Lavender and lunch

The lavender fields of Provence are legendary in their beauty, covering the sloping land in neat rows of bright purple.  Although known for its aromatic qualities as well as its popularity in perfumes and culinary, this member of the mint family is grown primarily for the production of its essential oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.  In search of this purple beauty, we took a little sojourn out into the countryside to check out one of several lavender trails that snake their way around Provence.

The austere beauty of the Cistercian Abbye de Sénanque near the city of Gordes is juxtaposed with its stunning lavender fields.

These fields are part of a trail winding through the southern part of the Drôme region and the northern part of the Vaucluse.

The couple in the photo has set a small table covered by a Provençal tablecloth topped with  a bottle of wine to be photographed in the field. Quite a challenge considering the wind was whipping up a fury.

Now to lunch!  This cute little restaurant/b&b is owned by a Dutch couple serving delicious Provençal dishes.  Lunch is what  they feel like making and does not include anything that could be ordered at home, so no frites.

Tables set up in the garden.  We dined on lamb ham served carpaccio-style with dressed mixed greens and a drizzle of pesto sauce, followed by a creamy fish soup.  The kids really enjoyed both dishes.

The dining area is right next to the owners’ private residence and garden, complete with chickens and…

Flo, the energetic, toy-sharing chien de la maison.

Tags: lavender, Le Fleur Bleue, Provence