The south of France is renowned for its beautiful scenic villages, gorgeous seaside, and breath-taking landscapes. Lavender fields stand out among this as a unique and captivating sight. Each year, they draw thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this magical flower. It’s fair to say that those fields are the visiting card of the French Provence.
But they were not always there.
History of Lavender
It might sound strange, given that the lavender flower is now considered a symbol of the South of France, but there were no lavender fields as we know them up until the 19th century. The only place you could have encountered this beautiful, fragrant flower was up in the mountains, where it grows naturally.
Even though the healing properties of lavender have been known for centuries, people weren’t using it as much. Using this plant in the daily routine only became more common in the middle of the 18th century, after the flower and its properties had been studied by the scientists from Montpelier. That led to the creation of a new job title: lavender picker. Most of the time, this job was carried out by women and children. It may have sounded like an easy job, but this was actually very dangerous and physically demanding work, as they had to work all the way up the mountains to harvest lavender bloom.
But real popularity came to lavender a little bit later when perfumers from Grasse started to add this flower to soaps, creams, and perfumes. People quickly fell in love with its sweet floral scent, and products containing lavender started to fly off the shelves.
Lavender growth and production were in such high demand that it even slowed down the moving of the population from the villages to the big cities. Which was not typical for other regions of France.
The demand for products containing lavender was so great that it caused a serious deficit. It wasn’t so easy anymore to purchase lavender hills; there were even auctions held for those who wished to do so. That quickly led to the idea of growing lavender in the fields. And shortly after that, a new species of lavender was created so it could comfortably grow in the field.
Those fields were the ancestors of the modern lavender fields you can see today. But back then they’ve looked totally different. First fields didn’t have these neatly organised lavender rows, which are now attracting a lot of tourists who have travelled to see them from around the world.
It was only in 1950 that the special machine for collecting lavender flowers was invented, and farmers started to plant it in rows so it would be easier and faster to pick it.
Lavender now
The flower is praised for its essential oil, which is now mostly used in luxury perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. Lavender is also a very popular ingredient in cooking, adding a subtle flavour and colour to many dishes. Amongst which are: lavender honey, lavender ice cream, lavender macaroons, and many more.
However, nowadays, pure lavender is not used in the production of mass-market products due to the high costs of extracting the oil. So, if you want to buy a souvenir from the local market, most likely it will be lavandin. A cheaper lavender hybrid with a much stronger smell It is a great alternative if you want to simply use the plant for its smell. However, if you want to experience the full potential of lavender, you’d need to consider spending more and getting yourself a product that will contain real lavender oil.
Lavender fields
Lavender fields are concentrated in the south-eastern part of the country, in the region of Provence. The most famous areas for producing lavender are the Plateau de Valensole, Luberon, and Mont Ventoux. All of them provide a stunning view of a sea of purple flowers. Lavender blooms from the start of June until the end of August. Though the best time to visit the fields is mid-July, when lavender is at its peak bloom. And if you want to take pictures in the lavender fields, the best time is during the sunrise or sunset, when the light is most favourable, so you can capture the true colours of the flowers.
Visiting lavender fields is an unforgettable experience, filled with a soothing smell and the buzz of bees, which provide a nice ambient noise. Many tourists prefer to take a guided tour so they can learn more about the history and cultivation of lavender, while others choose to stroll around on their own.
You can also visit the museum of lavender (Le Musee de la Lavande) to find out more about the history of lavender growth and production in Provence.
Or you can visit a lavender festival (the Fete de la Lavande), which takes place on August 15th in the village of Sault. This event is celebrating the end of the harvest season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lavender fields of southern France are a must see for anyone who appreciates natural beauty. With their gentle smell, stunning views, and cultural significance, lavender fields are a true gem of the French countryside.