普罗旺斯瓦朗索勒高原上的薰衣草田，法国 Lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France (© Shutterstock)

普罗旺斯瓦朗索勒高原上的薰衣草田，法国 Lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France (© Shutterstock)

一望无际的田野 Fragrant fields as far as the eye can see

Lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France

We're sorry. The scratch 'n' sniff option was not ready in time for this photo, so you'll have to imagine the intoxicating fragrance wafting over you…. Today we're in the lavender fields that carpet the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France. A rolling 300 square miles of flowers color the landscape as far as the eye can see. Vincent van Gogh spent time here, and featured lavender in some of his paintings. June is the start of the lavender season, and though it runs till August, peak viewing (and smelling) time varies a little with fluctuations in temperature and rainfall. There are lovely villages that you can meander while visiting the lavender fields, stopping for a pastry or crunchy-soft baguette at an outdoor cafe.

Hot, dry summers and plenty of sun help lavender thrive in the South of France and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. While we think the sight of lavender fields is relaxing in itself, the herb is always in demand for its essential oil, which lends a soothing scent to cosmetics, cleaning products, and even food. Some studies suggest that lavender can improve your sleep, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve anxiety and depression. The powerful plant was also used as an antiseptic in days gone by, as it has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

法国普罗旺斯瓦伦索高原上的薰衣草田

我们很抱歉。抓挠和嗅嗅选项没有及时为这张照片做好准备，所以你必须想象那令人陶醉的香味飘荡在你身上…。今天，我们来到了覆盖法国普罗旺斯瓦伦索高原的薰衣草田。绵延300平方英里的花朵为眼前的风景增添了色彩。文森特·梵高在这里度过了一段时间，在他的一些画作中以薰衣草为特色。6月是薰衣草季节的开始，虽然一直持续到8月，但观赏（和闻）的高峰期会随着温度和降雨量的波动而略有变化。这里有一些可爱的村庄，你可以一边漫步，一边参观薰衣草田，一边在户外咖啡馆吃糕点或松脆柔软的法式面包。

炎热干燥的夏季和充足的阳光有助于薰衣草在法国南部和其他地中海沿岸国家茁壮成长。虽然我们认为看到薰衣草田本身就很轻松，但这种草本植物总是需要它的精油，它能给化妆品、清洁产品甚至食物带来舒缓的香味。一些研究表明，薰衣草可以改善睡眠，减轻疼痛和炎症，改善焦虑和抑郁。这种强大的植物在过去的几天里也被用作防腐剂，因为它具有抗菌和抗病毒的特性。