Some time ago, tourists going on vacation to the South developed a new hobby. They found out about the lavender fields in Crimea - where they are and when they bloom, now whole lines of cars are heading to such places. Newlyweds come for a wedding photo, artists and simply nature lovers, and, let’s be honest, petty swindlers intending to pick a sheaf of fragrant flowers for free.
Where are the lilac lands?
It is not easy to unequivocally answer the question of where the lavender fields, considered the best, are located in Crimea. There are quite a lot of them, and in different regions of the region. Previously, even under the USSR, there were even more of them, and raw materials from Taurida were even supplied to France and were in demand among local perfumers.
But even now there are many plantations. You can see them while driving along the route “Simferopol - Sudak”. You need to be especially careful after the village of Crimean Rose. There is even a village called Lavender (go from the capital by ) - of course, there are plantings near it. In the area of the main city of Crimea, lavender grows near the villages of Vodnoye, Mazanki, and Medicinal.
In Belogorye it is between the villages of Aromatnoye and Tsvetochnoye (appreciate the names!). The plantings are found in Uchkuevka, and on. But the Bakhchisarai region is the richest in lavender. Plantations are located near the villages of Kudrino, Shelkovichnoe, Rastuschee, Zavetnoe. The most famous and popular lavender field is located near the village of Turgenevka.
Blooming lavender fields are as impressive and world-famous a brand of the south of France as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris or the fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel is for Normandy.
Pastoral pictures of Provence with its bright, neat houses standing in the middle of a lilac field have long attracted painters and photographers, each of whom, to the best of his ability, tried to capture the beauty of these places on canvas or film.
If your travel route passes through the south of France, or you are deliberately planning to travel around Provence in the summer, do not forget to include lavender fields in your route. This is an extraordinary sight, especially at sunrise or sunset. To do this, you will need to know when and where exactly to go, so as not to wander aimlessly in search of the most beautiful fields.
Lavender flowering time in Provence – from mid-June to late August, it reaches its greatest lushness and beauty at the end of July, although this depends on the variety of lavender, climate, weather and latitude in which it grows. Available in Provence and Lavender Festival, which usually falls on August 15 and takes place in the small village of Sault in the Vaucluse department. Seau is located 50 kilometers from Avignon, at an altitude of more than 700 meters above sea level, and is inhabited by only 1,200 inhabitants. The inhabitants of So live by agriculture, primarily by growing lavender and preparing various products from it, so it is given special importance in the village. During the lovely village Lavender Festival, colorful events, competitions, a fair selling lavender products, etc. are held. The upcoming program (in French).
Some general information about these plants:
In Provence, in natural conditions you can see two varieties of plants: lavender And lavandin. Lavender itself grows at an altitude of more than 700-800 meters, that is, on hills, mountain plateaus, etc. Lavender is the main component in the creation of perfumes and cosmetics; essential oils are mainly made with the addition of lavender. Lavandin is another species that grows in fields located below 600 meters above sea level. Lavandin is also used for the needs of the perfume and cosmetics industry, but mainly for cheaper types of products - creams, soaps and others.
Lavender has been used by humans since ancient times; in particular, clear references to this plant have been found since the times of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, often in the Middle Ages. But the use of lavender reached its greatest flourishing in the 20th century with the development of perfume production near Provence, on the Cote d'Azur in Grasse. “Blue gold,” as lavender is called here, is today cultivated by farmers, many of whom live exclusively from its cultivation, caring for the improvement of the species and its quality.
I will list some “lavender places” in Provence:
In the vicinity of Gordes, four kilometers northwest of it, there is the medieval Abbey of Notre-Dame de Senanque from the 12th century. Around the abbey there are picturesque lavender fields where the monks work. Here you can also purchase products and souvenirs made from lavender or with lavender symbols. The Abbey is depicted on many postcards.
The Valensole plateau is located in Haute Provence. On this huge plateau, covered with lavender to the very horizon, you can get lost for a long time, inhaling the unique smells. To get there, for example, from Aix-en-Provence, you need to go in the direction of Manosque, and then turn to the village of Valensole, which is surrounded by the fields of the plateau of the same name.
In the Alpes Haute Provence department, this main lavender region, you can also go to some lavender farm, where you can arrange a tour or at least a short story from the farmers about this plant. It has a reputation as an excellent farm open to tourists. Chateau du Bois in Lagarde-d-Apt, which is 20 kilometers from Apt. Chateau du Bois is the oldest (since 1890) production of cosmetic products with lavender. Its owners, Jacques and Sophie Lansolet, also organized a small Lavender Museum, which one . The museum is open almost all year round, with the exception of January. You can take an audio guide there, including in Russian. Is it worth mentioning that here you can buy a variety of products made from real Provençal lavender. Check out the lavender honey!
