From the start to the end of July, when the harvest begins, is a particularly magical time in our fields at Castelletto D'Erro, Spigno D'Erro, Spigno Monferrato, Merana, Lu-Cuccaro, Quargnento, Frazione Val Madonna near Alessandria, Viguzzolo, and Borgo Vendersi in Val Borbera. The fields turn a thousand shades of purple as the lavender blooms, a wonderfully fragrant spectacle that offers a truly unique, picture-perfect sight.
A few tips to help you find your way along the lavender trails.
Start in the Acqui Terme area, at Castelletto d'Erro, a small village perched on the hills of the south-western Alto Monferrato: a great vantage point with panoramic views, where the little church of Sant'Anna and the 13th-century square tower make for spectacular photos.
From there, head on to Spigno Monferrato, where you can get to know lavender up close with Cooperativa Agronatura and their cultivation of medicinal herbs.
Heading towards Monferrato Casalese, at Lu Cuccaro Monferrato you'll find a beautiful scenic road from which to take in all the beauty of the rolling hills, the nearby villages and, of course, the lavender fields.
Not to be missed: Big Bench no. 99, the giant bench that's fittingly lavender-coloured, and no. 98, where lilac meets yellow.
Further east in the province is Viguzzolo, the village that "smells of lavender" thanks to the fields at the estate of Giancarlo Nossa, a keen gardener who has been growing lavender since 2007, processed by the Agronatura cooperative in Spigno.
On the outskirts of Alessandria, in the Val Madonna hamlet, the farm "Chicche di Lavanda" grows this precious plant using natural methods. The field is open to visitors free of charge on Sundays.
Not far away is a stop you can't miss: Quargnento. Here you'll find the sprawling field belonging to "La lavanda di Lu", run by Sergio Amadori. This unmistakable sea of purple is watched over by a small, no-frills shop selling lavender products, such as essential oils and scented sachets for linen.
The lavender here is turned into essential oil through steam distillation, while some of it is left to dry, gathered into bunches, then hand-stripped and packed into handmade sachets.
Finally, nestled between four regions, is Val Borbera with its Borgo Vendersi, part of Albera Ligure — a spot known for more than just its lavender. A wonderfully fragrant field awaits you at the top, home to more than 70 scarecrows, each with its own name and story, inspired by the people who once lived therebr>
