The Scent of Lavender

One of my dreams is to one day traipse through fragrant fields of  lavender in the Provence countryside. Oh the joy of twirling around among the pretty purple blooms while wearing a cute sundress *sigh...

Little did I know until just this past weekend that this adventure doesn't have to remain a far off item on my bucket list or experienced only by hopping on a plane to France. I'll let you in on a little secret; the scent of lavender is closer than you may think.

Terre Bleu Lavender Farm, located in Milton, Ontario, is unreal. Arriving on the farm and gazing across the lavender landscape, it was as if I had stepped into a scene right out of an impressionistic painting. I just felt so calm (how could I  not?), content and blissful. I couldn't believe I was going to be doing yoga in such a spectacular setting.

Top: Lululemon All Sport Support Tank | Workout Skort: Forever 21 (old) similar here |
Bracelets: MantraBand 

The session was one-hour long and suitable for everyone as the instructor provided options for the different poses to suit your skill level. And if you're not keen on being out in the sun, there are shaded spots to lay your mat so you can comfortably perform your sun salutations. As deep breathing is such an important component of yoga, one of my favourite parts of the experience was taking in the intoxicating scent of lavender on each breath. To top it all, the instructor provided everyone with a cool lavender laden facecloth as we finished the class in shavasana. Talk about relaxing!

Although most participants were female, dudes are welcome and the class would be great for couples as well as with your gang of besties or even done on your own.

An added bonus to coming out for the class is getting an unobstructed view of the fields and soaking in its tranquility before the throng of tourists come through the gates.

By the time I was done yoga, there was a line-up of people trying to purchase their admission tickets, lavender products and ice cream vouchers. They only had two registers going and were a bit short staffed, not being prepared for the spiking number of visitors to the farm in only their second year of being open to the public. However, Ian, the owner of Terre Bleu, was extremely apologetic to everyone and was very humbled by the farm's growing popularity.

Tip: if you're planning on coming out for yoga, I would recommend picking up all your purchases at the same time you complete your class registration so you can move full steam ahead to the ice cream afterwards :)

I know, I know...why on earth would I be devouring ice cream after yoga? Trust me on this though, it's totally worth it. I'm not talking here about just ordinary ice cream, but organic lavender ice cream! It was so good that I'm still dreaming about it...

Terre Bleu also offers guided tours of the farm so visitors can learn about the variety of lavender planted and how they distill the blooms to make essential oils, along with a visit to their apiary where they make their lavender honey. And if you can't part without taking some of that lavender you've been immersed in home with you, the gift shop sells a selection of goods such as tea, macarons, soap, maple syrup and much more, all made from sustainable, organically grown products harvested from the farm.

While I loved my yoga session at Terre Bleu, I also can't wait to return and experience some of their other offerings such as photography workshops, cooking classes and maybe even a massage right in the fields!

Travel File:
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm - 2501 25 Side Rd, Milton, On
www.terrebleu.ca 

Visit their website for details on admission, hours, events and their unique story.

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