Nothing is more symbolic than lavender when you think of Provence! It is an iconic plant of the region, bathing our beautiful Provençal landscapes in shades of mauve and delighting us with its captivating and distinctive fragrance, to our great pleasure. Its fragrance alone transports us to summer!
But do you really know everything about this plant? Let us reveal all its secrets!
What is lavender?
Also known as ‘blue gold’, lavender is an ancient plant believed to have originated in Persia, with a name dating back to the Middle Ages. From the very beginning, this plant was valued for its distinctive fragrance, which was used by the Egyptians, Greeks, and even the Romans to scent their baths and linens.
It was originally harvested by families, but its use and production intensified during the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of the perfume industry in Grasse.
Nowadays, the lavender benefits from the ‘Huile Essentielle de Haute-Provence’ protected designation of origin (PDO) which covers the French departments of Vaucluse, Drôme, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes, with cultivation areas located at a minimum altitude of 800 metres. It was established to combat the import of lavender from Eastern European countries. To qualify for this designation, you must comply with a set of specifications, in particular to certify the geographical area where the farm is located, as mentioned above.
What is the difference between lavender and ‘lavandin‘?
IThere are indeed different varieties of lavender. In Provence, you will find true lavender, aspic lavender and ‘lavandin‘, or lavender phenomenal, which can be difficult to tell apart!
True lavender grows at high elevations, from 600 to 2,000 metres above sea level, and is recognisable by its small size and the single flower on each stem.
Aspic lavender is larger and produces spikelets, each stem bearing several small flowers. ‘Lavandin‘, or lavender phenomenal, is the variety most commonly grown in Provence. It is a naturally formed hybrid produced from a cross between true lavender and aspic lavender. The plants are larger and form well-developed, spherical clumps. It is also more resistant to disease and richer in essence than lavender, making it possible to produce more essential oil.
Flowering and Harvest Season
Lavender flowering is influenced by the weather, the variety of the plant, and the altitude. In the Luberon, it takes place from mid-June to mid-July. The flowers are harvested from mid-July to mid-August.
In the past, it was harvested by hand with a sickle, then placed in a canvas shoulder bag called the “saquette”, which, once full, was emptied at the edge of the fields to be dried.
Lavender in all its forms in the Luberon
Lavender is so unique that it is enjoyed in many different forms for our greatest pleasure! Once cut and dried, it is often used to make small lavender sachets and wands that subtly scent the corners of your home, such as cupboards and storage spaces, enveloping your clothes and your house with its iconic fragrance. It’s a lovely reminder of being in Provence!
Lavender is also widely used in the field of cosmetics. Whether in soaps, candles or to scent cleaning products, artisans in South Luberon use it for its gentle fragrance and its beneficial properties!
It can even be used in cooking to delicately flavour pastries such as madeleines, or added to hot drinks like herbal teas, or to refreshing beverages with syrups, as offered at La Provence en Bouteille. An opportunity to let your imagination run free! You can also enjoy lavender honey, which is iconic in Provence! With its smooth texture and delicate flavour, this honey is produced from bees gathering nectar from various species of lavender, which gives it its soft aroma. A common sight on local market stalls!
Another of the most common forms of lavender is as an essential oil. It is produced by distillation. As lavender contains only a small amount of oil, a large quantity is needed. For lavandin, it takes an average of 40 to 70 kg of plants to produce one litre of essential oil. This oil also offers numerous benefits, which we invite you to discover with local professionals.
Where can you find lavender in South Luberon?
Endless lavender fields stretch across the region. You can admire them in particular on the outskirts of Cucuron, they’re impossible to miss!
You can also visit Virginie, a lavender grower at La Provence en Bouteille, who offers a wide range of lavender-based products in her shop. In July, she also organises workshops for weaving organic lavender wands! During a friendly gathering, discover this ancient Provençal tradition and leave with your own colourful lavender wand! You can also have a go at harvesting lavender the traditional way using a sickle, and use it to make your own bouquet of organic lavender!
If you wish to continue your exploration of lavender, we invite you to visit the Musée de la Lavande, a true conservatory of the lavender growers’ expertise from the sixteenth century to the present day. Tours, workshops, activities and events are offered throughout the year.
If you want to discover lavender in an original way, head to La Bastide des Jourdans to rent a convertible 2 CV with Oh My Deuche! You can hire one with or without a driver to explore the area, or take part in the lavender experience, a fully inclusive tour that brings you to meet a local farmer for half a day or a whole day. You will enjoy an off-the-beaten-track experience right in the heart of South Luberon.
If you are also a truffle enthusiast, Pierre and Laurence are delighted to invite you to a truffle hunting demonstration in their lavender fields, where you can search for summer truffles accompanied by their dogs, followed by a tasting of your harvest served with a glass of wine – a dream come true!
The right things to do when visiting a lavender field
- Most lavender fields are privately owned farms. Picking the flowers is therefore strictly forbidden!
- Out of respect for the work of the lavender growers, please also take care not to trample the flowers when you are in the fields.
Now you know almost everything about Provence’s blue gold! What are you waiting for?
More about South Luberon
Lavender is one of the exceptional products of South Luberon, but there are others too. Olive oil from South Luberon is renowned as one of the finest in France, rich in virtues and antioxidants. It enhances the flavour of dishes and beautifully complements Mediterranean cuisine. Honey from the Luberon is both varied and delicious, a true nectar!
