A weekend in lavender country

First, a little tour of the museum to learn all there is to learn about lavender

This first visit, before getting out amongst the lavender, is a necessary step for finding out all there is to know about these famous mauve sprigs, their cultivation, their uses, but also for telling the difference between lavender and its cousin lavandin!

The museum explores the evolution of lavender over the centuries: the tools and harvesting methods of these sprigs that have such a distinctive smell, as well as their conversion into essential oil.

The tour of the museum is fun and exciting with the chance to see stills, a documentary and occasional demonstrations.

Take note

• Children can get a “livret jeu” (games booklet) and win a young lavender-grower certificate
• You won’t be able to resist the essential oils in the shop by the museum exit
• Included in the Vaucluse Provence Pass

A photo of the Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey behind its lavender field is a must for your holiday album!

Now you have found out all of lavender’s secrets, head towards the most beautiful spots where you can have a look at the lavender.

On the path leading to the endless stretches of bluish violet, make a stop at Sénanque Abbey. Pictured on a number of postcards with its lavender field just in front of it, this Cistercian abbey is a symbol of Vaucluse.
The peace and tranquility of this landmark, sheltered in its valley, creates an ambiance that is perfectly suited to a place of worship.

Take note

• As you look around, go back in time with the “Histopad” tablet and discover what life was like at the Abbey in the 12th century
• Best time for taking photos: 10 / 10:30 am

Visit Vallon Distillery – in a mix of colours and scents, see demonstrations which will explain the process of extracting essential oils!

Grab a hat and a pair of sunglasses and head towards Sault Plateau at 800 metres (the altitude at which fine lavender grows… which you will have learnt at the Lavender Museum!), where Thierry and Sylvie grow their aromatic and medicinal plants on the ancienne route d’Aurel.
The distillery transforms harvested plants into essential oils during the harvest in July and August. See a demonstration of the “traditional” extraction of lavender and lavandin!

Take note

• From Monday to Saturday 10 am to 12 noon and 2 to 6 pm
• Chance to buy lavender and lavandin essential oils produced on-site

Take your time to admire the stretches of blue as you gently meander along the paths bordering the fields which stretch as far as the eye can see.

It’s time to wholeheartedly enjoy being out in the lavender fields. To truly take it all in, jump in your car, open the windows and admire the passing landscapes.
Head towards Aurel from Sault on the D942. As you round a bend, the village will sit boldly as if it is suspended before you, elevated upon a field of lavender.
Next, take the D95 and then the D63 in the direction of Ferrassières, and then begin heading back to Sault via St Trinit on the D950.

Take note

• 45-minute road trip
• Ferrassières’ lavender festival takes place on the 1st Sunday of July
• Don’t miss out on visiting the distillery Ho ! Bouquet de lavande in Ferrassières

A welcome break in the charming village of Sault, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, to make the most of a fresh summer’s night!

To end this day in the best way possible, stop in Sault and try the lavender-inspired food in Espace Regain restaurant which offers Provence lamb accompanied with Cassis sauce and lavender wine…
After feasting your eyes, make way for the taste buds!

Take note

• Sault is certified as a Station verte (Green resort – an ecotourism label), thanks to its location in the heart of the countryside and its support of nature tourism
• For a night-time stroll, take the “1h sur les pas du loup” circuit, which is marked with arrows, and wander through the picturesque lanes of the historical centre