Provence: Lavender field and abbey

[Mike Buckley]

The only reason I chose the middle of the summer to go to Provence was the hope of seeing the lavender fields in full bloom. Luckily, they were, as I appreciate that everyone is not that lucky despite their planning.

Though Provence is known for its lavender, the fields are not nearly as prevalent as the vineyards; you have to know where the fields are and you have to look for them. We saw enough fields on our drive of one of these two "lavender routes" that we didn't take the second drive. I was hoping for photographic interest to find fields planted on sloping hills or with curved rows and possibly with a tree or building in the middle of a field, though I never found anything other than the field shown below that had any of those characteristics. We didn't see any lavender fields during our five other day trips through Provence chosen for other reasons.

This scene near Gordes is so famous that you will surely see a photo of it at many websites if you Google lavender in Provence. The building is the Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanque, which was built in the 12th century. It is currently occupied by monks who grow the lavender and tend honey bees for income. Before going to France, I used Google Earth to determine how the field and abbey would be lit at various times of the day, making it possible to capture the scene at the absolute best time of day for the image I had in mind.

I had never seen a lavender field before going to Provence. Ironically, this one is the first one I saw close-up. It was also the last one I saw, which of course leaves me with a very satisfying memory and my final photo displayed here at CiC of our trip to Barcelona, the Pyrenees and Provence.

Please click to view at a larger size.

[Shadowman]

Nicely composed.

[Dave Humphries]

You got there at the right time of day for the light Mike,

Very nice, Dave

[terrib]

Yes, definitely needs to be viewed large. This is a beautiful photo, Mike. I really like the composition and the subtle colors. Very well done!

[John 2]

Now that is very nice Mike. The way the light catches the abbey, just draws you through the comp. A real wall hanger.

[Donald]

This scene near Gordes is so famous that you will surely see a photo of it at many websites if you Google lavender in Provence.

You are, of course, quite correct, but you still need to be a good photographer to make a good image of it. This you have done. I'm sure there are many hundreds of thousands of photos of this scene, very few of which come up to the standard of this shot. Indeed, this sits alongside all the professional images of the scene that you see in magazines and books.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, everyone!

[Wavelength]

So beautiful

[bnnrcn]

Lovely colors, composition and light Mike

[KimC]

Just stunning Mike. I love everything about it!

[Ndukes]

There are two complementary elements at play here, the relaxing properties of lavender and the sense of sanctuary as suggested by the structure surrounding the field. The wide aspect ratio accentuates this. And I agree with Donald, you have caught this better than most. Beautiful and powerful.

[Mike Buckley]

Continued thanks to all!

[Kaye Leggett]

Oh dear - this is bad news....... I have been to Provence several times but never when the lavender in in full bloom; that is going to have to change. I feel a planning trip coming on................

[Mike Buckley]

Consider using the lavender routes shown in the map displayed below. We traveled only the small portion between Gordes and Sault.

[Minerva]

Superb image Mike, well done.

[rpcrowe]

It has been well over 50-years since I visited that area but, I still remember the fragrance. I also remember the perfume factories in the hills in back of Cannes and Nice...

[bje07]

Very nice picture, even if it is commonly seen, but you did it yourself, and very well.

[NorthernFocus]

I missed this one first time around, Mike. Nicely done.

When we visited Provence the lavender was all green

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, everyone!