Lavender Museum │ Encountering Lavender
The Luberon region bursts with vibrant colors, and after leaving the red hues of Roussillon, you’ll be greeted by the vast purple lavender fields. In Coustellet, nestled within the Luberon Natural Park, lies the Lavender Museum. Here, visitors can explore the history of lavender through images and films while learning about its various products. One highlight is a demonstration video showcasing the process of extracting lavender essential oil. If you’re captivated by this fragrant bloom, the museum shop offers charming lavender-inspired souvenirs—a perfect keepsake of your encounter with this iconic plant.
Ménerbes │ A Hidden Sanctuary
The village of Ménerbes first came to global attention through Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence. Mayle spent a period of his life here, capturing its serene charm. Ménerbes has just two entry points and can be explored in about an hour. Once inside, the hustle and bustle of the outside world melt away.
This quaint village exudes a natural simplicity, its unassuming beauty coming from stone or cement-walled houses painted in soft yellows with blue doors and shutters. The tranquil streets and lack of crowds create a peaceful retreat. If time permits, staying for a few days offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect, enjoy the sunlight, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace a slower pace of life.
Sault │ A Medieval Lavender Haven
Known as the “Lavender Capital,” Sault is surrounded by endless fields of lavender and sits at an elevation of 400 meters. This small town, with a population of around 1,000, is one of Europe’s most significant lavender-producing regions.
The elevated location means the lavender blooms later here, with the season often extending until mid-August. The rolling hills create a dynamic landscape of tiered lavender fields, perfect for taking in the scenic beauty. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lavender sea, breathing in its fragrance or capturing photo-worthy moments even with just a silhouetted figure amidst the purple expanse.
Sault retains many of its medieval alleyways and features charming antique shopfronts. On Wednesday mornings, the weekly market comes alive, a tradition that dates back to 1515.
Valensole │ Awash in Sunshine
Valensole, one of the most iconic villages in Provence, is perched on the Valensole Plateau. Its sunny summer days and elevated terrain provide the ideal conditions for lavender cultivation. At the heart of the village, a small fountain flows gently under the radiant sunshine, narrating tales of simple and joyful living.
Valensole hosts an annual Lavender Festival, where locals don traditional attire and parade through the streets with lavender products and farming tools. The festival brings a lively and colorful atmosphere, celebrating the essence of this enchanting town.
Final Words
Strolling through the stone-paved lanes of these villages, brushing against timeworn walls, and listening to the soft murmur of fountains, every flower, shadow, and corner seems to whisper the enchanting spirit of Provence.
In this magical region, you’ll feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the fragrance of lavender in the air, and the gentle interplay of light and shadow. Provence holds a unique power to heal and delight, wrapping you in its charm and leaving you with memories of its romance and tranquility.