Another hot, hot, hot, day!

We set off to explore the Luberon and find some lavender fields. Marcel brought a much smaller bus so we were able to make our way along the narrow roads more easily. Yay, Marcel!

 

Marcel and Valerie were diligently on the hunt for a poppy field for us. Although we knew we were a little too late to see the full effect, they did find this one for us. Seeing all the seed pods we could just imagine how spectacular it must have been.

 

Our first stop was the Musée de La Lavande in Coustellet, where we learned a thing or two about the healing powers and benefits of pure lavender oil.

After meandering through the scenic roads of the Luberon, we could see some lavender fields were more advanced than others.

Our destination was the charming and colourful village of Roussillon.

Of course, we had to pose for the iconic group photo. Love it!

Some of us walked part of the famous Ochre Trail … Joan walked it all! This unique area is why Roussillon and surroundings are known as the  Colorado of Provence.

Others wandered the winding streets, relaxed over lunch on terraces or did a little shopping.

After lunch, we drove on to the 12th C, Abbaye de Sénanque. Valerie took us into the Abbaye for a private tour and, although the lavender was not at its peak, the setting was as stunning as always.

I’ve snuck in a photo for you of how it looks when the flowers are in full bloom. :-) Another week or two would probably have done it for us this year.

With temperatures in the 30C/90F all week, we decided it was too hot to attempt the steep streets of Gordes. However, we did stop so everyone could record the breathtaking setting.

 

Dinner! Our second visit to D’Ici et D’Ailleurs and the lamb tajine was a big hit!