When it comes to flowers, São Paulo certainly stands out. After all, the state holds records such as the largest flower market in Latin America and the second-largest cherry blossom grove outside of Japan. Another impressive fact is that the interior of São Paulo is home to Brazil’s largest lavender field: O Lavandário, whose 40,000 lavender plants are one of the main attractions in the municipality of Cunha.
If you’ve never visited, it might be hard to believe the photos are real. But we promise: the landscape, besides being real, is even more incredible in person. The vast fields of lavender look like something out of a movie, with violet flowers spreading across the mountainous terrain of the Serra da Mantiqueira.
Charm, beauty, and sustainability at Lavandário
The owners of Lavandário arrived in Cunha, 230 kilometers from the capital, in 2010. Upon getting to know the city, they were enchanted by the mild climate of the mountains and decided, quite simply, to plant a few lavender plants in their backyard. The plants bloomed beautifully and healthily, which sparked the idea for the project.
To delve deeper into the field, the owners traveled to Provence, a region in southern France famous for its lavender fields, where they spoke with farmers and learned about cultivation. Upon their return, they adapted the techniques to the soil, climate, and Brazilian conditions to start the experimental plots.
In 2013, O Lavandário finally opened its doors to the public. Although it is already the largest lavender field in Brazil, the goal is to grow even more and reach 100,000 plants. It is worth noting that the entire cropis grown organically, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Plan your visit!
O Lavandário welcomes visitors from Friday through Sunday and on holidays, from 10 a.m. until sunset. Admission is R$ 20 per person, with half-price tickets for seniors and free admission for children 12 and under. Private visits do not require prior booking.
During the tour, you can walk through the fields and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mantiqueira Mountains. In addition, you can sample artisanal treats made with the flower, such as ice cream and cakes.
Finally, O Lavandário also produces essential oils and other perfumery items, which you can check out at the on-site shop. Find more details and information about your visit on the official website.