Our almond trees are blossoming and it fills me with joy to see their graceful beauty. The white-pink petals are scattering through the garden, a clear sign that spring is on its way. After flowering in late winter and pollination by bees, the fruits develop and can be eaten green and fresh between May and July, or in shell in September and October.

Planted by the Greeks at the same time as the vines and the olive tree, l’amandier is a sacred tree for the Provençaux. The region is known for the quality of its almond trees which have been a subject for painters who lived in Provence: .Edouard Manet, Pierre Bonnard, Vincent Van Gogh.

The almond is also a key ingredient in many specialities of the Provence: nougat, caissons, sirop d’orgeat, not to mention it is also one of the 13 ‘desserts de Noel’ . In the late 18th and 19th century the city of Aix was thus the true capital of almonds, as it was the hub of both local production as well as produce from Italy and Spain. One local custom would also have it that almonds be consumed with hone

Nevertheless the number of almond trees in Provence has fallen sharply since the frost in 1956. One must hope that the many initiatives that have emerged will ensure the almond tree regains its splendor, and still blooms for many years on our winter days in February and March.

For those wanting to know more there is an almond orchard conservatory, located in Apt near the Moulin de Salignan, Created by the Parc du Luberon, it has more than forty varieties of almond trees.

In the autumn there is also an Almond Festival at Oraison, the 2nd weekend of October.