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In "normal" times (and let's hope they are back), July is the official start of the summer holidays in France as schools are on a two-month break and the festivals get underway.
If you are in Provence, make sure to head to the lavender fields for a sensory immersion. The long rows of lavender plants look like hedgehogs during the winter months, but in July and August, the purple blooms perfume the air.
The lavender industry in Provence is a significant economic driver impacting agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and retail. There are 2,000 producers and roughly 25,000 people employed in the industry. When you visit, please remember that these fields represent someone's livelihood, and they are not interested in your Instagram posts. Watch the website for recipes by Liz Thompson on cooking with culinary lavender and giveaways from Olive Nation.
On July 7th, cycling fans will be watching Stage 11 of the Tour de France from Sorgue to Malaucène. Five years ago, the Tour stage was to finish on Mont Ventoux's summit. However, it was a particularly windy day, and the organizers decided to lower the finish for safety reasons. This year the riders return to tackle the Giant of Provence with a double climb - from Sault and Bedoin - to finish in Malaucène after 199km in the saddle.
July 14th is La Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) and typically includes a day of festivities in Paris and around the country. The day also marks the official start of the grandes vacances in France and with plenty to celebrate as we ease into summer living.
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Happy Holidays!
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