amazing scent. Growing lavender in this region is so established that lavender is perceived as the scent of France but the lavender oil produced here is sold all over the world. Many of the visitors we have here at La Verrière enjoy our own lavender, but they also visit the larger lavender fields and we feel it is a real source of pride for the region so here is a little more about lavender in Provence.
Roman Roots
Because lavender grows best at altitudes of between 600m and 1,400m, when the Romans, who used it to perfume their baths and clothes, brought lavender to Provence around 2,000 years ago, it flourished. The favourable climate in the region did mean that it grew spontaneously here too so it was plentiful by the Middle Ages when it began to be used as medicine by local people. It has antiseptic qualities and is still used today to soothe and help to heal scars. By the 19th century, it was widely cultivated, farmed, and distilled.
Perfume Explosion
The demand for lavender took off hugely when the town of Grasse in Provence essentially became the perfume capital of the world. Many famous perfumers used it in their perfumes and it became so in demand that it actually became hard to source and very expensive for a time. This may be due to the fact it takes more than 100 kilograms of lavender to make just one litre of lavender essence. To create just 15 kilograms of lavender essential oil, you need to cultivate a whole hectare of lavender. Even after the industrial revolution when so much farming became mechanised, the delicacy of the lavender flowers meant that it was and still is mostly harvested by hand.
Visiting the Lavender Fields
It’s these huge lavender plantations that are such an attraction to visitors to Provence. Often situated next to sunflower fields, they present a riot of colour and delicate fragrance. As such, the best time of the year to visit is in July and August when both types of flowers are in bloom but before they’re harvested. For stunning views of lavender fields, The Valensole Plateau offers some wonderful famous views of almost endless fields of lavender framed by sunflowers. The Luberon Valley lavender fields also offer beautiful views with lavender fields between vineyards and olive groves as well as some lavender fields on higher elevations than most so offering finer fragrance. Another great place to see gorgeous lavender fields is the Sault Plateau and not just because the town of Sault itself is so picturesque. There is a 5km path through the finest lavender fields in the area which starts near the Vallon des Lavandes distillery.
A member of the lavender family called lavandin is the variety planted in the fields around La Verrière and it is known for the purity of its fragrance. As such, we have named one of our suites Lavande in honour of these lovely flowers and it is decorated to reflect their delicate colour. We love the beauty of our region and are always very happy to organise trips to see the most beautiful lavender plantations for our guests. To talk to us about a stay at La Verrière to admire the flora of the area, or for any other reason, please give us a call on 33 4 90 10 06 32 from France or 07775 682090 from the UK or email reservations@laverriere.com.
