Lavender Fields
From mid June to early August, the lavender fields are in bloom.
The fields of shade blue, the scent of lavender : we are in Provence. Symbol of Provence, the properties of the lavender plant are countless. Lavender soothes, scents, heals, and adds sunshine to any day.
A Drive on the Lavender Roads - 90 kilometres
90 kilometres from Coustellet to Aurel.
The following driving itinerary will take you along some lovely country roads with lavender fields, advising stops here and there at a honey-producer, a lavender museum or at distilleries, where the lavender is transformed into essential oil from mid July until the end of August.
Start in Coustellet, in the Luberon
Do not miss :
the lavender museum, Cabrières d’Avignon
www.museedelalavande.com (open Februay-décember)
Audio-guided tour (in English) of the collection of copper stills, which provides you with information on the history and distillation of lavender since the 14th century.
sales of locally-made A.O.C
Continue on the N100 until Bonnieux, then reach Buoux and Saignon : you are on the Plateau des Claparèdes, in the midst of the lavender fields and bories (little dry stone constructions in the fields). From Saignon, drive to Apt.
Do not miss :
The Distillerie des Coulets in Apt
(route de Rustrel – Tel : +33 4 90 74 07 55)
and then reach Lagarde d’Apt, don’t miss :
Lavande 1100 : organic lavender distillery, aromatic plants, beekeeping (Tel : +33 4 90 75 01 42)
Take the road from St. Christol to Sault, which is flanked on either side by numerous lavender fields.
In the village of Sault, don’t miss :
“la Maison des Producteurs” (inside the village), a cooperative shop for lavender, honey, aromatic plants... (open every day from April to mid-November)
The Ferme aux Lavandes (lavender conservatory garden, route du Mont Ventoux) : a collection of 100 lavender varieties, regular guided tours, and classes in July (gardening, cooking, perfume-making, etc) More info
You can then drive on to Aurel, and if you wish, to Montbrun les Bains and Ferrassières before coming back to Sault (round circuit).
A short walking itinerary : the lavender trail
Le Chemin des lavandes
Distance : 5,3 km – Change in Altitude : 80 m
Approx. walking time : 1 h 40
Signs : Yellow
Carpark : outside Sault, when you head towards the Mont Ventoux (D164).
At 700m, in the direction of les Michouilles and 1.3 km further,
You will find more lavender around Valréas, in the Enclave des Papes, north of the Vaucluse. Plan to spend some time there.
