My late summer holiday to Provence proved to be relaxing and fascinating.  Never having been to the South of France before, I was enthralled by its fragrant fields, awesome canyons and tranquil lakes. Equally I was drawn to its bustling markets and street-side cafes.  Naively I only realised just before my trip that I was visiting an area famous for its lavender!  Unfortunately we were a little late for the lavender season but the fragrant floral aroma was still in the air as we walked and cycled past hazy countryside fields.
Lavender was present in many other ways on our holiday too.  Dried lavender was available in lots of shops.  It was also a popular subject of the local potter Odile who has a cute shop and studio on the edge of Quinson, the pretty village that we stayed in.
We wandered into Odile’s one afternoon admiring her beautifully-made pottery. From large vases and bowls to small pots, all the pieces were immaculately crafted and presented. Odile showed us around her small workspace at the back of the shop where she designs and makes her pieces including firing them in a small kiln.

I had been admiring some of the small pots but couldn’t make up my mind what to get so decided I’d come back later in the week.  Before I could go back, my friends surprised me on my birthday with this little lavender pot from Odile’s which I’d been looking at in the shop!  They also bought me some dried lavender, some of which is now in the pot so I’m reminded of those relaxing summer days whenever I open it.

Odile has a website where you can see photos of her pottery: https://sites.google.com/site/atelierodile/home and if you’re ever near Quinson (in the Hautes Provence area) I’d recommend stopping by to say bonjour!

Rach x