Lavender Season in France: A Tradition in Full Bloom
Every summer, a sea of purple sweeps across the sun-drenched fields of Provence. From late June through early August, the region transforms into a dreamscape as lavender bursts into bloom, and with it comes a centuries-old tradition of harvesting, distilling, and celebrating this beloved botanical.
At La Maison Baude, we carry a deep love for the traditions of rural France, and few are as iconic as the lavender season. But beyond the breathtaking views and romantic scent is a meticulous process from field to final product, that brings this flower from plant to your home.
Where It All Begins: The Fields of Provence
Lavender in France isn’t just beautiful, it’s cultural, agricultural, and artisanal. The high-altitude plateaus of Sault, Valensole, and the Luberon offer ideal growing conditions, characterized by dry, rocky soil and abundant sunshine.
Farmers plant rows of lavender in the fall, allowing them to establish strong roots through the winter. By midsummer, the fields are humming with bees and shimmering in the Provençal heat, ready for harvest.
Harvest Time: Tradition Meets Technique
The lavender harvest typically begins in late June and continues through early August, depending on the variety and region. Some farms still harvest by hand, using sickles and linen aprons, a practice preserved for both tradition and the gentler touch it offers delicate stems.
More often, mechanical harvesters carefully cut the blossoms, which are then bundled or collected loose for the next step: distillation.
From Flower to Fragrance: The Distillation Process
Once harvested, the lavender must be distilled quickly, often within 24 hours, to preserve its essential oil. Using steam distillation, the flowers are heated and pressed, releasing aromatic oils that are then separated, cooled, and bottled.
This oil is the base for so many familiar products: soaps, perfumes, sachets, salves, cleaning sprays, and more.
Some farmers also dry bunches of lavender, which are sold as-is or used to fill linen sachets for closets, drawers, or bedside tables, a simple way to enjoy the calming scent of Provence year-round.
Lavender in the French Home
In France, lavender is more than a fragrance; it’s woven into daily life. Lavender sachets are tucked into linen cupboards to deter moths, essential oil is dabbed onto wrists or pillows for restful sleep, and dried bunches are placed in ceramic pitchers or woven baskets as both décor and tradition.
At La Maison Baude, we source lavender-based goods that reflect this simple beauty and storied heritage.
Bring Provence Home
Lavender season is fleeting, but its essence can linger in your home. Whether you’ve strolled the fields of the Luberon or are dreaming from afar, there’s something timeless about this plant’s presence.
Explore our collection of French lavender goods, and bring a piece of Provence into your daily rituals.
