Lavender and lavandin in Valensole
Introducing you to the magical world of Valensole, where lavender and lavandin fields will enchant you. Come with me on a purple bike and let’s explore this fascinating Provencal village together! I’ll tell you about the romantic atmosphere of the town, its stunning scenery and its curiosities. Get ready, because this place offers a truly unique and memorable experience.
Bring a purple bike!
Why a bike? Because this is the rhythm of the countryside. Why purple? Let’s be true to the spirit of the place: it’s such a romantic little colour, it’s also the most common colour in this beautiful provincial village. We drink wine from purple glasses on purple terraces, while we scan the purple fields of the neighbouring hillsides.
Where is it?
South of France -> Provence -> Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. East of Avignon, about 100 kilometres north of Marseille. Easy access by motorway. A Marseille-Lyon railway passes through the neighbouring town. Well served by long-distance buses – to the neighbouring town. That is the problem: The town of Manosque, twenty kilometres away, has quite normal traffic; from there, however, two trains a day stop in the village, one at around 8:00 in the morning and one at 12:30. After that, nothing.
Why is it interesting?
Valensole’s claim to fame is its seemingly endless lavender fields. They base their whole tourism strategy on this. But I think the village on the hill has a charming, romantic atmosphere, with golden wheat fields and lots of trees on the hillsides; the roads wind along valleys.
This is a one-day settlement.
Ask at the tourist office for a map, which will take you around the village’s most beautiful buildings in two hours. There will be plenty of photo opportunities. It seems to me that there are houses, statues, churches and small castles here from the Middle Ages. Grab a light snack on one of the terraces, have a glass of local wine; in the afternoon, find a lavender field yourself.
I liked the Plateau field the best (it’s on the DO8 road to the village of Estoublon). The Petit Plateau field was interesting because it is surrounded by mountains and valleys. But most people visit the ones along the road to Manosque.
In the evening, visit the lavender museum, which is really just an exhibition space on a terrace, but the posters are interesting.
What does the internet offer?
On the hills along the Valensole – Manosque road, you can also stand in the bushes (and elsewhere) for a photo. The brochure also suggests spending your money in local souvenir shops, and there is usually a café next to the showrooms.
Approach:
Don’t walk! I’m bloody tired. I didn’t see any bike rental options today, but maybe I should have just kept looking. However, if you do use public transport, I suggest you look online in Manosque for a shop where you can rent a scooter for the day.
What did I look at?
The lavender fields in the forest and among the wheat fields. I walked around the village before and after.
What does the local tourist office say?
Concerts and other shows, romantic terraces, delicious snacks, lavender farms.
Prices:
Marseille – Manosque distance 15.5 euros by bus or train. Manosque – Valensole distance €1.5 – if the bus is running. A main course is available from twenty euros. Pint of beer on the terrace €5.5. You can buy a coffee for two euros in the bakery. There is a Casino and Udrive Market in the village. The fields are free of charge, the gift shops are optional. Udrive’s grocery store is on the higher side of the village. With a relatively normal offer. Accommodation is scarce and not cheap; I would certainly look in the next town…
Getting there:
Marseille or Avignon possibly from Lyon by train / bus / motorway. There are few parking spaces in the village and they are not always spacious. Instead, take a few hundred metres walk through the vintage houses. If you do decide to use public transport, plan carefully! Manosque Gare station is easy to get to, but from there you have one bus at 8am and one at 1pm. That’s it. Plan where you’ll be or rent a scooter!
Why would I come back?
Great hiking in the area! There is a campsite above the village. I would time it so that I arrive at some kind of festival. For example, music at the end of June, or
21 July lavender festival.
I think the exact programmes are on the village or local tourist office website.
I wrote all this while I was on the bus back to everyday reality, 2024. 28 June. Thursday
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Botanical Name: lavandula angustifolia
- Appearance: finer, shorter stemmed and smaller flowers.
- Aroma: A more delicate and sweeter smell.
- Use: It is more commonly used in essential oils, cosmetics and aromatherapy because of its sedative properties.
- Growing Conditions: grows well in higher altitudes and less fertile soil, less tolerant of drought and heat.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
- Botanical Name: lavandula x intermedia
- Appearance: stronger, longer stemmed and larger flowers.
- Aroma: Stronger, spicier scent than lavender.
- Use: It is often used for industrial purposes, such as in detergents and soaps, because it is cheaper to produce and has a stronger fragrance.
- Growing conditions: hardier plant, better tolerant of heat and drought, grows well in lower altitudes.
