Lavender, the symbol of Provence, is grown in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Drôme, Vaucluse and Hautes-Alpes départements. Once harvested and distilled, lavender is used in perfumery and pharmacy products. Lavender essential oil is also famous for its many soothing, relaxing, healing and antiseptic properties. Lavender can also take the form of bouquets for decoration and sachets to perfume wardrobes. In cooking, infused lavender flowers bring a touch of originality.
A lavender museum in Cabrières-d'Avignon (Vaucluse) traces the history of lavender and explains the distillation process. The Routes de Lavande comprise a number of different discovery trails.
