This iconic Lavender plant is synonymous with the Southern side of France. Most notably Provence France. The fields of Lavender beauty as far as the eye can see are not to be missed. From mid-June to mid-Aug you can see beautiful fields of lavender.
History Of Lavender
The wild lavender has an ancient history. Found in grave sites over ten thousand years old. Thriving in hot climates and dry, well-drained soils, lavender has come to symbolize the Mediterranean for many people. The Romans and Greeks used it extensively on account of its therapeutic virtues. A delicate aroma to wash and perfume clothes and thermal baths. As well as the rich history of Ancient people of France. In biblical times it was called spikenard.
The name some say coming from Syria this is not surprising as it was popular in trade with our family.
However another ancient French tale spoken of in parts of France has a different account. As Lavender looks like a spike and nards were what people called what ever made you sick. The folklore was to spike the nards so you would not get ill. Another way of saying clean and wash those hands so you don’t catch the sickness. Sound familiar? Its name was changed to lavender sometime later by the Romans, stemming from the Latin verb “lavare,” which means “to wash.”
Varieties
There are two main types of lavender.
Lavandin grows in Mediterranean scrubland, located between 600 and 1,400 meters (1950 and 4500 feet). This type is not native to France. It is a mix of English and Portuguese varieties. Cultivated at a minimum of 800 meters (2620 feet) above sea level. Some countries consider this an invasive species. A lot of essential oil distilleries favor this type for the fact that it produces five times the average amount of oil. It takes on average up to 200 kg (440 pounds) of fresh flowers to produce one liter of essential oil! The large quantity however comes with a cost. Losing half the fragrance in the oil.
Lavande species a wild variation. This is the authentic French lavender. A resilient plant Lavade is well known for its brilliant fragrance and stunning aesthetic appeal. It is the most authentic version of lavender in France.
Lavender and Royalty
Playing an important role in Frances history, tourism, cuisine and life. Being a prime source of income and artistic inspiration for many through out France. King louis XIV was famous for his love of lavender.
He was a man who appreciated the soothing scent and calming effects. Having it put in his bathwater and stuffed in his pillow. Under his reign it was regulated to royalty and the wealthy. Some noblewomen of France stuffed puffy padding on there sides and back with lavender.
Lavenders Uses
Luckily the access to Lavender is not restricted to royalty. A key ingredient in France to flavor meats ,teas , honey and more. A new take on an old recipe is the yummy lavender Ice cream. Used for centuries in the treating migraines and other head ailments. To sooth the mind, calm the nerves and deal with the whiff of life . A really interesting traditional application is lavender wands. Not merlin wands. Wands of woven and braided lavender stems to be put with clothes. Just look at this great example of a reawakening craft. The stems are woven with bright colorful ribbon. Placed in the wardrobe and Voilà a beautifully scented space.
Healing
Lavender isn’t just a pretty smell though. It has many healing properties that might surprise you.
A surprise René-Maurice Gattefossé was pleased to make. In 1910, renowned chemist and one of the pioneers of Aromatherapy René-Maurice Gattefossé burned himself severely during an accident at the lab. He came up with the idea of coating his wounds with Lavender Essential Oil. It soothed his throbbing hand and helped it heal. Lavender plant boasts antimicrobial properties that aided his recovery. Along with soothing burns it has many other virtues. Helping deal with insomnia, anxiety, depression, acne, hair loss and wounds.
What a remarkable Herb.
Lavender Herb under threat what?
With such a special herb that smells wonderful. Tastes great, soothes, and heals. Who would have thought it would be under threat? Yes, threat from synthetic chemicals claiming to be it. Inferior hybrids trying to muscle out the noble native of France the wild lavender.
Some champion the original. One way is the Appellation d’origine contrôlée. What does this long word mean? In France, the appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) is a label that identifies an agricultural product whose stages of production and processing are carried out in a defined geographical area – the terroir – and using recognized and traditional know-how.
