By Sylvia Arad | Submitted On May well 07, 2010


To enterprise to Provence in July should be to be misplaced in the purple coloured sea. Oceans of lavender just about everywhere - in patches, in waves, in best rows, industry after discipline - the hillsides on the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are daubed in blue, mauve, gray and violet by great swathes of lavender in bloom. That is harvest time in Provence's lavender locations - the tractors are rolling, the distilleries steaming and lavender festivals are in comprehensive swing.

Lavender, the emblem of Provence, continues to be growing listed here endlessly. Its official cultivation nonetheless is quite new, and it has given rise to lavandin; a hybrid Edition utilised additional for industrial purposes.

"Good" or correct lavender is developed for its necessary oils. To qualify with the extremely coveted AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin) - France's maximum stamp of acceptance - the lavender ought to fulfill very stringent requirements, its creation restricted to 284 villages and cultivated in locations higher than 800 m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Drome and Vaucluse. Utilized for perfumes, in aromatherapy and medicinally, it need to also meet up with olfactory assessments, and Exclusive harvesting and distillation procedures.

Underneath the blazing Solar, this delicate plant is harvested by hand by households steeped in its traditions, that have cultivated it for generations. It truly is then Prestige Lavender Fields dried for times before becoming distilled. The distillation procedure is made up of passing steam from the dried bouquets, which happen to be gathered in bunches within a even now to extract their necessary oils. Several procedures are used based on the lavender's use. To provide 1 Liter of important oil, 287 lb. of fantastic lavender is employed; for perfumes, the method is a lot more intricate taking up 2200 lbs. of lavender to produce three gallons of absolute pure oil.

Provence Lavender Region Delivers Wonderful Climbing Vacations and Biking Routes

Lavender conjures up spectacular vistas of blue fields, punctuated by crimson poppies, a patchwork of gold grain and occasional strands of oak and pine which stretch in to the hallucinatory blue horizon. This region is actually a cycling and hiking paradise - biking routes abound for guests who want to venture off- the-beaten-route over the "Route de Lavande" and mountaineering holidays to the "Grande Randonne" trails are an adventurer's desire. The imposing Luberon Mountains and Vaucluse basic function the backdrop to the magnificent panoramas of ancient villages perched on hillsides; with the scents of rosemary, thyme, savory and not least, lavender.

The "Route de Lavande" prospects guests through swathes of fragrant fields, gardens, distilleries, museums and villages. The many festivals, the most important hosted by Sault, show lavender floats and shows and present not simply bouquets and sachets, but all types of lavender-linked solution - creamy honey, scented candles and also aprons. Eating places provide lavender inspired menus and spas offer thermal baths and massages with lavender oil.