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Post by mez on Mar 9, 2008 10:05:15 GMT -5
Hi all.
Still mulling in my mind when the next Paris trip will be- it's looking more likely that it will be in 2009.
In addition to Paris, I am looking to head further afield and see some more of France.
One thing I've always wanted to see is lavender fields in bloom,
Has anyone done this before? Where did you go? When did you go?
I've started to do some research but like anything on the internet these days there is just so much info to sift through.
Thanks, Mez
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Post by Anne on Mar 9, 2008 11:06:39 GMT -5
Here is a map of Provence . When clicking on each geographical area, you will discover the blooming period for this area, plus a suggested itinerary, places to visit with relation to lavender, etc ... www.routes-lavande.com/travelling/map.html |
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Post by mez on Mar 9, 2008 11:25:55 GMT -5
That's fantastic Anne - thanks!
Mez
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Post by Darcy on Mar 9, 2008 13:15:03 GMT -5
An amazing site, Anne! This is definitely going into my favorites, thank you!  |
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Post by cigalechanta on Mar 9, 2008 14:51:24 GMT -5
I've done the lavender route. The Valensole plateau is the most intensive production. Lots of lavender fetes in August. Harvesting is usually between late july and mid august
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Post by mez on Mar 9, 2008 18:01:14 GMT -5
Harvesting is usually between late july and mid august Yes - I didn't realise it all happened at the height of summer - a time of year I prefer to avoid travelling in.  May need to rethink my plans or adjust my attitude ;D Mez |
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Mar 11, 2008 19:37:05 GMT -5
The lavender fields in Provence are beautiful in full bloom, but having been there in a very hot July all I can say is, brace yourself! But, it is a spectacular sight to see and certainly worth doing at least once.
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Post by Katharine on Apr 6, 2008 20:15:37 GMT -5
Hi Becky, I was just wondering if the lavendar fields will be in bloom in early June. I know that a lot depends on the weather, but we will be there the week of June 3, and I want to scratch the fields off my "Bucket List." Any ideas?  Thanks. Katharine |
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Apr 7, 2008 16:25:04 GMT -5
Hi Katharine - sorry but I just don't know! I've only been there the one time, but I'm sure there are many people on this forum who will be able to help with more specific information. Sounds like you're going to have a really good trip!
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Post by Anne on Apr 8, 2008 1:49:19 GMT -5
Katharine, if you check the website that I posted earlier on this tread, you can find the blooming period for each area by clicking on the areas list at the left of the main page . It appears that the earliest blooming period is mid June, and that's for the earliest areas, but then this also depends on how warm the spring will be ...
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Post by ouiparis on May 3, 2008 19:20:56 GMT -5
Anne, thanks for that link! For those of you who've been, is it not worth it to go off-blooming season?
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Post by cigalechanta on May 3, 2008 22:53:21 GMT -5
I was there once in early September, there were still fields of lavender but the color had faded but what was great was that some of the farmers burned down the stumps that were old to replant and the scent of lavender mixed with smoke was heavenly. I'll never forget it.
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Post by ouiparis on May 4, 2008 1:13:48 GMT -5
Thanks, Cigalechanta. That's actually around the time we'd' be going. Do you think it's worth it to make the trek from Nice?
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Post by cigalechanta on May 4, 2008 11:57:15 GMT -5
I don't know, the wather plays a big part in the blooming fase. The higher parts of Provence is where th true lavender grows, the lower parts are usually lavandin, a hybrid of true and spike lavenders. The Valensole plateau is an ideal area for the lavandin and true lavender is in the " mauve triangle" Banon,Sault and Sereron districts.
The Maison de la France put out a beautiful booklet on the Lavender Routes. Don't know if it is still available, otherwise, try routes.lavande@educagri.fr
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on May 4, 2008 11:59:49 GMT -5
It's lovely countryside whether the lavender is blooming or not - I don't think you would regret spending a day or two just exploring the area (and it might inspire you to go back during the bloom period, and then you would know exactly where you wanted to spend time).
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Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha