Lavender
Lavender has been part of the L’Occitane DNA for decades. We've been harnessing its benefits, using only fine lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, as it yields the very best essential oil. This lavender oil is protected by the PDO label – a guarantee of quality and traceability.
L’OCCITANE sources its supplies from cooperatives in Provence and the Bleu Provence distillery, and has established a multi-year partnership with a local supply chain to guarantee minimum prices and volumes.
An inspirational producer of Lavender
“Our farm specialises in the production of fine PDO lavender (Protected Designation of Origin - ‘AOC’ in French). This type of lavender is grown from seeds, and we order certified seeds from the French institute for perfume, medicinal and aromatic plants (iteipmai). We therefore grow our own seedlings, unlike hybrid and clonal lavender, which is grown from cuttings. We start the seeds in our greenhouses, before planting the seedlings in our fields. We really know where our lavender comes from!We refuse to use chemicals when the lavender is in full bloom: they are harmful to bees and they would pollute our lavender. Local beekeepers install their hives in our fields."
HAPPY BLUE GOLD WEEK!
Week commencing 20th July 2020, we are celebrating the Lavender harvest week, sourced from local cooperatives in the south of France. Lavender has been part of the L’OCCITANE DNA for decades. We've been harnessing its benefits, using only fine lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, as it yields the very best essential oil. This lavender oil is protected by the PDO label – a guarantee of quality and traceability.
Fields of blue gold lavender grow around Provence, their relaxing scent bursts into the air as you walk through them. One of the first flowers distilled by Olivier Baussan, the founder of L’OCCITANE, our range gives you many ways of bringing lavender into the home. Whether you like to soak you worries away in a decadent bath filled with the aroma of lavender, wash and moisturise your hands with the soothing scent of Lavender or exfoliate with the new Relaxing Body Soap containing fine lavender flower and almond shell powder, take a little me-time and relax.
We use lavender for its relaxing properties and exquisite scent in our body care products, which include our much-loved Foaming Bath and Eau de Cologne. Being part of a complex of different essential oils, lavender is also used as a key ingredient in some of our Aromachologie products.
French lavender thrives in the region's hot, dry climate and is appreciated for its soothing and healing properties. Growing lavender has also became an essential element of the Provençal landscape and economy. Renowned for its beautiful lavender scent and numerous benefits, this plant has been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries.
Did you know?
Lavender for essential oil
Many Lavender flowers are used for essential oils. Distillation is carried out just after harvesting. 1 ton of Lavender flowers yields produce 8kg of essential oil.
L'OCCITANE heritage
The first lavender harvest reserved for L'OCCITANE took place in 1977.
Lavender conditions
Fine lavender grows at an altitude of anything from 600 to 1,700 metres!
OUR COMMITMENT
Under threat from drought-like conditions and disease-carrying insects, lavender is in decline. Since 2012, L'OCCITANE has been supporting French research institutes in their efforts to find ecological solutions to save lavender.