Lavender Resorts

Lavender is also called the "quiet perfume plant". The English name "lavender" originated from Latin "Lavare", which means "lavation". Ancient Romans often used lavender for bathing and incensing.

The origin place of lavender is the Mediterranean area. The blossom generally blooms in June. When fully grown, the plant is 60-100 centimeters tall. The most famous two producing places of lavender are Provence in the southeast of France and Furano in Hokkaido, Japan (where lavender blooms in July and August). Other producing areas include Surrey and Norfolk in the UK and South Australia (Mt. Egerton between Melbourne and Ballarat).

Provence, France: world's largest lavender producing place

1) Abbey Norte-Dame de Sénanque

• Abbey Norte-Dame de Sénanque was built in the 11th century and located at the north suburbs of Gordes. Grown in front of the abbey is all lavender, which has always been a view finding spot for photographic works. In the abbey yard, all kinds of lavender products are sold.

2) GORDES

• Gordes is a small town located on hill top and built of rocks. It was once included in the most beautiful villages of France. Most buildings are made of rocks. Ramble around the village and you will find why this small town is so popular among French people.

3) Musee de la Lavander

• Musee de la Lavander exhibits all kinds of documents that are related to lavender and the distilment process. The museum also projects films and sells lavender products.

4) Château du Bois

• Château du Bois is the acme of the lavender trip. You will pass through lavender fields that stretch 80 acres and visit the distilment process in which essential oil is abstracted. Usually tourists will rest and picnic here.

5) Simiane la Rotonde

• The Middle Ages small town is located on hill top, where you can see the beauty of lavender fields stretching limitlessly to the outskirts.

6) Banon

• The small town is surrounded by wheat and lavender fields and known for sheep milk cheese.

7) Sault

• Sault is the center of lavender spicery production where all types of essential oil and honey of lavender are sold.

Furano, Japan: world famous lavender producing place

Furano is located at the very center of Hokkaido. It is famous for lavender growing. Here, lavender blooms from early July to early August every year.

1) Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita is the most successful lavender farm of Furano. Here, lavender blooms around early and late July so you can enjoy the blossom early in the year. The farm opens five flower areas where tourists can watch lavender and other flowers.

You can also enjoy lavender ice creams and buy all kinds of lavender products like essential oil, incense, bathing cream, and lipstick.

2) Ninode Park

Ninode Park is the site for lavender festival. The farm area is even wider than Farm Tomita. Driving from downtown Furano towards the park, you will see a mountain covered with white houses. That is Mt. Ninode. You must climb to the mountain top before you can have a tremendous view of lavender. Looking from the mountain top, you will be astonished by the wide expansion of purple. Each year, on the Saturday and Sunday of mid July, the lavender festival will be held on the lavender fields of the park. The festival will give various programs like the wedding ceremony.

Kami Furano Lavender Festival

3) Miyama toge

Miyama toge is a foothill area, where museums, beer houses and other sightseeing facilities are placed. It takes you half a day to meander all the area. The background of this lavender garden is the splendid Mt. Tokachi. Here, lavender flowers are offset by poppy flowers. You will enjoy a unique style of scenery.