If you happen to be at The Mall Sanremo between June and August, there’s one sensory experience you really shouldn’t miss: step into the magic of flowering lavender, which colours and perfumes the hills of inland Liguria with vibrant shades of purple and all the atmosphere of Provence.

The largest lavender fields in Liguria can be found between Sanremo and Imperia in the heart of the Ligurian Alps, also known as the Mystical Alps. This silent and unspoilt landscape is the perfect place for a rejuvenating getaway in close contact with nature.

PIETRABRUNA AND TORRE PAPONI: THE PURPLE HEART OF THE VALLEY

Just over half an hour’s drive from our luxury mall, the village of Pietrabruna and its hamlets Torre Paponi and Boscomare welcome visitors among rows of lavender and picture-postcard views. In late July and early August, the village comes alive for a delightful festival devoted to lavender: distillation in the square, markets of artisan products and guided tours of the local sights turn the village into a minor feast for all the senses

MOLINI DI TRIORA AND ANTICA DISTILLERIA CUGGE: THE FRAGRANCE OF TRADITION

Venturing further inland, it’s worth making a stop at Antica Distilleria Cugge in the village of Molini di Triora, where the same family has been growing officinal lavender for four generations. A few kilometres later, Triora – dubbed the witches’ village – has an intriguingly mysterious atmosphere, perfect for an unusual visit. And for a gourmet pit-stop, L’Erba Gatta vino e cucina serves traditional Ligurian dishes with elegant twists.

COLLE DI NAVA AND COLDINAVA LAVENDER: A LANDSCAPE TO REMEMBER

In the north of Imperia province, Colle di Nava is steeped in the purple of Coldinava lavender, one of the region’s most ancient varieties. The flowering season reaches its peak in late July and early August, offering stunning views and heady aromas in a perfect blend of nature and poetry.