Saignon

On a rocky spur about 4 kms from apt, this pretty and serene village overlooks the Cavalon Valley to the north and the Claparèdes Plateau to the south.   A natural fortress town since Celto-Ligurian time,  the approach to Saignon from the direction of Apt is a dramatic introduction to this village wh…

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Abbaye de la Sénanque

Hidden away in a lavender filled valley, the Abbaye de la Sénanque which is one of only three Cistercian Monasteries in Provence.  Built in the 12th century this monastery amongst the lavender fields is a dramatic sight, not too far from Gordes. A small number of monks occupy the monastery which carr…

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Lagarde d’Apt

This tiny village is made up of a church, a restaurant and two lavender distilleries – there is no village square, no ancient houses set amongst petite ruelles.  A local family,  farming in this area for more than five generations – the Lincelé family – created the Lavender Museu…

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Montbrun les Bains

Montbrun les Bain was the southern outpost of the Barons of Mévouillon who ruled over the Baronnies  for more than 300 years beginning in the 11th century. Today, this picturesque village has a number of shops, bars and other services at its base and a market on Saturday mornings. The historic villag…

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Forcalquier

During Roman times, Forcalquier was a simple village on the Domitan Way.  however by the 12th century, it’s status had risen to that of an independent state at the center of cultural and commercial life in the Haute Provence,  thanks to the Counts of Forcalquier who controlled the area from Si…

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Sault

Sault is one of the main stops on the Lavender tour – which visits distilleries, lavender fields and summer lavender festivals. Situated on the border of a wooded plateau, blooming and fragrant with lavender – it is perched at 776 meters (approx. 2550 feet) above sea level in the Mt Ventoux range at th…

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