Usually I try to avoid traveling around Europe during the months of July and August. This happens to be the peak season for lavender though. And as much as I love this flowering plant, after having already dedicated an entire post to it, I had to make it there before the harvest! The region of Provence actually has so much more to offer. Especially during the summer months. The long list goes from beautiful landscapes to hundreds of festivals and markets. But lavender was my main motivation for that trip. OK, and the food, of course. I was blown away when I saw those never-ending lavender fields. Seeing this plant in a store is one thing, walking and driving through the fields is a totally different experience.  You could smell it in the air while enjoying its beauty. Absolutely amazing! There was lavender everywhere. At the farmer’s markets, while passing by the little stores, and in the countryside. And, in my suitcase. Even the lady from the airport security smiled, after she opened my suitcase for a check ;) Next time we need to go by car. I would have no problems at all filling up the trunk with all those goodies! It’s so easy to get carried away. I was so tempted to buy one of those mini olive trees that you can see in the picture.. 

Considering that we planned this trip super last-minute, we got really lucky with our accommodation. Everything seemed to be booked out. It seemed to be impossible to find a place that could host us during our short trip. Countless phone calls later, I could manage to arrange two different Bed & Breakfasts. And even if we had to move to the next B&B after only three nights, it turned out to be a great experience we wouldn’t have want to miss! I had never stayed in a B&B before. And now I know that I would do it over and over again! What a peaceful place surrounded by pure nature with such a personal atmosphere. Waking up in the morning with the sound of the cicadas, and having breakfast on the patio with real French croissants, baguette, homemade marmalade, lavender honey, homemade cakes and cookies, and fruit picked in the home garden …priceless.

A big thank you to Magali and her family for making us feel like home away from home with their great hospitality at Mas La Vitalis, and to Angelika from Le Mas De Roses who spoiled us as well as Magali with amazing breakfasts! 

OK, now I might sound like a French tourism promoter ;) But if you ever get a chance to make it to France, don’t just focus on Paris. The region of Provence has it all. Get ready to spoil all your senses!