There are quite a few “lavender routes” in Provence, and they have long been classified for tourists on the website http://www.moveyouralps.com/fr
The site is in French, but when you open the “Lavender Routes” section on the main page, you can switch to the English version. When planning your trip, language is not that important: everything is detailed and intuitive, there are maps. When you click on each of the six main routes, its first and last points, the length and travel time by different transport (car, motorcycle, bicycle) are shown; the most interesting sights are marked with special signs with stars. Each of the long routes is divided into segments, and you can choose any one that is closest to your planned route through Provence to stop by to admire the lavender for a couple of hours. .
Due to climate change towards warming, lavender begins to bloom earlier in France from year to year, and many farmers by the beginning of July mow and collect plants that have begun to dry out under the scorching sun. This does not mean that, for example, by August you will not find flowering fields anywhere, but it is worth keeping in mind that due to the weather, lush lavender may not be in bloom everywhere.
Those who vacation on the Cote d'Azur are usually interested in the lavender fields closest to the coast and major cities (Nice, Cannam, etc.). For this you should go to the mountains on the route Castellane - Grasse, between which there are approximately 70 kilometers of road and many lavender fields (although they are more modest than directly in Provence). The above-mentioned French site suggests starting the journey in the village of Castellane and descending from it along a mountain serpentine towards Grasse, although this is not logical - usually from the coast everyone goes in the direction from Grasse to the mountains. , pay attention to the , through which this "lavender route" passes.
You can rent a car for your trip to Provence and the Cote d'Azur here:
(the largest search engine-aggregator of leading car rental companies provides comprehensive information about the price, car equipment, insurance and other points. All you have to do is choose the best offer for you in terms of price/quality and pick up the car at the point you need)
(unique bays-Mediterranean fjords)
Lavender fields, Provence, France photo
The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Senanque, founded in 1148, would be worth visiting even if there were no lavender fields around it.
Field. Looking at such a miracle of nature, you get the impression that you are looking at an unearthly landscape. The field, as if rolling over low hills, goes into infinity and merges with the sky. The district of Provence is a place of pilgrimage for tourists who are eager to see this miracle. The lavender field in France can be found in other regions, but it is in Provence that it is the longest and the shade is the brightest.
How to get there
The word "Provence" has long become synonymous with all shades of purple. If you want to find at least one lavender field in France, then go to the southern province of the same name. A large number of such fields are concentrated in the Drôme-Provençal region. This is the most popular tourist route. However, experts note that the most lush and brightly flowering bushes are concentrated in the upper part of Provence, namely in the Alps. And the city of Sol, which is located in the Haute-Vaucluse department, is officially recognized as the capital of blooming lavender. If you want to explore every lavender field in the region on your own, you will need a rented car. People usually travel to Vaucluse along the A7 or A9 highways. If you intend to visit the Alps, then the A51 road is suitable. The Drôme department can be reached along the same A7 highway or along the A49 road.
Why lavender?
So, you are already in northern Provence. As a rule, the first place tourists come to is the city of Avignon. The settlement itself is a standard French province, but as soon as you go beyond its borders, you will find yourself in the abyss and fragrance of lavender. The fact is that in Provence, a lavender field is a typical landscape. There are areas that are sown with cultivated varieties, but most of the territory is wild shrubs that bloom annually at the behest of nature. That is why lavender has become the official symbol of this province, and every resident considers it a duty to plant at least one purple bush in their yard.
Detailed description of routes
We have already said that the Alps, located in upper Provence, are the area with the most vibrantly flowering plants. The main valley of the region is considered to be Valensole, which is located in the possession of the town of the same name. In mid-summer, this area is simply drowned in lilac color and the aroma of lavender. From there there is a short route to the village of Digne-les-Bains. There are no well-trodden tourist routes here. It’s just that when you come here, you can wander through those very wild thickets of lavender bushes that bloom most brightly and smell stronger than others.
Cultural entertainment
When you get tired of walking around the expanses of Provence and inspecting every field, you can look into the lavender museum. It is located in the city of Kustel. Here you can see all the equipment used to make soap, shampoos, creams from lavender flowers, as well as a lot of home accessories, scented sticks, bags, and so on. On certain days, some copies can be purchased as souvenirs.
Miracles are at our fingertips
If you don’t have the opportunity to go to France, then you can find exactly the same attraction on the shores of your native Black Sea. Did you know that, just like in Provence, lavender fields bloom in Crimea in the summer? If you didn’t know, then we hope that this was a small discovery for you. In order to see this lilac miracle, you just need to go to the region of the peninsula where this plant is popularized naturally or thanks to human efforts.
Regions of Crimea where lavender blooms
- Simferopol district. Here natural lavender thickets can be found in the villages of Opushki and Mazanka. More well-groomed plantations are located in the villages of Medicinal and Urozhaynoe.
