Lavender and the Valensole plateau
The colours of Provence
A vast sunny balcony overlooking the Durance valley, the Plateau de Valensole is a must-see in Provence, a few minutes from Moustiers. Spread over more than 800 km², this undulating territory offers, throughout the seasons, a unique visual and olfactory spectacle. If Lavender is the undisputed ambassador, other traditional or innovative cultures are taking root there, drawing a living, colorful agricultural landscape deeply rooted in the local identity.
Lavender, emblem of the plateau
You have to be patient to see lavender in bloom. The flowers show up when the Provençal sun warms the red earth of the plateau. It is between mid-June and mid-July that the Plateau de Valensole is adorned with purple. The show is ephemeral, but unforgettable. At sunrise or sunset, the contrasts of light and fragrances create a magical atmosphere.
The cultivation of lavender is an integral part of the agricultural heritage of the region. Each stage, from planting to distillation, calls on a know-how passed down from generation to generation. Many craft distilleries open their doors to visitors to discover the transformation process. The freshly cut flowers are heated by steam to extract the essential oil, a precious concentrate of Provençal scents. The oils are then used in perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy.
Beyond its visual appeal, lavender is also a valuable plant for biodiversity: its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It thus symbolises a balance between beauty, tradition and respect for nature. A delight for the eyes and the sense of smell!
Where to find lavender fields in Provence?
The lavender fields in Provence, for the most part, are located on the Plateau de Valensole. From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, take the direction of Puimoisson and then Valensole. You will also find these songs of purple flowers on the Plateau de Sainte-Croix, towards the village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
© OT MoustiersLavender or lavandin?
Lavender only grows above 800 metres above sea level, appreciating limestone soils and resisting the cold very well. You need to harvest more than 100 kilos of lavender to extract 1 liter of essential oil, unlike lavandin where only 40 kilos are enough. It can be recognized by its narrow leaves and its fine, unique flower spike on the stem.
Aspic lavender , on the other hand, does not grow above 600 meters above sea level. Its leaves are wide and have many stems bearing several small spikes.
On the Valensole plateau, you can only find lavandin, a hybrid between its two species.
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
The Valensole Plateau, the centre of agriculture
Well beyond lavender, the Plateau de Valensole is an exceptional terroir for several Mediterranean crops. It can be visited throughout the year. Every day it is a different landscape that will transport you away from your worries.
In March, it is the almond trees that are in bloom. Covered in a pink dress, it is a real delight to walk around while waiting for the arrival of spring. The almond tree, a traditional tree of Haute-Provence, is experiencing a new boom. Drought-resistant and well adapted to the local climate, it produces a quality almond, which is processed on site into oils, biscuits and artisanal sweets.
Pistachio, more recent but promising, is successfully established on some farms, taking advantage of the limestone soil and long periods of sunshine. The fields of immortelles, sage, or sunflowers, produce a firework of colors that will enchant you at any time of the year.
To sum up, depending on the season, the Plateau takes on different aspects: the snow-capped peaks and almond trees in March give way in July to the changing mauve of lavender and the gold of wheat. In November, the ochre of the ploughed land contrasts with the pure blue winter sky.