The beautiful lavender fields of Drôme Provençale

Lavender fields are an integral part of the Drôme provençale landscape. During a stay at Le Chatelas campsite in Bourdeaux, discover this blue gold of Provence that awakens all the senses. During your vacation, admire the vast fields of lavender, a breathtaking sight. Lavender in the Drôme is a true gem of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Renowned for its vast purple fields and bewitching fragrance, lavender plays a crucial role in the local economy and culture.

Lavender fields amaze visitors with their captivating beauty and intoxicating fragrance. Lavender has been cultivated for almost 2,000 years, and the Drôme department is one of the world’s largest lavender producers. More than 5,000 hectares are cultivated to delight the eye and the nose.

Lavender fields amaze visitors with their captivating beauty and intoxicating fragrance. Lavender has been cultivated for almost 2,000 years, and the Drôme department is one of the world’s largest lavender producers. More than 5,000 hectares are cultivated to delight the eye and the nose.

  • Fine lavender, or true lavender, is found at altitudes of between 600 and 2,000 meters. The essential oil from this lavender is the only one to have a PDO. Spike lavender is a little less well-known. It has broad leaves and long flowering stems.
  • In essential oil form, lavender aspic is the most antibacterial.
  • Finally, lavandin is the result of the pollination of true lavender and spike lavender. This is the most widespread variety of lavender, often used in cosmetics and cleaning products.

Take advantage of your stay at the campsite to admire the lavender fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Origin and historyof lavender in the Drôme

Lavender has its roots in the Mediterranean, but it’s in Provence, and more particularly in the Drôme, that it has found a terroir conducive to its blossoming. The history of lavender in this region dates back to Roman times, when it was already prized for its medicinal properties and its use in purification rituals.

Over the centuries, lavender has become a symbol of Provence, and the Drôme has established itself as one of the leading producers of this emblematic plant. Cultivation and distillation techniques have been perfected, making Drôme lavender a top-quality product sought after the world over.

Lavender in the Drôme is one of the jewels of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Renowned for its vast purple fields and enchanting fragrance, lavender plays a crucial role in the local economy and culture. Let’s discover together the origins, cultivation, uses and best ways to enjoy this natural wonder.

Origin and history of lavender in Drôme

Lavender has its roots in the Mediterranean, but it’s in Provence, and more particularly in the Drôme, that it has found a terroir conducive to its blossoming. The history of lavender in this region dates back to Roman times, when it was already prized for its medicinal properties and its use in purification rituals .

Over the centuries, lavender has become a symbol of Provence, and the Drôme has established itself as one of the leading producers of this emblematic plant. Cultivation and distillation techniques have been perfected, making Drôme lavender a top-quality product sought after the world over.

Cultural and economic importance in the region

Lavender plays a central role in the Drôme economy. Every year, the lavender harvest generates jobs and attracts thousands of tourists, curious to discover the spectacular landscapes and local traditions. Lavender festivals, organized in several villages, celebrate the plant and its importance to the community, notably the Lavender Festival in Sault en Provence.

Culturally, lavender is also a key part of the local heritage. It is present in the arts, literature and customs of the region, reinforcing the Drôme’s Provençal identity.

During your camping holiday in the Drome region, explore the lavender routes to learn more about its cultivation and benefits. Meet passionate lavender growers who take pleasure in sharing their daily lives with you.

Les routes de la lavande are 1,000 kilometers of colorful, fragrant landscapes to explore at your leisure. This sensory journey is an ode to Provence, a gift to its visitors.

Near Bourdeaux, Odile opens the doors of her “L’essentiel de Lavande” estate in Bégude de Mazenc. This local organic grower offers total immersion in the cultivation of lavender and lavandin. Guided tours enable you to discover the whole process, from the lavender field to the transformation into essential oil. Cosmetics-making workshops, massages in the fields and open-air picnics are all unique experiences for the whole family.

Not far away, in Roche-Saint-Secret-Béconne, the Chardon Bleu estate grows organic lavender and vines. This family business, run by Aurélia and Manu, distills organic lavender and lavandin oils. You can discover their products on site, in the caveau, a wooden chalet located on the property.

Must-See Itineraries:
Discovering Lavender Fields

The Drôme region offers several emblematic places to admire lavender fields. The Valensole plateau, the Grignan area and the Nyons region are popular destinations. These places offer breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable memories. In addition to observing the fields, the region offers a wide range of activities. Hiking through the lavender fields allows you to immerse yourself in nature and discover the local biodiversity. Several farms open their doors to visitors, offering guided tours and distillation workshops, providing a fascinating insight into the world of lavender.

Stay at our campsite in Bourdeauxnear lavender fields in Drôme provençale