- In the Bakhchisarai region, behind the reservoir, there are wild but very picturesque lavender fields. More cultivated plantings can be found near Turgenevka, as well as in the village of Rastushchee.
- Neighborhoods of Sevastopol. Here lavender fields have been preserved near Uchkuevka beach. The plant can also be found on Previously, the lilac carpet delighted the eyes of the residents of Andreevka, but due to the fire, now only a small lavender island remained there.
When should you go to inspect a lilac carpet?
Now we just have to choose the time to see the lavender fields in all their glory. When do wonderful plants bloom? In the middle of summer, more precisely, between July and August. In Crimea, most of the fields are unkempt, so flowering begins early - in early July. The lilac color of the fields disappears only at the beginning of September, since no one collects the flowers. If we are talking about Provence, then it is best to go here in the second week of July. During this period, the most vigorous flowering of lavender begins, which lasts until the flower is collected for processing. As a rule, this happens in mid-August.
Conclusion
Everyone, based on their tastes and capabilities, can choose where to go to explore the lavender field. Provence (France) is an expensive option, but quite affordable. Here you will be offered a real excursion program, a visit to the museum, and the opportunity to see a wide variety of varieties of this plant. You can get to Crimea much faster and cheaper. Often, visiting the lavender fields on the peninsula is compared with relaxing at sea. Without wasting time and money, you can go to Bakhchisarai or the outskirts of Sevastopol and see the blooming purple miracle with your own eyes.
Inspiring with their wonderful aroma, lavender fields excite romantics and painters with their blooms. Lilac and blue bushes , planted exactly in a row, amaze with their natural perfection. The lavender flower itself is not very noticeable, but when the even bushes of a lilac shade are covered with flowers, bees from all over the area flock to this smell. But not only insects have chosen these plants.
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When does lavender bloom?
Every year, tourists, photographers and painters visit the lavender fields, hoping to remember this mesmerizing moment. The flowering time of lavender in Provence begins in mid-June, in some places it can bloom until the end of August. It depends on the area, climate and plant variety. But if you want to see this magnificent spectacle while visiting France, then it is better to come to the province by the end of June. The most beautiful flowering in mid-July. The plant begins to be collected at this time.
Where are the lavender fields?
Lavender fields can be found not only in France. This plant grows in Latvia. But the most extensive and picturesque fields are located in the province of Provence in the south of France. It is there that 80% of the world's lavender harvest is harvested.
For that, to find lavender fields in Provence in France it is necessary to figure out where this plant is most often found. In the province of Provence, this plant can be found in many places. It is the official symbol of the region. Farmers plant it on their plots. It is also grown in fields of various sizes. But the most picturesque and endless fields can be found in three regions of Provence:
- Alps of Haute Provence.
- Drôme-Provençal.
- Vaucluse.
What tours are there for lavender blossoms?
To enjoy the sight and aroma of blooming lavender, you can go on a sightseeing tour from Nice or Marseille, as well as other cities in the south of France. The excursion program usually includes a visit to the largest Valensole valley with blooming lavender. A variety of plant known as lavender is grown here.
It's more fragrant and has large flowers. You don't need to climb high to see it. But such a plant does not have the healing properties that mountain lavender has. Lavender is used only in the production of cosmetics. It is against the background of such bright fields that excellent and mesmerizing shots are obtained. Very often, plans made in this area are used to produce postcards.
Lavender field tours often include visits to farms where you can learn about the process of producing lavender oil and growing the plant. Another place to visit is the Lavender Museum, located in the small town of Custelle. There you can get acquainted with the flower itself, its types and learn how the essence is extracted from it. The extracted essence is used in cosmetic production. There is also a small shop where you can buy products using lavender. In the store you can even buy honey collected by bees from these fields.
In addition, fairs and festivals dedicated to this plant are held every year. One of these festivals takes place in the town of Soult. A huge lavender field stretched out in front of him.
The following products can be purchased at the fair:
- Lavender honey
- Ice cream.
- Soap with lavender.
- Cosmetics based on lavender oil.
At each fair, various shows dedicated to this plant are held. Competitions are held among festival guests. Everyone has the opportunity not only to buy lavender and products based on it, but also to collect it with their own hands. The festival is held on August 15 and is dedicated to the harvest of the plant. But if you arrive in this area earlier, you can visit the lavender fields while hiking. There are walking routes everywhere that will allow you to enjoy all the beauty of the fields with these flowers.
Lavender looks incredibly beautiful in photographs taken at the time of flowering.
How to get to Provence
The most convenient way to get to the lavender fields is by car. There is no railway transport to the fields. It is better to start your trip from or Marseille. The path can be laid using the route map to search for fields. If you don't have a car, you can get to the lavender fields by train, reaching Carpentrass, and then by bus going to the ancient city of Seau, passing lavender fields along the way. If you are in good physical condition, you can go explore the lavender fields on a bicycle. But you just need to remember that the road will not be easy. Along the way you will have to overcome hills and mountains at temperatures of 30-35 degrees Celsius.
