One of the most publicized symbols of France is the famous pale lilac lavender field. Looking at such a miracle of nature, it seems that you are looking at an unearthly landscape. The field, as if waddling over low hills, goes to infinity and merges with the sky. A place of pilgrimage for tourists who yearn to see this miracle is the district of Provence. The lavender field in France can be found in other regions, but it is in Provence that it is the longest, and the shade of flowering shrubs is the brightest.
How to get there
The word "Provence" has long been synonymous with all shades of purple. If you want to find at least one lavender field in France, then head to the southern province of the same name. A large number of such fields are concentrated in the Drome-Provencal region. This is the most popular tourist route. However, experts note that the most lush and brightly flowering bushes are concentrated in the upper part of Provence, namely in the Alps. And the city of Sol is officially recognized as the capital of blooming lavender, whichlocated in the Haute-Vaucluse department. If you want to explore every lavender field in the region on your own, you will need a rental car. In Vaucluse, as a rule, they drive along the A7 or A9 highways. If you intend to visit the Alps, then the A51 road is suitable. The Drôme department can be reached via the same A7 motorway or via the A49 road.
Why lavender?
So, you are already in northern Provence. As a rule, the first thing tourists get to is the city of Avignon. The settlement itself is a standard French province, but as soon as you go beyond it, you will find yourself in an abyss of lilac color and the fragrance of lavender. The fact is that in Provence the lavender field is a typical landscape. There are areas that are sown with cultivars, but most of the territory is wild shrubs that bloom annually at the behest of nature. That is why lavender has become the official symbol of this province, and every resident considers it a duty to plant at least one purple bush in his yard.
Detailed description of routes
We have already said that the Alps, located in upper Provence, are the territory with the most brightly flowering plants. The main valley of the region is Valensole, which is located in the possession of the town of the same name. In the middle of summer, this area is simply immersed in lilac color and the scent of lavender. From there lies a short route to the village of Digne-les-Bains. There are no well-trodden tourist routes here. Just by coming here, you canwander in those wild lavender bushes that bloom most brightly and smell the most.
Cultural Entertainment
When you get tired of walking around the expanses of Provence and inspecting every field, you can look into the lavender museum. It is located in the city of Kustel. Here you can see all the equipment with which lavender flowers are used to make consumer goods. This includes soap, shampoos, creams, as well as a lot of home accessories, scented sticks, bags, and so on. On certain days, some copies can be bought as a keepsake.
Miracles are at hand
If you don’t have the opportunity to go to France, then you can find exactly the same attraction on the shores of your native Black Sea. Do you know that, just like in Provence, lavender fields bloom in Crimea in summer? If you did not know, then we hope that this was a small discovery for you. In order to see this lilac miracle, you just need to go to that region of the peninsula where this plant is popularized naturally or thanks to the efforts of man.
Regions of Crimea where lavender blooms
- Simferopol region. Here, natural lavender thickets can be found in the villages of Opushki and Mazanka. More well-groomed plantations are located in the villages of Medicinal and Harvest.
- In the Bakhchisarai region, behind the reservoir, wild, but very picturesque lavender fields are scattered. More cultivated plantings can bemeet near Turgenevka, as well as in the village of Growing.
- Sevastopol outskirts. Here, lavender fields have been preserved near Uchkuevka beach. Also, the plant can be found on the Mekenziev mountains. Previously, the lilac carpet pleased the eyes of the inhabitants of Andreevka, but because of the fire, now only a small lavender island remains there.
When should I go inspect the purple carpet?
Now we just have to choose the time to see the lavender fields in all their glory. When do wonderful plants bloom? In the middle of summer, more precisely, from July to August. In Crimea, most of the fields are unkempt, so flowering begins early - in early July. The lilac color of the fields disappears only at the beginning of September, as no one collects flowers. If we are talking about Provence, then it is best to go here in the second week of July. During this period, the most violent flowering of lavender begins, which lasts until the color is collected for processing. As a rule, this happens in mid-August.
Conclusion
Everyone, based on their tastes and abilities, can choose where to go to see the lavender field. Provence (France) - an expensive option, but quite affordable. Here you will be offered a real excursion program, a visit to the museum, the opportunity to see the most diverse varieties of this plant. You can get to Crimea much faster and cheaper. Often, viewing the lavender fields on the peninsula is compared with relaxing at sea. Without spending too much time and money, you cango to Bakhchisaray or in the vicinity of Sevastopol and see with your own eyes a blooming purple miracle.
