Valensole, the Capital City of Lavender
by Francois Hagnere on 03/05/09 at 4:26 am
Lavender fields as far as the eye can see. The deep fragrance of plants scents the air in the delightful landscape of Provence, France. ETs observing the plants were met here by a witness.
This is where most of Jean Giono’s novels take place, in the heart of Provence, France. Visiting the region in March when almond trees are in bloom is a memorable experience. When July comes, the fields turn purple-blue and the fragrance of lavender scents the air. The large hamlet of Valensole literally is surrounded with lavender. Stroll the hillsides, breathe and relax, let your eyes dive into this intense color and forget all of your worries. Lavender is so magic. It reminds me of my Mother who used to sew little sachets in beautiful fabric. She poured lavender into them and placed the sachets in our wardrobes.
The plants, I told you, are so magical that on July 1st, 1965, a witness saw a UFO and ETs crouching and observing the plants. They wore blue suits. Where the UFO landed the lavender inexplicably died within a few meters, and the soil became like concrete. No plants ever grew for two years and the soil remained hard. This is a true story.
The massive church of Valensole overlooks the village and is quite picturesque. It offers a gothic façade and apse. The stalls in the choir date back to the XVIth century. Lovely fountains can be found here and there in the shaded narrow streets. The Amiral de Villeneuve (1763-1806) was born here. He was defeated by Nelson at Trafalgar. Not far from Valensole, Allemagne-en-Provence has such an unexpected castle that you might think you are in the Loire Valley.
Enjoy your stay in Provence and keep your eyes open…
Lavender in Valensole, Provence, France.
Image source: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Plateau_de_valensole1.JPG
The plateau of Valensole. The rockbound hills called the « Penitents ».
Image source: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:P%C3%A9nitents.JPG
Allemagne-en-Provence. The castle.
Image source: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Chateau_Allemagne_en_Provence_IMG_9064_touched.jpg
Lavender fields in July, Valensole, Provence.
Image source: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Plateau_de_valensole2.JPG
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12 Comments
chris73
May 3rd, 2009
I adore levander scent. But i can not understand why people force that plant to grow even in northern France
Also like palm trees! What the hell a palm tree is doing in front of a mediaeval church? Can a French person imagine his ancenstor before 200 years for example in front of such a church and near a palm tree? Before visiting Normandy, i thought Greeks are silly enough on this subject even if they live much southern(hello! here is not Miami!), but i found out that other people are too. Maybe we always want what we do not own. Each place, by nature, have its very own scenery, it is not needed to deform it.
BC Doan
May 3rd, 2009
I like lavender scent, since it relaxes me!
Daziano
May 7th, 2009
Gorgeous! And I love those little sachets!!!
At Chris: what would you say about Quebec then? People grow lavander here, but even more surprising there are some places where each summer they import palm trees and they plant them next to a beach right in a Canadian lake surrounded by pine trees!
Ruby Hawk
May 12th, 2009
Your pictures are so beautiful and I love lavender. I had it in my yard before I moved to an apartment.
R J Evans
May 21st, 2009
Gorgeous lavender – thanks for sharing. I want to go there now!
Lukas
May 25th, 2009
When is the best time to visit the lavenders when r they most colourful, i live i nCanada and i would like to fly and see this thank you
Francois Hagnere
May 25th, 2009
Thank you all for your nice comments.
Hi Lukas, best time for you is from June to July. Welcome to France! and Bon voyage!
Cowboy
May 29th, 2009
I plan to be in Provence/Cote d’azur in mid-June next month. Is there any chance I can see some lavender fields that have turned purple? Where will they be?
Thanks in advance
Francois Hagnere
May 30th, 2009
Hi Cowboy,
They will be in bloom. They have started blooming already. In Provence, you cannot miss them if you drive to the countryside. Have a nice stay!
Cowboy
May 30th, 2009
Francois,
Great! Thanks for the info.
Aaron Paul Hicks
Jun 7th, 2009
Loved the article and love lavender too, i would be hopeless living near a lavender field as a slight sniff of the plant and im fast asleep and find it to be a really good relaxent, how does it affect you?
Great piece of work as always,
Best regards
Aaron
PhoenixRox
Jul 17th, 2009
Those lavender fields sure would be wonderful to visit!!
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