Lavender rows
To the horizon.
Nuno Alves — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Einaz80 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Michael Wittwer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Espirat — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Einaz80 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Valensole lavender fields cover the Valensole plateau in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southeast France, between the Durance valley to the west and the Verdon gorges and Lake Sainte-Croix to the south, about 50 km northeast of Aix-en-Provence and 73 km northeast of Marseille in a straight line. The plateau covers about 800 square kilometres at an average height of 500 metres and is famous for growing lavandin, a hybrid lavender, as well as truffles. In the 19th century it was planted mainly with almond trees and oaks; lavender and cereals later replaced them, earning it the name «granary of the region». Straight rows of purple lavender run to the horizon, separated by lines of pale earth, with now and then a lone tree or a stone farmhouse among them and golden wheat fields alongside. The scent of lavender fills the air, bees hum over the flowers, and blue mountains rise in the distance. The fields usually bloom from late June to mid-July, before the harvest, and visitors drive the plateau roads and stop at fields open for photos. The fields are private farmland, so do not walk between the rows or pick the flowers; sunrise and sunset give the best light.
To the horizon.
Golden.
Warm light.
Valensole plateau, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Usually late June to mid-July.
No, they are private; photograph from the edge.