FR26.17 Valensole

What is the one thing everyone immediately thinks of when you mention southern France, specifically Provence?

Correct! “Herbes de Provence” – your favourite herbs mix from your local supermarket. No, just kidding!

It’s the lavender fields, of course (?). Endless fields of lavender and the scent of it everywhere.

And let me say this right away: the scent really is everywhere. And it’s absolutely wonderful.

Luckily (or thanks to our meticulous planning – you decide!), Valensole wasn’t too far from our temporary home by the lake.

If Valensole doesn’t ring a bell, take note!

It’s one of the lavender capitals of France and you can even find the “Lavender Route” on Google Maps, which runs right through the village.

The village itself is – you guessed it – yet another lovely little place with narrow alleyways, cafés and shops lining the streets.

We also found our very first baguette vending machine and were quite impressed when we watched the local baker restock it with freshly baked baguettes!

Lavender is usually in full bloom from late June until around mid-July. We got lucky though. Many of the fields were already turning beautifully purple and some had already reached full-on “wow!” status.

We also had no idea just how many things you can make from lavender.

One local farm had a lovely little van parked right next to its fields where they sold all kinds of lavender products, including lavender drinks.

Naturally, we had to try them.

And so we spent a wonderful day surrounded by all things lavender.