Just outside the village of Gordes, near Sénanque abbey, we stop to stroll through a lavender field in full bloom.

We transfer to the upper slopes of Mont Ventoux to enjoy a view of the entire chain of the Alps, and for a leisurely walk. At 4,600 feet in altitude, lavender grows naturally in the wild, such as the patches we pass below.

On the upper slopes of Mont Ventoux, we enjoy beautiful views of the distant Alps:

We spend three nights in the town of Forcalquier, to the east of the Luberon Mountains, a stunning medieval town far off the tourist radar.

Even farther off the tourist radar is the family goat farm we visit just outside the tiny village of Saint Michel l’Observatoire. We spend time learning about making their prized goat’s cheese, and hang out with the herd.

Heading back up to the high plateaus where lavender flourishes, we stroll along the scented rows with views of the Alps in the far distance.

We manage to walk through the fields the very day they’re being harvested, and as the machine passes over each of the rows the delicate perfume intensifies, spellbinding.