Lavender is the universal symbol of Provence and our pilgrimage tour continues in search of blooming lavender. We decided to do a sneak peak of the fields in early June and were disappointed. The lavender was NOT blooming yet! The Abbaye de Senanque is said to be the # 1 photo op on the route but it was just too early. They do have a nice selection of Santons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santon_(figurine) and some delicious bakery items made at the Abbey.
So weather & location determine the blooming season. If the weather is warmer and you are in a lower elevation, you may see blooms in mid June. If you are visiting a higher elevation, you may see blooms all the way thru August. BTW, all of the best locations are documented in a Lavender route map http://www.theluberon.com/activities/lavender-provence and you can also check-out the Lavender Museum that is educational and sells everything lavender: http://www.thelavendermuseum.com/
We visited the fields this week ( June 22) and the lavender was just starting to bloom. When you walk through a field, the scent is intoxicating and stays in your hair and on your clothes for days! Something about walking in a field of lavender is cleansing to the soul.
There are 3 different types of Lavender:
Fine Lavender grows in the arid mountains of Provence and is a small plant with only 1 stem. You need 130kg of flowers to created 1 litre of essential oils- that is why 100% fine lavender oil is so expensive. Spike Lavender grows on scrub land and is a taller plant with 3 stems of flowers. This scent is too strong for perfume so is used in Spain & Portugal to dilute paint. Lavandine grows all over the world in large round clumps. It is a hybrid of Fine Lavender and Spike Lavender. This is primarily used as a scent in cleaning products & detergents and in the little lavender sachet packets you buy.
The first recorded us of Lavender was by the Romans who used the lavender to scent their baths and newly washed clothes. 100% Lavender oil can be used for insomnia, disinfect cuts & burns, relieve cramps & arthritis, and kill head lice 🙂
