The Lavender route around Ventoux
In Provence there are several types of lavender which grow naturally, but which are cultivated for their essential oil: Fine lavender, Aspic and Lavendin. Lavender blooms in the months of June and July, but it is nevertheless possible to discover the distilleries and museums all year round, where you can buy oils and by-products that smell wonderful in the Provençal summer.
Stage 1 – The Sault plateau, birthplace of Fine lavender
Carpentras to Sault – 42km
Discover this vast plateau and mosaic-like landscape made up of fields of lavender and spelt. Because of the altitude they bloom later (at the start of July).
Stop 1 – Aroma’Plantes Distillery
AROMA’PLANTES has been a family-run establishment focusing on organic agriculture for 30 years, specialising in the production of aromatic and medicinal plants. Visits, rambles, and workshops based around lavender are organised here.
Useful Information
Open all year, free guided tour. Free access to: ‘plantothèque’, discovery trails, gallery, aromatic’bar, shop, guided visits (FR – GB / DE – ES by reservation).
Workshops by reservation: soap (for adults and children – FR and GB), cosmetics (FR) and spindle (for groups).
www.distillerie-aromaplantes.com
Also worth seeing:
· The Lavender Farm, lavender nursery, picnic area, shop : http://www.la-ferme-aux-lavandes.com/
· The lavender of Champelle, lavender growers/ farmers:
https://www.lavandes-champelle.fr/
· The Lavender lodge, producers’ shop : +33 4 90 64 00 14
· The Vallon des Lavandes distillery, producers and distillers since 1947 (seasonal visits) – T. +33 4 90 64 14 83
· Nougaterie Boyer, traditional nougat made with lavender honey, visits and tasting sessions : www.nougat-boyer.fr
Stop 2 – Lavender path
A 5.5km loop (on foot, by bike or by car), marked out by signs, allowing you to view some of the most beautiful lavender fields.
http://static.apidae-tourisme.com/filestore/objets-touristiques/documents/83/138/3836499.pdf
The Lavender festival in Sault every year on 15 August.
www.fetedelalavande.fr
Useful Information
More information from the Ventoux-Sud Tourist office in Sault
www.ventouxprovence.fr – +33 (0) 4 90 64 01 21
Stop 3 – Return to Carpentras via the Gorges de la Nesque (D942)
