The power of lavender…..
I had never bumbled about this part of France until last year. Provence. Great food, incredible wine, lavender fields, rolling vistas….there must be something to this place to have attracted many of the great artists and writers, and I wanted to find out.
While researching this area before I left, wonderful images of vast lavender fields seemed to dominate the collections. How silly of me to realize that they are in full bloom in the early summer…of course after I arrived in September!
My idea for tonight’s image and post was sparked by a little routine that my daughter and I go thru.
As is always the case when she is with me, our little ritual before her bedtime consists of using a little lavender pillow spray that I bought for her while in this region. She loves to spray this just before I read to her at night. Just before we dive into the story of the evening, we both lie there and breath in the scent a few times and clear our thoughts. What a great time of the day!
Anyway, just a silly little insight to tonight’s search for the image. Hope you find you’re own ritual to share with your loved ones!
The original post above was posted on my Photography Blog MDSimages, but figured I would add a bit the more that I thought about it. Specifically a little bit more about these amazing lavender fields in this area of France. And with the help of AI and ChatGPT, I share with you …
Capturing the Purple Hues: A Photographer’s Guide to the Lavender Fields of Southern France
Best Time to Visit
The lavender fields of Southern France are a spectacle of nature, best captured in full bloom. The ideal time to visit is from mid-June to mid-August. The peak bloom period, usually in early July, offers the most vibrant hues and the sweetest aromas.
Top Towns for Lavender Fields
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Valensole: Nestled in the heart of Provence, Valensole is renowned for its vast lavender fields. The Plateau de Valensole is a photographer’s paradise, offering panoramic views of purple splendor.
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Sault: Perched on a hilltop, Sault borders the Vaucluse Mountains. The lavender fields here are interspersed with wheat, creating a stunning contrast that’s perfect for photography.
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Gordes: Famous for the Senanque Abbey, Gordes offers a unique backdrop of an ancient monastery surrounded by lavender fields.
Best Areas for Home Base
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Aix-en-Provence: A vibrant city full of art and history, Aix-en-Provence is centrally located, making it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding lavender regions.
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Avignon: Rich in culture and history, Avignon provides easy access to various lavender fields and offers numerous accommodation options.
Lunch Spots Amidst Lavender
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La Table de Sault: Offering Provencal cuisine with a view of the fields, it’s a delightful spot for a relaxing lunch.
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Le Mas des Lavandes: Near Valensole, this charming eatery serves local dishes with fresh, aromatic ingredients.
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L’Auberge de Senanque: Located near Gordes, this restaurant offers a tranquil setting and a menu inspired by the region’s flavors.
Photography Tips
- Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography.
- Experiment with different angles and compositions.
- Respect the fields and private properties.
The lavender fields of Southern France offer an unforgettable experience for photographers and nature lovers alike. With careful planning, you can capture the mesmerizing beauty of these purple landscapes and enjoy the local culture and cuisine.
If you are looking for more info about this area and topic (and to be honest with you, a MUCH better and deeper post), check out Samantha’s post over here on her site called SeeingSam. SO much information. Actually, I think I’ll bookmark the post as well for the next time I make it back there!