Lavender of Provence around Antibes

Lavender is often associated with the Provence region. Indeed, the plant was utilised here as early as the Middle Ages for the making of perfumes and medicines. However, it was first named 'Lavendula' by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. In the next century, the cultivation of lavender started to expand and since then, the plant has been largely used to make essential oil. Many perfumeries are located in the area of Grasse, 20 km from Antibes. The plant is harvested in July and August before it is in bloom, because that’s when it is the most fragrant. The best quality lavender is grown at high altitudes, between 500m and 1700m.

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