Ferrassières Lavender Festival

Ferrassières: The Capital of True Lavender Celebrates

Every first Sunday in July, the small village of Ferrassières, perched at 1,000 meters altitude on the Albion plateau, celebrates the start of the lavender harvest. This village of about a hundred inhabitants, located on the border of Drôme and Vaucluse, is recognized as the economic capital of true (fine) lavender, the noblest of Provençal lavenders.

Nearly 30 Years of Lavender Celebration

Organized by the Eurolavande association, the Ferrassières Lavender Festival has existed for nearly 30 years. It traditionally opens the lavender festival season in Provence and attracts thousands of visitors eager to discover this exceptional agricultural and natural heritage. Generations of families have cultivated lavender here on calcareous, sun-drenched land, alongside heritage grains like spelt.

Demonstrations and Workshops in the Heart of the Fields

The day's program offers numerous free activities:

• Lavender sickle harvesting demonstration by villagers, an ancestral gesture passed down through generations
• Lavender distillation using an alembic, with an explanation of the essential oil production process
• Free workshops: perfume creation, soap making, lavender cooking
• Guided walks through the lavender fields by Ventoux Passion Nature (departures at 9:30 AM and 11 AM, maximum 35 people)

A Producers' Market

The village hosts a local producers' market where visitors can find essential oils, lavender bouquets, soaps, honey, natural cosmetics, and lavender-derived products. Artisans and producers from the Albion plateau and the Baronnies are present to showcase their expertise.

A Breathtaking Landscape

One of the major attractions of this festival is the spectacular landscape of the Albion plateau in full bloom. The lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see in a symphony of blues and purples, offering a striking natural spectacle. Visitors are advised to wear hiking shoes and bring water for the guided walks in this exceptional Provençal setting.