The Drôme is known for its lavender fields, and at L’Essentiel de Lavande I dive right into it. I photograph my way between the rows, learn everything about the plant, make my own balm, and taste lavender lemonade with lavender cookies. You can even sleep among the lavender fields. In short: come along to this little lavender paradise in the Drôme.
The Drôme is full of picturesque villages, but only a handful of them officially get to call themselves one of the most beautiful villages in France. I visited three: Mirmande, La Garde-Adhémar, and Grignan.
I wind my way along a French country road toward Grignan. Wildflowers along the roadside. Tractors working the fields. Rolling hills. Big bales of hay scattered across the land. I haven’t even arrived yet, and that lazy vacation feeling already kicks in. Then Grignan appears, perched on a hill surrounded by lavender fields. On top, the castle rises up triumphantly. I spend a day here, and honestly, I could’ve easily stayed longer.
France’s third-biggest city (after Paris and Marseille) is surprisingly laid-back and green. The center is mostly car-free, and it’s a joy to stroll along the Saône and Rhône rivers. Lyon is the perfect city trip in France: you get all the perks of a big city, minus the crazy crowds.
