Bouyed by yesterday’s glimpse of lavender, I’m on a mission. Lavender in full bloom, I’ll settle for no less. Himself dutifully plots a path and we’re off.
Well almost off. First there’s wine to be purchased and apparently the world might actually stop if a fresh baguette isn’t to hand, and oh look…they stock the jambon aux herbes we salivated over on our last trip. And being Provence there a fabulous array of fresh seafood to inspect and a whole section dedicated to different varieties of tomato to explore. Yum! I’m convinced that French supermarkets have much in common with Dr Who’s tardis – something definitely warps time in them and you never quite know what you’re going to find. I’ve lost many a happy hour in one. If Himself wasn’t always desperate to shepherd me out the door t’would be many more.
There’s another small delay when I spot a fresh delivery of trees on exit. One can purchase the most extraordinary olive and other feature trees quite readily here. The last one must have been growing for decades.
But back to the task at hand! Laden with goodies, we’re back on track.
We’ve had lavender success in Provence before, at the very end of June. We’re here a little earlier but I’m still hopeful. Valensole, site of our previous success, might prove just the ticket.
The heat broke last night with a thunderstorm and the countryside has been washed bright and clean. Through tree lined avenues it’s not long before we find my hearts desire. Lavender! Not quite in the endless full bloom of our previous trip but utterly beautiful nonetheless.
I’m mesmerised. Last night’s rain has released its scent and there’s nothing to be done but hang my head out the window and inhale deeply. French lavender is quite different – small dark purple blooms, deeply scented. I left a sprig of freshly picked lavender in a drawer at the end of our last trip. Four years on, it’s as brightly scented as the day I picked it.
Instagramers are everywhere, endless posing for ‘the shot’ whilst a patient other half takes picture after picture. Sheer entertainment in its own right. Particularly amusing are the attempts to generate soulful looks in the distance whilst demonstrating one’s inner peace. Good luck with that sunshine.
We travel a familiar path through Valensole, but alas – no room at the inn. The proprietor suggests an alternative that takes us off the main road, through endless lavender fields. Utter bliss and with little traffic, we have it all to ourselves. An occasional olive grove is tucked in between.
It’s not until we arrive we realise it’s another Les Plus Beaux Village – Moustiers Sainte-Marie. Well there’s tomorrow sorted.
Meanwhile, I have a new buddy – Pepito. He’s on holiday and likes his belly rubbed, thank you very much. What a sweet boy.
Miss Baci Travels 