Spring in Provence

To my mind, the very best time of year here in the Luberon Valley is Spring. And yet, the wonders of our Provençal Spring are unknown to most summer visitors, who come to the area hell-bent on the “Lavender Experience.”

I understand the fixation, I truly do. Having spent one winter here several years ago, I was utterly fixated on coming back the following Summer to see the lavender. When we moved here, I exulted in the scent and colour of the lavender from mid June to early August for the first couple of years, hiking and riding many miles through fields of the purple stuff.

Yes, I have an unfair advantage when it comes to lavender!

But summer is hot and sticky, the roads are busy with camper vans, tractors and cars, and a trip to the iconic Plateau de Valensole to see the lavender is not always the romantic idyll one expects - unless one is prepared to leave the car and hike on one of the marked trails across the fields (recommended!)

Forget the lavender and come for the wildflowers in spring, I say.

In the springtime, Reillanne is bustling with the normal life of a country village, the weather is usually sunny and warm, the markets are filling up with locally grown produce and there is a feeling of renewal and energy in the air. The earth is waking up after winter and every plant is pushing out new growth and vibrant flowers. Lizards and insects are waking up and basking in the warm spring sunshine. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see one of the bright green lizards that are native to the south of France.

But to me, the most striking thing about spring here in Provence is the flowers. They’re absolutely everywhere. From the orchards beside the Durance at Manosque to the quiet paths through the woods, and even to the top of the Luberon, you will find flowers wherever you look.

I’ll leave you with a sample. I don’t know the names of many of these, so I won’t label the pictures. Just look, and enjoy, like I do. Click, right arrow or tap to scroll through the pictures.

Tempted to come and sample our Provençal spring? We’ve got a special offer of €100 per night for the month of April, only available if you book directly with us. We’ve also waived our one-week minimum stay for the month of April, so you can make your stay as short as three nights if you like. Click here to visit our booking page.

What’s stopping you? Come join us for Spring in Provence.

Most of the photos are my own, but my good friend Elayne van Keulen provided a few I was lacking. Many thanks!

Martine