Lavendar in Provence
 

In planning our 2 1/2 week visit to the Provence, we gave consideration to the peak of the lavendar blossom time. Based on advice here, we chose the latter part of June and early July. We were right on!

In driving far and wide (and including Stu Dudley's 'Lavendar Route'), we came across many beautiful sights. For those wishing to enjoy this, I'd like to point out an area that we came upon that was the ultimate:

It's along the D190, just west of Nyons and between Vinsobres and Valréas. Indeed there were numerous artists painting in situ.

Further along on this day's drive - not far from Le Poët-Laval - we came upon a field where the lavendar was being harvested. It was interesting to watch as each bush was methodically relieved of its booty, leaving only a bald dome of a plant.

This was June 28 and it was indeed the peak of the lavendar season!

yes and all the fields around Saignon, not very well known but for us, better than at Sault

We very much enjoyed Saignon - one of our favorites.

We stopped at the fields you describe; they're along the D232 to the south of the town...

Being a perfectionist, I must correct my spelling error: Lavender. I don't know why I stuck the 'a' in there...

One of my favorite memories around Sault was to visit the lavender fields at the time after harvest when some farmers burn the left shrubs after they have yielded as much as they could. The fragrance of burnt lavender filled the air. UNFORGETTABLE. The beautiful shop in Sault of the famous Nougat baker André Boyer. I have mirror with his name and shop etched on it.

The fields near Le Poët-Laval are a harbinger of delights to come, both in that hilltop village and the charming small town of Dieulefit. Nyons has the added advantage of those wonderful olive groves and their oils.

We lived in Mougins, near Cannes, for 14 years, and must have driven from there to the mountains a zillion times but never stopped in Dieulefit. What a mistake. I'm going to right that error this fall when we go back for a visit.

And don't miss Nyons! When there, stop at the olive-oil cooperative for some excellent shopping.

We love Mougins, especially the Feu Follet restaurant. Friends of ours leave just below Grasse; so we have combed through most of the nearby areas.

We enjoyed market day in Nyons. It's a very nice town and the market was a more pleasant experience than the one in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue because the open spaces made it seem less crowded than L'Isle.

Also - Dieulefit was a bit of a disappointment maybe because the main pedestrian thoroughfare was in the process of construction.