All of us who love travel have bucket lists. And at the top of mine was an area I had seen only in books — and adored: the Luberon area of France in late June when lavender is in full bloom!
Even from my window seat on the tour bus, I pressed my nose and my camera to the glass to capture tidy fields of neatly planted lavender radiating out and forming movable spokes — well, almost — as we passed by.
But both of us were stunned when we stopped at Senanque Abbey near the village of Gordes to wander beside the fields and inside and around the abbey. Founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks, the abbey provided housing for monks and a place for writing and quiet worship. Today, the abbey, a fine example of Romanesque architecture and a stately anchor for the region, is much photographed and loved by visitors year-round.
It wasn’t just the vivid purple color of the blossoms that made us fall in love with lavender. It was also the scent — fresh, not too sweet, but pleasant and inviting.
A tour of Musee de la Lavande acquainted us on the art of planting, harvesting, drying, and processing this much sought-after plant known for its medicinal qualities as well as its fragrance and beauty.
Of course, there was no resisting the purchase of lavender for friends.
And so it was that a dream was realized. I asked Bert to take this touristy shot of me wearing my Provencal t-shirt in one of the fields. And as silly as the picture is, I can still remember that joyous day in the Luberon.
And I can still smell that smell.
Rusha and Bert Sams
This post is one of a series of one-word prompts for April 2020 called Discover Prompts by WordPress. Enjoy!
natureandphotography
Wow beautiful field of lavenders!
Oh, the Places We See
I was sooo excited! I had heard about fields of lavender, but wasn’t sure we were touring at the right time to see them. So, you can imagine how happy I was that there they were right in front of us! Thanks for visiting and commenting. Stay safe.
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gallivance.net
Beautiful, Rusha! I have always wanted to see the fields of lavender for myself, but I haven’t managed it … yet. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking me there. I love the last photo. ~Terri
Oh, the Places We See
It didn’t surprise me that this was the number one clicked post. I now put fields of lavender in the same category as sunrises and sunsets: people pleasers!!! Thx for taking a look and commenting. Hope you’re still safe and not going stir crazy!!!
Michael
Thanks for posting! These pictures look great 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for visiting Provence through our blog. What a gorgeous area — sweet-smelling, too! Appreciate the comment.
lapoubelle1969
This is on my bucket list as well, I’ve always put it off because I thought it would be crowded with other visitors. Maybe this June will be a lot quieter (if we’re allowed to travel)!
Oh, the Places We See
I’d love a return trip, for sure. There are more places to photograph and new fields everywhere. Wishing you all the best. Stay safe out there.
Happy Panda
These photographs are beautiful. Truly making me miss travelling!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’d love a return trip!
thegenxtravels
How pretty! I love lavender in bloom!
Oh, the Places We See
It really is beautiful. I’m not sure if it grows in the US, but it would be worth looking into.
thegenxtravels
It does grow in Us. I have some in my back yard, although more of a bush, spreads slow. I’m not sure if it’s the same variety though.
anbaworldwide
Oh, I absolutely love it. We were lucky to see lavender in bloom in 2018 and I, too, can still smell it (I also still have a little cache that I brought back with me 😉 )
Oh, the Places We See
I’d love a return trip. The profusion of color and scent remains with me, but I could stand there again with arms outstretched! Thanks for commenting.
anbaworldwide
Me too 🙂
Sue
Ooooh, I have never been in Sénanque at quite the right time! Thanks for showing these!
Oh, the Places We See
You would be in photographer heaven. I now have a better camera, and I’d love to go back. This was also mid-day. If I go back, I hope we travel alone so we can go early morning when the color might be richer.
Sue
Yes!