The place where I am staying is called Les Claparedes, which translated means a rocky, arid plateau and indeed, this is so. The property sits high atop of the Luberon, an ancient mountain range that defines the geographical borders of Provence. Les Claparedes was, at one time, a thriving lavender farm with fields stretching as far as the eye could see. Lavender flourishes in dry rocky, sun-drenched limestone soil and the plains of les claparedes provided the perfect environment. Today, many of the fields lie fallow but directly outside of my cottage window are rows upon rows of lavender plants being warmed by the warm Spring sunshine.