Since July 2008, the Seigneurie de l’ile d’Orléans has allowed visitors to wander freely through its magnificent lavender plantation featuring more than 75,000 plants. It’s located at 400 chemin Royal, Saint-François, on l’île d’Orléans — the island in the St. Lawrence River just east of Québec City, Québec, Canada.

Guided tours of the other gardens at the site are also available: the garden of five senses, the fruit garden, the shady garden, the Japanese garden and the newest addition, the Aboriginal People’s garden. The central element of the Aboriginal People’s garden is a 20-foot wigwam on which the four Huron animal totems were painted by hand. Tour groups can listen to their Aboriginal guide explain the virtues of local medicinal plants used by Native Peoples, as well as hear tales and legends about each totem animal on the Aboriginal medicine wheel.

Visits to the lavender fields are $8 for adults and $2 for children. Guided tours are $25 per person. Please call ahead to make an appointment to visit: 418:266-2750. There’s more information on traveling in Québec City online.

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