Lavender: The Colours and Fragrance of Provence
Viewing the world through the lenses of renowned photographers was and remains my main objective of being on Instagram. This has greatly influenced the way I observe and perceive certain locations. It also taught me how to better compose photos and has generally helped me improve my photography skills. Having said all that, however, it also needs to be said that nothing compares to being on a tour with the pros and learning from them first-hand how to plan, compose and shoot incredible photos.
This takes me back to a Friday afternoon in May 2017, I was scrolling through my Instafeed when an ad popped up for a Lavender Field Photo Tour with the famous Daniel Kordan. With “last spot available “highlighted in bold fonts, I immediately jumped at the opportunity and booked it, and then started getting ready for what was going to be my first official professionally guided photo tour.
The itinerary was to meet up at Marseille airport and then drive out to Provence, one of the most spectacular regions in France, and a place which I am sure is on everyone’s bucket list. The legendary Provincial lavender fields are renowned to be amongst the most attractive in the world, with its famous crop being of significant importance to the locals. Not just a source of national pride but also a key tourist attraction that generates a steady source of income annually, drawing in visitors from around the globe.
The Valensole Plateau creates the most popular Provence lavender route. Nothing epitomises its appeal more than the infinite purple rows that line its landscape every summer, with the right amount of gentle swelling soil that gives the rows of lavender movement and dimension; creating the swoon-worthy iconic photo
As one would expect on a photography tour, the days were divided between chasing sunrises and sunsets, post-processing tutorials and trying to fit in a couple of hours of sleep. Delightfully, we also managed to experience and indulge in Provincial food, renowned for producing some of the most sublime cuisines in the world. The wonderful ingredients are available across town and the village markets. There was literally no bad meal or understated dessert!
In addition to the purple plateaus, the neighbouring quaint provincial villages like Puimoisson, Greoux, Luberon and Rousillion, also boast equally magnificent fields. Some are set in-between olive groves, beautiful vineyards whilst others are amongst fields of golden wheat and full-faced sunflowers creating beautiful colourful contrasts.
The lavender fields are not the only attraction in Provence. The area has a lot of spectacular natural beauty. Drive up to see the Gorges de Verdon a beautiful canyon carved by the Verdon River; definitely a must-see. If you have the time pack a swimsuit to enjoy a dip in its beautiful emerald waters.
If you enjoy full-day trips, I would recommend you start your drive, as we did, very early in the morning to witness a spectacular sunrise in Saint Santurnin, photographing the iconic provincial red thatched roofs. Then, continue your drive down to the infamous Sénanque Abbey. The unique backdrop of the stone abbey offsets the purple lavender beautifully. Tours of the abbey can be booked If you happen to be there in July. From there drive up to the farmers market in Gordes. This market is set on the foothills of Mount Vaucluse. Treat your taste buds to some of Frances best local produce. The multi-coloured tomatoes and olives were my favourite! We continued our drive to the Roussillon which is listed as one of the top ten most beautiful villages in France (it definitely lives up to that reputation). Full of authentic Provencal charm, the winding streets are adorned with red, yellow, and orange facades. Quirky, but oh so charming. This village is home to the famous Sentier des Ochres (the ochre trail) Ombre coloured cliffs are seen in this unique natural attraction in Provence. And last, but not least, it had the best lavender sorbet out of all the other places.
For non-photographers, I would recommend three days in the area to tour it fully, enjoy the food and have time to relax. For photographers, however, though perhaps it could be argued there will never be enough time to capture the beauty of the fields at sunrise and sunset, I would say six days should be enough to get you your iconic photos. Sadly, however, since traveling there four years ago, rules have changed as unfortunately a lot of the fields were damaged by careless tourists, and hence farmers have fenced the areas around the fields, and they are not all as accessible as they used to be. Nonetheless, this is still an area that must be seen once in a lifetime. Lavender is truly the colour and fragrance of Provence.
“I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows."
-William Shakespeare
Traveling tips:
The best time to visit would be from mid-June to mid-July.
Insect repellent: the fields are filled with bees it would be advised to wear long sleeves. Some tourists even wore face nets.
No perfumes when visiting the fields
Trainers not flipflops.
Warm jacket for early morning or late evenings as temperatures tend to drop.
Camera gear:
Fuji film xt1 / fujifilm xh1/xf16-55mm xf55200mm /polariser/tripod/ssd cards
Keep in mind to check the phases of the moon, it would be great to get a milky way shot over the fields! (Photopills app)
