The Lavender Fields in Provence are incredibly intoxicating. Over the years, we have made the hour and a half drive many many times, hoping to hit the lavender fields at their fullest bloom, at the right moment of utter glory.
Today we did it.
I could not stop inhaling the perfume and literally my eyes hurt from the overload of color.
I am teasing sort of.
Today was the day I have been dreaming about.
We went to Mousiters Saint Marie and hiked to the chapel. Of course we took the rough, rugged, hardest trail up. Of course! Of course I was in a dress with sandals, so not dressed for the occassion. Of course I held on to French Husband's arm as if I would die any minute if I did not. The fear of falling is my problem these days.
Our friend Allison was with us. She soaked in every detail. Such a trooper on the slippery slick stone path. Even when a bee stung her, she still smiled and carried on!
The trail down is easier, and as we found out the better trail to go up next time.
So if you are in Moustiers Saint Marie follow the trail on the right, not the left. Unless you like rough rugged adventure.
The view is worth ever inch of the climb.
Tiled rooftops below of Moustiers Saint Marie. Charming out of a movie set though a reality so true in France. I will never grow tired of it. Never.
Do you know back in the day the roof tiles were made on a woman's thigh? The curve and form created like that. When I look at those tiles, and they are everywhere in the south of France, I cannot help thinking that is alot of leg.
The French lavender fields in Provence.
Always in bloom the first part of July.
This year the lavender is in full bloom, hearty, thick, rich.... I daresay the best every!
Field after field, row after row. Incredibly beautiful. Ask French Husband how many times Allison and I shouted, "Stop the car!" then gasped, "Oh my God!"
A couple thousand at least.
Where to stay:
Alain Ducasse La Bastide de Moustiers
More information about Where to go and what to do...
http://www.france-voyage.com/cities-towns/valensole-15190.htm
Lavender Festival in Valensole July 20th 2014, but the lavender my be cut before then...
http://www.worldeventlistings.com/en/france/events/lavander-festival-e-928991
Have you ever cooked with Lavender?
Oh my . . . what a treat!
Posted by: Lynne | 02 July 2014 at 12:44 AM
I think I can smell it all the way over here....so beautiful!
Posted by: g | 02 July 2014 at 02:06 AM
Thanks, Corey. A dream I hope one day to see.
Posted by: Debra | 02 July 2014 at 02:13 AM
I love and have always loved and always will love your blog!!! Thank you xo
Posted by: cathy | 02 July 2014 at 02:38 AM
Just gorgeous!
I would be yelling to stop the car too.
The color is so stunning.
I have lavender in my yard, but it is a
lighter variety, still pretty, but not
as stunning!
Posted by: Marilyn | 02 July 2014 at 05:43 AM
Oh Corey this makes my heart ache...so beautiful... so sad I cant come see it at this time of year... me allergic to lavender and AH allergic to Bees! cest la vie! xo
Posted by: Nicol Sayre | 02 July 2014 at 06:27 AM
So wonderful!
And you have been to Valensole!!! I also think the lavender is more beautiful than ever this year. My husband has been there last week and when I see his photos I could cry. I really hope that there will be some blooming lavender left when we come to the fete de lavande.
Thanks a lot for these beautiful impressions of the country of my dreams!
Posted by: stadtgarten | 02 July 2014 at 08:34 AM
Have been to Moustiers a few times and one time to the chapel - a lovely town to visit and certainly scenic in itself and in the surrounding lavender and views of the Lac de Sainte Croix.
Posted by: 24/7 in France | 02 July 2014 at 08:59 AM
Giving me goose bumps today! Thanks for the stunning views!
Posted by: Gretchen Seibert | 02 July 2014 at 03:31 PM
I think we came to Provence at the wrong time of year! The photos are just beautiful -- such intense color. They look like paintings.
Posted by: Eileen | 02 July 2014 at 04:17 PM
I'm inhaling vicariously through this post, Corey! Merci, merci, merci! Such beauty!
Posted by: Cindy | 02 July 2014 at 06:09 PM
did not know that about the tile(love it)+ beautiful images. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: Peggy Braswell | 02 July 2014 at 06:35 PM
Wow! thanks so very much for sharing it all!
Posted by: jh | 02 July 2014 at 07:45 PM
Fabulous!!!! Thanks for sharing.... the fields of lavendar are magical....
Posted by: Pam | 02 July 2014 at 08:17 PM
I love the photographs. I would love to use one on my website, or as a book cover. Is this possible?
Love the BLOG!
Posted by: Gretchen | 03 July 2014 at 03:02 PM