Hello everyone!
Last week I invited you to travel with me to Corsica. Today, we are going to Provence, adding it in the same trip, during the period of the European summer, this French island full of personality is perfect. It is the time when the lavender fields are in bloom. The flowering lavender season varies from mid-June to August. It is so beautiful to see those huge plantations with purple flowers, a spectacular scent in the air and hear the noise of bees working to produce the famous lavender honey.
I chose as a basis the city of Aix-en-Provence to stay while doing my comings and goings around the region. Aix alone is worth the trip. Is very old, was founded by the Romans in 103 B.C. but, at the same time it’s so modern and alive. The city has many students and has a great nightlife. This contrast is its high point. In addition, it is well positioned in the heart of Provence. From there, everything is close by. However, you must rent a car to be able to stop where you wish. After all, every lavender field and each medieval village will certainly make you want to stop.
I rented a 3 bedroom apartment in the middle of Aix to have a more “insider” experience. After all, one of the best “pizzerias” of Provence is the one in the city. The fairs are a temptation, they sell everything. From clothing to food, and the fruits are unbeatable. The cherries, peaches and nectarines are the sweetest. The wines… needless to say. Not to mention the cheeses, olives, bread… soooo good! Everything is amazing.
Every day I set out a roadmap to explore Provence. I went to the medieval villages of Loumarin, Bonnieux, Gordes, Roussilion, Sault and always made a stop in the lavender fields which was the reason for my trip this time of the year. In Sault there is plenty of lavender. On another day I started in Manosque where the L’Occitane factory is located and then went toward the canyon of the Gorges du Verdon, near the cute city of Moustieres-St-Marie. To my surprise, I found a lavender field next to a field of sunflowers. Spectacular! These plantations are located on the outskirts of Valensole which is one of the most famous places to go hiking through fields of lavender.
Provence is spectacular. Next Tuesday I will share a bit more of the south of France. I hope that the lavenders inspire your week!
XoXo and see you next Tuesday!
