Presents from Provence

• “Lavender is the soul of Haute Provence” wrote Jean Giono. It’s used sparingly in both savoury and sweet dishes. For the past hundred years this sensual plant, with a heady, almost overwhelming, perfume and brilliant purple flowers, has been grown commercially in Provence. Fields of purple haze, alive with bees and butterflies, can be found from July to September by following the Routes de Lavande (Lavender Roads). The main lavender centre is in Sault. Visit on a Wednesday when the market comes to town. Here, you can buy bunches of lavender stalks, dried sachets of the flowers, lavender honey, soaps and lavender water to perfume your home, clothes or bath. www.routes-lavande.com
• Green and yellow earthenware, sometimes with a marbled effect, is everywhere. The best comes from Moustiers, Vallauris and Apt.
• Printed Provençal fabrics, called les Indiennes as the designs originated in 17th century India, were copied in Marseilles and manufactured in Beaucaire and Tarascon. Look out for the names Souleiado or Les Olivades, as they produce more stylish, modern, designs.
• Giant cubes of soap from Marseilles and Salon de Provence, scented with lavender, figs, olive oil and citrus fruits.
• Pretty boxes of Fleur de Sel de Camargue – the best crunchy sea salt crystals available.