- Search
“At harvest time, the evenings are fragrant, the sunset colors are litter with cut flowers, the rudimentary stills set up near the cisterns blow red flames into the night”.
These words by Jean Giono open the imagination to smells, colors and the softness of summer nights.
Come and join us on an enchanting journey to discover this treasure of our valley.
Lavender cultivation: Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In 2018, lavender cultivation was added to this list of world heritage, thanks to the efforts of growers such as Ms. Véronique Peltzer, based in Argens (04170).
Related to thyme, mint, and savory, this edible and non-toxic aromatic plant has been known since ancient times. Fine lavender, also known as true lavender, is grown in our valley because it is the only variety capable of withstanding our mountain climate: a very sunny climate with significant temperature fluctuations (day and night). It is recognized as the finest of all varieties, thanks to the exceptional quality of its essential oil and its numerous medicinal properties.
Forty different species of lavender are listed:
lavender or lavandin? Observe the flowering stems:
Before the 19th century, lavender grew wild in our region.
Its cultivation did not take off until the early 20th century, on sunny slopes with limestone and stony soil.
After falling into disuse for a time, it is now experiencing a revival, driven by growers who are passionate about this gem of Haute-Provence, with its exceptional qualities and recognized by a PDO designation.
From the early 20th century onward, Barrême—a small village located in Haute-Provence in the Asse Valley—became the capital of the lavender distilling industry. The growth of this industry gave rise to five distilleries, which undoubtedly boosted the local economy. All that remains of this industrial heritage is a single building, dominated by its tall red-and-white brick chimney, which has been turned into a museum dedicated to the history of this sweet-smelling Provençal treasure.
Lavender blooms starting in mid-June in the southern part of the region, around the Valensole Plateau.
In our area, the blooming season runs from early to mid-July through mid-August, depending on weather conditions.
Feel free to ask for advice at theSaint-André-les-Alpes Tourist Office.
Preparing well
Plongez au cœur du Verdon grâce à notre magazine :
✅ Villages de caractère, grands espaces, saveurs locales
✅ Nature sauvage, lacs et rivières
✅ Les grands événements et les incontournables
