Sale San Giovanni Lavender Bloom

The Langhe that smells like Provence

Few natural spectacles are as surprising as the one that takes place every year between June and July in Sale San Giovanni, a small town in the province of Cuneo nestled in the Bassa Langa, Piedmont. For a few weeks, the hills are covered in a blue-violet sea: these are the lavender fields in full bloom, which have earned the village the nickname little Provence of the Langhe.

The bloom is not a simple spontaneous phenomenon: it is the result of the work of farms that have been cultivating about 25 hectares of lavender and medicinal herbs here for years using organic and biodynamic methods. Alongside the lavender grow hyssop, chamomile, yarrow, sage, coriander, and fennel, which enrich the fields with different colors and scents and tell of the territory's ancient vocation for aromatic plants.

Four trails through the fields

The best way to experience the bloom is on foot. A network of marked trails crosses the crops and can be explored freely, on foot or by bicycle. There are four thematic itineraries, distinguished by color and difficulty level:

• Green Trail (Agri-panoramic): the easiest, flat and on a municipal road, suitable for families and cyclists.
• Orange Trail (Trekking): about 9 km with a significant elevation gain, reserved for trained hikers.
• Blue Trail (Trekking and MTB): medium-difficulty itinerary on mixed terrain, also perfect for mountain biking.
• Brown Trail (Arboretum): the shortest, ideal for a relaxing walk accessible to everyone.

Not just lavender: side events

During the weeks of the bloom, the village enlivens the calendar with events dedicated to nature and local products. Among the most anticipated is Non Solo Erbe, the fair dedicated to medicinal herbs and local excellence, and convivial moments like the Night of Saint John and the Spizzicando aperitif, amidst the scents of medicinal plants. On weekends, it is also possible to visit the town's historic churches with a guide, the Chapel of Saint Anastasia and the Parish Church of Saint John the Baptist.

A contribution to the territory

Access to the trails is free every day, but on weekends, welcome points are set up where a small voluntary contribution of 2 euros per person is requested. In exchange, you receive a bracelet that entitles you to guided tours of the churches and supports the maintenance of the trails and visitor reception. A simple gesture to help a small town manage the enormous influx of curious visitors who reach its flowery hills every summer.