In other words it really is French-made and France-origin product. This symbol helps buyers know where their product truly comes from. France has a few symbols to help buyers make informed decisions. Due diligence is a must to make sure what you pay for is authentic and not “Frenchized” marketing. France battles those of greed who try and say there is no difference between lab manmade chemical compound and lavender. Putting harmful synthetics in products claiming they are lavender. Diluting down the good, to line pockets of those not invested in keeping France beautiful. After all, your skin deserves the best healthiest option.
Thankfully there are those truly invested in France for all generations to come.
The Fra family is a prime example. A seven generation lavender distiller.
Lionel Fra, who created the association APAL. (Association of Producers of Lavender Essential Oil AOC from Haute Provence).
For thirty years as the vice- president and then president of APAL he has tirelessly advocated for the cause of the noble herb with politicians and the general public.
Greedy profiteers wanted to suffocate, and kill the wild lavender and preferred to resort to imported lavender (countries of Eastern Europe) of very poor quality but at low prices. Therefore selling to companies subpar quality ingredients. These businesses have widely switched synthetic products in almost all colognes or toilet waters, perfumes, shampoos, lotions the on list goes.
The Fra family’s goal is to differentiate Wild Fine Lavender from other clonal or synthetic lavenders. That denatures the products. Wild Fine Lavender should be known, seen, and appreciated at its fair value.
What they say.
“Each generation has its own fight, today we want to introduce the whole world to this real Lavender, this plant with such a fine and flowery fragrance, its particular color which varies from white to dark blue, this flower that needs soil. arid and hot and dry Haute-Provence sun to ripen and refine like a good wine, this flagship of aromatherapy, so poorly used and just as little known.” Here, here friend! We salute you!
The Buzz from the Bee
They are not the only advocates. Many villages and lavender growers are trying to protect the ecosystem. The underground water table and plants. From the pesticides and chemical sprays harming the natural balance. If wild lavender was good enough to be the chosen foot anointment for Jesus son of Mary!(yeah that one, in the book)
Then certainly it should be picked for spa day over the per-Idiotic table creation. (I made that up see what I did there)
Let us talk not of greed but sweeter things, like lavender honey yum! You hear many buzzwords out there but a couple will keep you from being tricked. You can see in the photo above some of the symbols for those buzzwords. Always do your due diligence and what words mean in your home country. Canadas organic may not be the same as France.
After all to go to France is to portal jump yourself to a self caring soul retreat of splendor. Am I right! Why but of course.
Breath Taking Experience !
The harvest period starts in July, when plants are in full bloom. Tourist will want to preplan to have a breath taking experience! A six months or more preplan is ideal. It will give you plenty of time to learn essential French phrases! Here is a link to help learn French.
I would also suggest learning photography this is some of the best and most photogenic places.
Early in the morning and right at sunset are the best times to take pictures. During the golden hours, your photos become more saturated and vibrant. Bring sunblock this is all about self-care. Create a plan or guide of what you want to experience. If you are allergic to bees carry an epi pen. Free yourself with preparation.
Usually, the earliest to bloom is in the village of Luberon, which blossoms as early as June. The lavender fields in Sault bloom until early August. So you have a nice window to visit. Visiting the lavender fields in France is truly a luxurious experience with the fields peppered in full bloomed lavenders. Important to remember is sunglasses that are plastic-free you want to protect eyes and face. Plastic sunglasses can cause cheek wrinkles so its best to avoid. The number one rule of self-care besides sleep is food. Lavender ice cream, honey, tea, and lavender marinated lamb or duck are great options.
Enjoy seeing real gems in the amethyst hills of France you can smell and eat. Shining before you in the sun like a glittering treasure from a cave of wonder. Know that where you stand so much history stands there too and take advantage to literally taste it. For every bloom is different in this way a tourist partakes of the wine of time.
By travelling and appreciating France this supports the true French culture. We must Save Ze French for it is our soulful self-care duty. Its for the generations to come. Those special people like you, who deserve the opportunity to know the wild lavender. The unpolluted non-toxic honey. Thank you for supporting us at SaveZeFrench please visit the shop here. You can also donate all proceeds go to helping SaveZeFrench grow. Help us Save the gems of France. Un Grand Merci!