Routes in Provence
On a trip to Provence It's better to go by car. This will guarantee that you will be able to visit beautiful and interesting places. Public transport is not available everywhere. The most interesting places located in Provence:
- Plateau de Valensole. There are quite a few lavender fields located in a small area. To see them all, you need to take the D6 highway towards the north. You can return along the D8 highway.
- Mont ven Toux. In this area, the fields are located in the vicinity of the settlements of So, Gord and Apt. But one, but quite large, lavender field is located in the Senangue Abbey.
- Verdon Gorge. 45 kilometers from Castellane towards the west, there are lavender fields. In order to get to them, you need to drive through the beautiful village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Right from the village you can see lavender fields.
The most beautiful and memorable photographs of lavender fields are taken by tourists who are lucky enough to go on such a trip.
Everyone knows that lavender fields are located in Provence. But where exactly? Which airport should you fly to? To Marseille, Nice? How can you get to the lavender fields without a car? When does lavender bloom? Find answers to all these questions in today's article. about the blue gold of France.
In fact, there are many lavender fields in France. There are even special routes called “Lavender Roads” (Les Routes de la Lavande). Here they are marked on the map.
I'll tell you about a trip to the lavender fields that are located in Valensole- a small Provençal town located between the city of Manosque and the Verdon nature reserve.
When to go?
Lavender blooms in Valensole from the end of June to the 15th of July. Do not believe numerous websites that flowering can be seen until the end of August. Perhaps in other places, but not in Valensole. By August, the lavender is harvested and only empty fields await you.
How to get there?
Valensole is located in the department Alpes Haute Provence. The closest airports are Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, but flying to them from Russia is long and expensive.
The best option is buy a ticket to Paris and directly from Paris Aéroport Roissy to Aix-en-Provence by high-speed train(TGV). The train takes 3h20 minutes. See tickets on the Ouigo website. They have inexpensive tickets compared to trains leaving from central Paris. The only negative is that Ouigo trains do not arrive in the center of Aix-en-Provence, but from the station to the center you can easily take a bus for a few euros.
Okay, we got to Aix-en-Provence, but how to get further to the fields if you don’t have a car?
From the bus station in Aix-en-Provence (Aix-en-Province Gare routière) we take the on the bus to the town of Manosque. Here is a link to the Bus Schedule in 2019. We get off at the bus stop Manosque Garerouter. The fare in 2019 is 9 euros. It is more profitable to take a round-trip ticket.
From Manosque to Valensole is about 15 km. However, only 4 buses go there per day and only on weekdays. The last bus back from Valensole leaves at 13.10. Very inconvenient, the option of buses was no longer available.
We decided to rent electric bikes. On them you can accelerate up to 50 km/h downhill. Fast and useful!
At the Manosque bus station there is a very cute little shop called La Station de Lavande.
The owner called representatives of the local tourism office and we rented wonderful electric bikes from them. Purple, lavender color. The rental cost was about 20 euros for half a day and 40 euros for the whole day.
It is easy to find your way to Valensole by following the signs.
I will long remember the moment when I was riding a bicycle to the lavender fields. A feeling of boundless happiness, the wind blowing your hair, alluring aromas around. I clearly imagined myself as the heroine of a French film from the 60s.
And here are the lavender fields themselves! A light blue and almost cloudless sky overhead, the enchanting aroma of lavender, the hum of bees. Just a fairy tale!
On a huge plateau covered with lavender to the very horizon, you can get lost for a long time, inhaling the unique smells.
In addition to lavender fields, Valensole is also famous for its olive groves and sunflower fields. The L’Occitane cosmetics factory is also located nearby. Amazing place.
Where to live?
The trip to the lavender fields occurred during my Parisian student years, so we saved as much as we could. We lived for free in Aix-en-Provence using couchsurfing with a hospitable Frenchman. For those unfamiliar with the system, check out the website https://www.couchsurfing.com/.
There are also many offers for housing in Aix-en-Provence, Manosque, and even in Valensole itself on the airbnb website. By the way, I have prepared for you a discount of more than 2,000 rubles on your first trip, get it via the link www.airbnb.ru
As you can see, the trip to the fields turned out to be quite inexpensive. We did not find a similar route map on the Internet when we were preparing for the trip. The scheme was built by trial and error, but it works well. Many of my friends have already used my tips to see the miracle of lavender fields without a car.
Come to Valensole! I am sure that the lavender fields will not leave anyone indifferent.
Helpful information! Updated in 2019
Map of French regions with approximate lavender flowering dates for 2019.
