French lavender

By Kieran

 


French Lavender


Today’s artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, was inspired by a weekend spent in the lavender fields of Provence in July 1996


It's a sight that I'll never forget - the lavender fields of France!

The refreshing July breeze scented with its refreshing fragrance

Blades of blooms of rich blue and purple hues, dancing in the sun

Field after field as far as the eye can see, all swaying in unison

We rolled down the windows as we cruised along scenic D952 route

Stopped to savour delicious lavender honey ice cream - such a hoot!!

The pièce de résistance was the Golden Star of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Nestled between steep limestone cliffs, mon Dieu, très beau, ma chère!


Post script: When I shared this artwork and poem with friends, one of them sent me this photo taken recently in the Aix-en-Provence area


This is exactly how I remember the scenery during that drive.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Transported from the hot and humid Midwest to flowery fields in France by the magic carpet of your poem and painting - wonderful, Kieran! (WhatsApp comment by a childhood friend)
July 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Kieran said…
Thanks, Kcho. I love the imagery of a Magic carpet … 🙏🏼 - Kieran
July 19, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Anonymous said…
Great poetry!!!
Good job. It’s like the poem I learned in Grade 10 that I still remember about Daffodils ! (WhatsApp from a dear cousin in Toronto)
July 19, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Kieran said…
Yes, William Wordsworth, wasn’t it
We too learned it at school
Thanks for the props - Kieran
July 19, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Anonymous said…
That must have been a wonderful experience (WhatsApp from a very appreciative relative in Goa)
July 19, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Kieran said…
It was, Elaine. We were not expecting it which made it even more exciting
Still remember the rolling lavender fields at the bottom of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
We had heard about the Golden Star of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of Provence’s most cherished stories
In the 12th century, a young knight named Bozon de Blacas (sometimes called a crusader or nobleman) was captured during the Crusades and imprisoned in the Holy Land.
In his despair and longing for home, he made a vow to the Virgin Mary: if he ever returned safely to Moustiers, he would hang a star in her honor above the village.
Miraculously, Bozon was eventually released and made it back to his homeland. To fulfill his vow, he had a golden star suspended high between the cliffs over the village, near the chapel of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir. Of course over time it has been replaced but it is still an unforgettable sight - Kieran
July 19, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Anonymous said…
One of my all time favourites. Lavender! In every house I’ve lived in, I’ve always had a bush of lavender growing . (WhatsApp comment from a childhood friend)
July 19, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Kieran said…
You have good tastes, that I can tell - Kieran
July 19, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Anonymous said…
Isn't this Aix en Provence ? It's a beautiful part of Southern France from pics shared by a friend who lives there 😍😍 (WhatsApp comment from a classmate)
July 19, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Kieran said…
Yes about 90 minutes drive north of Aix-en-Provence in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
Btw, that whole area gets its name from the Romans who simply called the whole region ‘Provincia’ (Latin for Province) 😊 - Kieran
July 19, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Anonymous said…
Lovely!! I can almost get that lavender scent. Thank you Kieran (WhatsApp comment from a very dear friend)
July 19, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Kieran said…
Glad you liked it. The memory is fresh like we just saw it the other day - Kieran
July 19, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Anonymous said…
Very nice, can almost see and smell the lavender (WhatsApp comment from my dearest sister)
July 19, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Kieran said…
That visit was quite memorable… so pretty in late July with the flowers in full bloom and the grapes ripe on the vine - Kieran
July 19, 2025 at 9:42 AM
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