I'd say we were about a week too early to see the Provence lavender in full bloom and full aroma. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it thoroughly. This is the walk-way to the second apartment we rented near the town of Carpentras. Walking this every day and letting your hands or legs brush the lavender brought out the intense aroma.
Our landlady brought out shears and a ribbon and told me to cut some to take home. I brought just a little home. Was not sure if it would get through security, but it did. I was also given a bottle of lavender extract oil from two different friends in France. The idea is to put very little in the towel and linen cupboard and enjoy a dreamy, restful sleep on exotic smelling sheets. The first night, I think it kept me awake. I just wanted to keep sniffing.
It's beautiful...it is Provence in a nutshell. It is a memory I will keep forever.
When I think of Provence, after the food of course, the next thing to come to mind is lavender. I brought a dried bunch of lavender back with me and though it continues to shed, I continue to refuse to throw it away.
ReplyDeleteSam
Mmmmm! Lavender has such a great fragrance and it's hard to resist anything having the aroma. The pics are gorgeous with it growing so beautifully. I just wish it could survive the winters here in the garden.
ReplyDeleteSmell has always been my favorite sense... I would have been in heaven!! Not to mention the visual pleasure. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteSusan, I enjoyed this travel journey. I did not know that Provence was known for lavender too. So very pretty. I always think food and wine first.
ReplyDeleteVelva
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI brought back lavender sachets. I could have just rolled in those fields. Loved the food and the markets.
Carol
My lavender is looking great at the moment. I especially love it as it attracts so many different insects and they are so interesting to watch. Diane
ReplyDeleteIt's almost impossible to grow these beauties here in Savannah. Lovely, lovely photos, Susan! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI've never been in Provence, but have been in Norfolk when the fields of lavender were one day after the bees arrived and the memory is one I hope I'll keep forever: the sun, the fragrance, the hum of the bees.
ReplyDeleteMontana is looking like a relaxing trip, Susan. I love it when no TV is available..it leads to reading, doing puzzles, playing card games and conversation, things we often forget the importance of.
ReplyDeleteNothing more lovely or more heavenly than lavender. To see in a field, to smell and even to cook with.
Enjoy your summer!!
The soft hue of the lavender is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe too were a little early for the full bloom of the lavender in Provence. There is so much to see and do that it is always wonderful. I bought soap and bath salts with bits of lavender to bring home. Did you know that lavender is supposed to keep moths away?
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