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The lavender route of the Valensole plateau
""Lavender is the soul of Haute-Provence."" Jean Giono
Lavender fields on the Valensole plateau in the Alpes de Haute-Provence – © Louai Barakat
Valensole: essential place for lavender in Haute-Provence
Valensolein Haute-Provence, is the mecca of lavender and lavandin. Here the lavender fields are as far as the eye can see, undulating in purple and blue waves. From the Valensole plateau, you can admire the entire pre-Alps range, a beautiful backdrop to this ""ocean of lavender"".
Recognized as one of the largest plateaus in France, the Valensole plateau is located in the Verdon Regional Natural Park , near the Verdon gorges and its lakes. Built at an altitude of 590 meters over more than 800 km², the commune of Valensole and its plateau of nearly 12,700 hectares is one of the largest communes in France.
The lavender route, a tourist route to discover
The air is fragrant at the beginning of July on the Valensole plateau when the lavender is in full bloom. The fields undulate in purple and blue waves as far as the eye can see, to the great pleasure of photographers.
Take this route and discover a unique landscape and a typical terroir of Haute-Provence. Go and meet passionate producers and make a few stops for a few photos. The Valensole plateau is an essential place to photograph lavender in Provence .
Along the Lavender Routes on the Plateau de Valensole, distilleries and a museum welcome you to reveal all the secrets of this plant with a thousand virtues.
Stroll through the lavender fields – © Louai Barakat
Lavender flowering period in Valensole
The flowering period of lavender is short. It extends from mid-June to the end of July depending on the year and weather conditions. The cutting of this plant on the Valensole plateau begins in mid-July... The fields then have a completely different look!
This tourist route attracts a lot of people. The roads are very busy at this time, be careful!
The Valensole plateau, an essential place to photograph lavender in Provence – © Louai Barakat
Lavender or lavandin: what is the difference?
There are many varieties of lavender, the best known being fine lavender also called true lavender and aspic lavender. It is a perennial plant that grows at altitude between 500 and 1500 meters; it can be ingested, it is widely used in perfumery and has medicinal properties (healing, disinfectant, calming, etc.).
Lavender is a hybrid with a stronger, slightly camphorous odor that produces more essential oil per kilo of flowers. It is a plant that can be grown at lower altitudes and is often seen in valleys.