THE BEST SPOT FOR ALMOND TREES IN FLOWER! | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

Head for the Aix countryside!

Just a few kilometres from Aix-en-Provence, on the Plateau de Puyricard, you can just make out the groves of almond trees, the mythical trees of Provence, in the distance. Enter the Jardins du Roy René and admire the almond grove which unfolds before you: there are several hundreds of almond trees around the famous confectionery. And while you’re admiring the almond trees in flower, make the most of it and visit the Musée du Roy René to learn about all the secrets of the Almond tree in Provence. A true local gastronomic heritage, the calisson owes its fame to the almond, the emblem of Provence. But before enjoying one, take the time to wander around the almond groves and see all its beauty.

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Une publication partagée par Confiserie du Roy René (@leroyreneofficiel)

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On the lands of Jean-Pierre Jaubert

Renowned for its fields of lavender as far as the eye can see, the Plateau de Valensole has more than one trick up its sleeve. Before it dons its mauve cape in summer, it is filled with little white flowers in springtime. After having partnered with Olivier Baussan, the creator of l’Occitane en Provence around twenty years ago, an emblematic figure of the region, Jean-Pierre Jaubert, revived the production of almonds. Today, you can fall under the charm of no less than 20,000 almond trees on the plateau. You may meet Monsieur Jaubert, a man in love with this land that he has always pampered, between the rows of almond trees, in a dream, contemplating this natural setting that he created. We’re grateful to Jean-Pierre for having perpetuated the tradition of growing almonds in Provence because, without him, you’d never have been able to take pictures of the beauty of the almond trees in flower.

Off to Saint Didier!

The Silvain family almond trees obey the same rules and wear their coats of ivory and pink petals to enchant curious passers-by. Feel the heat of the winter sun warm on your face, smell the delicately perfumed flowers and if you listen hard, you’ll even hear the sound of the bees pollinating the flowers. This is what Provence is all about and you need to stop off at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, on the Comtat Venaissin plain, to get the best of the local landscapes. In the vicinity of Venasque and Saint-Didier, visit the Nougaterie Silvain which brings out the best in the almond and fruit and honey too. The Silvain family have been cultivating these soils for several generations to extract the best and bring you confectionery Made In Provence. So you’ve got it, it isn’t just a feast for the eyes!

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The wild almond trees of Puget-Ville

In the Var countryside, a long way from the great plateaus with their thousands of almond trees, the delicate white flowers of this fruit tree bloom discreetly. This area is not almond-growing country but wild natural surroundings which have decided to show off all their beauty. Drive along the pretty roads between Puget-Ville and Carnoules in search of the perfect photo. Keep your eyes skinned, the almond trees can be hidden away anywhere: sometimes standing against a little stone hut, often on the edge of a vineyard, the blend of nature and old stone is ideal for a photo with character! For hiking enthusiasts, park your car at the starting point of one of the many hiking trails and make the most of the beautiful sunny March days to recharge your batteries. Who knows, you might just come across an almond tree?

From spring blossom to fresh almonds

Once our almond trees have finished dazzling us with their gorgeous spring blossom and sweet fragrance, it’s almost time to savour their fruit! Almonds begin to ripen from May onwards and reach their maximum size in around June to July, according to the climate. They can then be harvested fresh and unopened, still cocooned in their soft, velvety green outer shell. Inside, you’ll find a pretty white fruit called the kernel, which, unlike the ripe almond, has a milky colour and particularly refreshing, delicate taste. From Manosque to Aix-en-Provence, you’ll find these little delicacies on the food markets of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur during their short hour of glory. Make the most of them because once harvested, fresh almonds need to be eaten immediately!