Situated in a place where Mediterranean and mountain climates meet , The Drôme valley is incredibly rich, botanically speaking. You will find plants which are typically from the Alps like the Juniper tree, Mountain Arnica or Scot pines as well as lavender , thyme or helichrysum. The lavender has forged colourful and scented landscapes in the Drôme which mark the entrance doors to the Provence region.
The traditional culture of this aromatic plant, which traces to more than a century, has evolved , thanks to human ingenuity ,and it nowadays works hand in hand with high level scientific research.
Did you know that there exist different species of lavender ? Hybrid Lavender or “lavandin”, Spike Lavender, True Lavender…
HOW CAN YOU RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF LAVENDER ?
Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia): its large leaves and long floral stems with several spikelets mark it off from Fine lavender.
Fine Lavender( Lavandula angustifolia) True French Lavender can be recognized thanks to its smaller clumps and floral stems. Its essential oil, the most subtle one, is looked for by perfume- makers and laboratories. Its blooming period goes from mid-july to mid-august.
Lavandin: it originates from the pollination of Spike lavender and True lavender. It is a hybrid which forms a well- developed , round -shaped clump. Its blooming period goes from mid-June to mid-July
BLOOMING PERIODS IN THE DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL SECTIONS
The blooming period of lavender and hybrid lavender starts in mid-June in the region of Crest and lasts until the beginning of August in sectors set at higher altitudes, like in Saoû Forest.
Are you looking for lavender fields to see in the Valley of the Drôme ?
You may contact the tourist information office.
LAVENDER AND WELLBEING
Because of several medicinal properties, lavender plants are greatly used in wellbeing. A little sachet put under a pillow helps sleep better, in a wardrobe it serves as an insect repellent. Their essential oil is a first remedy to minor injuries. They are also used in care products under numerous forms. Lavender holds a special place in the hearts and medicine cabinets of medicinal plant lovers.
©Ariel Yannay-Shani
© Ariel Yannay-Shani
Lavender fields in Saoû
