The Lavender Route
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 oil and by-products that smell wonderful in the Provençal summer.
Blooming period: mid-June to the end of July
Stage 1 – The Lavender Museum in Coustellet
LOOP DEPARTING FROM AVIGNON – 160 km
Avignon -> Lavender Museum – 32km
The Lavender museum offers tours of its still exhibition, workshops, experiences and events to discover the history of the Fine lavender of Provence.
Useful Information
The entry ticket provides access to the tour of the exhibition, digital tools, and seasonal activities and workshops.
Free Audio guide (11 languages) – Free quiz for children – themed workshops – Special rate for groups of 10 people +.
Stage 2 – Stroll in the lavender fields on the Claparèdes plateau
Between the dry stone cottages; the bories and the lavandin, at the foot of the Grand Luberon massif, come and discover these typically Provençal landscapes and go for a stroll, soothed by the soft singing of the cicadas…
The Agnels Distillery – Since 1895, the Agnel family has shared their passion and knowledge of lavender growing. Today, they invite you to attend a real lavender distillation and discover the manufacture of essential oils and floral waters. .
Useful Information
Guided tours for individuals available from April to October and for groups (by reservation) all year round.
Stage 3 – The Sault plateau, birthplace of the Fine lavender of Provence AOP
From the beginning of July, the flowering of the lavender and lavandin fields of the Pays de Sault awakens the senses of visitors from all over the world. Discover the vast plateau and mosaic-like landscape, made up of fields of lavender and spelt.
Stop 1 – Aroma’Plantes Distillery
Located on the foothills of Mont Ventoux, at an altitude of 750 metres, AROMA’PLANTES is a family-run establishment focusing on organic agriculture, 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.
www.distillerie-aromaplantes.com
Other distilleries to visit close by :
· La Ferme aux Lavande – http://www.la-ferme-aux-lavandes.com/
· Les Lavandes de Champelle – https://www.lavandes-champelle.fr/
· La loge aux lavandes
· Le Vallon des Lavandes
Stop 2 – Lavender path
Starting from Sault, the Lavender Capital, this well-maintained path allows you to discover all the aspects of this symbol of Provence, in all seasons. Markers and signposts line the path. A 5.5 km loop, information about access from the Sault Tourist Office.
The Lavender festival in Sault every year on 15 August.
www.fetedelalavande.fr
Other places worth seeing nearby:
Nougaterie Boyer : Master Confectioner and Nougatier since 1887 – www.nougat-boyer.fr
Les Gorges de la Nesque : A wild and grand canyon with plenty of caves, suitable for hiking and cycling.
Useful Information
More information at the Ventoux-Sud à Sault Tourist Office
www.ventouxprovence.fr – +33 (0) 4 90 64 01 21
Return to Avignon
Variation : continuation towards the Enclave des Papes to discover the Lavender paths (+100km)
Celebrating lavender in the Enclave
Corso of Lavender – every first weekend of August
The lavender paths transport you to a universe of scents and colours, between the signature lavender blue and the green of the vines. Here lies another way to discover lavender in Provence, through itineraries off the beaten track.
Richerenches and Monségur-sur-Lauzon Route (D18)
Richerenches and Colonzelle Route (D18A)
Route between Valréas and Le Pègue (Route du Pègue)
Route between Valréas ans Vinsobres (D46)
Useful information
Information from the Pays de Grignan Enclave des Papes Tourist Office
T. +33 (0)4 75 46 56 75