Provence is famous for lavender, but me—I prefer the poppies…
… the “coquelicots” that bloom in May.
Farmers plant fields of poppies just for their beauty.
We can always find poppies around Bonnieux and Lacoste…
… and near colorful Roussillon across the valley.
The poppies offer some of the best photo ops in Provence…
Everyone loves the poppies in Provence.
Poppies make people smile.
Some people lie in the poppies. Some seem to swim through the flowers.
And some can’t help skipping.
Some poppies share their field with other flowers.
Some poppies are sown by the wind, growing here and there…
… along a wall
… near an ancient bridge
… around castle ruins…
… and among the vines.
Later in summer, we sometimes see poppies and lavender together.
Our friend Françoise painted this picture of Bonnieux and the poppies. It hangs in our home, a reminder of a special friend, a special place, a special time of year.
Reminding us that soon we’ll be back in Provence with the poppies again.
Kathy Wood and her husband Charley lead European Experiences, week-long “slow tours” in some of the most beautiful areas of Europe, including The Luberon Experience in Provence, France. National Geographic Traveler magazine named The Luberon Experience one of their “Tours of a Lifetime” for 2012, the top 50 tours in the world.
In 2012 Kathy and Charley hosted groups in the Luberon, the Chianti region of Tuscany, and the Salzkammergut in Austria. Their 2013 trips include the Luberon, the Cotswolds in England, and a new trip in the Dordogne region of southwest France.
Kathy and Charley have been traveling in Europe for over 20 years and love sharing their special places in Europe with other travelers. Read more about Kathy and Charley here.
Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.
Such beautiful photos Kathy, I’m converted!
Your friend Françoise is a very talented painter.
Thank you, Kathy, for posting these beautiful photos…The open fields and the bright red-orange poppies were my absolute favorite thing about Provence. It all reminded me of my childhood in rural New Hampshire and I felt so at home there. I was missing it all the other day and was so happy to find your pics. Thanks again!
Kathy & Charley,
Could you please tell me what time of year the poppies are in season? Is it May through to end of June. Or just May?
Much appreciated
Karen
Karen, the poppies in this area of Provence (the Calavon Valley north of the Luberon) usually bloom in May, depending on the weather. Fields seem to bloom at slightly different times and are at peak usually only about two weeks. By mid June you’d normally begin to see lavender in bloom.
Thanks Kathy
Much appreciated
Karen