Lavender: Misplaced Nostalgia
I just came across this story about lavender in the Provence: "In summer, the area pays homage to lavender, the distilleries play open house, flower festivals are prepared and the big day arrives... Flower laden floats proudly cruise down the perfume laden streets of the village, craft producers exhibit their products, honey, essential oils, eau de toilette, soaps, dried flowers...ther's normally a craft fair, to titilate your taste buds with goats' cheese, olive oil, local hams and wonderful fresh bread...". If you don't believe me look up a website called Lavander of Provence. Love it, I could nearly cry or rather bath in lavender nostalgia!
The reality is rather different: The lavender industry in the Provence survives largely on subsidies from the EU's CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) funds. Nevertheless life for small growers is harsh, many distilleries have closed. Tourism is a way to keep things going to some extent and local festivals and markets are one way to promote the industry. I love lavender and the blue lavender fields in the remote areas of the Provence are a sight. But lets keep things in perspective, please!
Eve Collins said:
Hi Susan,
it depends, weather is normally cool but sunny during Christmas. The major issue in the Provence is the Mistral, the strong northeasterly wind. Speeds of 60 miles per hour for weeks wears everyone down. So it depends if the Mistral is blowing or not. We had wonderful Christmases in Avignon and awful ones as far as the weather is concerned. For more info click here.
The Luberon during Christmas? Dead as a doornail as far as I know. Many restaurants, hotels and B&Bs close end of October and reopen only in March.
If you own or rent a house it can be very nice nonetheless. Make sure the house is winterized (central heating & fireplace) and is located in an area where “life” continues during the winter. The areas around Aix en Provence, Avignon and Vaison la Romaine are ok during the winter. You find some (not all) restaurants, hotels and B&Bs open. But many attractions are closed. Example: Palais des Papes closes Nov.1 and reopens April 1. Hope this helps.
Best regards
Eve
Susan said:
Hi Evelyn,
I love your blog and your reviews for Provence Hideways! Since you’ve probably spent several Christmases in the area, can you tell me what the general vibe is at that time of year? My husband and I are considering visiting the Luberon/Provence then and are concerned about restaurants and sites being closed. Is it a sleepy or lively time of year? Any suggestions you can make would be much appreciated.
posted on 2006-07-25 at 3:50 am