July is the time to enjoy the glorious sight and perfume of Lavender in Provence, and one of the classic places to view this emblematic herb in all its glory is at the Abbey of Notre Dame de Senanque near Gordes (84 Vaucluse, Provence)
For a map of the Lavender routes see www.grande-traversee-alpes.com Also on the site you can download (télécharger) a brochure in English on the routes and places to visit.
However, beware that the Vaucluse département offers advice on how to cope with the summer heat – recommending everyone, especially the elderly, to keep their houses cool, spend several hours a day in a cool environment, and drink plenty of water!
If you cannot get to France and the Provence Lavender, you could instead see an impressive display of lavenders in the UK at Wolds Way Lavender just off the A64 east of Malton (North Yorkshire) on the way towards Scarborough. They also have installed a still, so you may be able to see something of the distillation process which produces the essential oil from the lavender flowers.
If you are looking to stay near the Abbey of Notre Dame de Senanque, many recommend a nearby B&B/Guesthouse – Domaine de l’Enclos with 6 comfortable en-suite rooms and a swimming pool – Le Domaine de l’Enclos is a property of 1,4 hectares,near the village of Gordes ( 10 minutes walk) , one of the most beautiful villages in France, at the beginning of the road to the beautiful Abbey Senanque.
Hotels and other accommodation including B&B and Gites in Provence
If in Provence, seeing the lavender fields is a must! Some friends and I just returned from the region and while the lavender was not yet in full bloom the aroma and sight were pretty wonderful. Just like the photos, it is an overwhelming thing of beauty. The lavender is a plant and has its rough edges like any other… but the sight of these seemingly perfect rows drifting along the landscape make for a lovely memory. The scent is just as wonderful. But it’s not just about lavender… when seeking out the lavender fields you are sure to pass sunflowers, poppies and vines.