Our Botanical Domain

For all of recorded history, and likely for longer, farmers have grown and distilled plants in France’s Drôme provençale, a narrow dale in the Baronnies just north of the colossal Mount Ventoux. The area is hugged by rocky cliffs that insulate colorful patches of lavender fields, shrubs, and pine trees on the valley floor. The ancient farmers passed knowledge and skill from generation to generation. Today, they understand the look, feel, and scent of the herbs like no one else on Earth. We dreamed of an essential oil production that emerges from these deep traditions and uses aromatherapy to connect with our modern world.

The process begins in the lavender fields nestled in the gentle hills and sweeping meadows at the floor of the dale, a pristine sanctuary sustained by the surrounding cliffs. Between 400 and 1300 meters in altitude, the valley is cold and dry. The former wards off pests and weeds, and the latter encourages plant growth. The terroir is rocky, dry, and sturdy, with the boon of humidity from morning dew and nuée (which is where the nearby river L’ennuyé gets its name). The combination of natural elements is unique in the world and is perfect for agriculture. This singular origin provides us with close control over how we grow our plants. We are certified organic, our soil is 100% pure, and we know the unique character of each seed. Particular scents will even vary from harvest to harvest.

Our distillery near the farm, in Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies-Provençales, embodies the craft of precision distilling. Following the tradition of ancient apothecaries, our distillery marries devotion to learned craftsmanship with advanced technology.

Our expert farmers will make subtle changes to distillation depending on their assessment of the plants, but the process generally looks like this:

1. Harvested plants are packed into the distillation chamber
2. Steam is injected into the bottom chamber
3. As the steam flows through the packed plants, vaporized essential oils are conveyed to a condenser that turns the oils back into a liquid (further filtration may be performed if need be)
4. The essential oils are then sealed into containers to protect them from contamination and light, and the samples’ chemical profiles are checked at a lab

Like how roots hold soil together, our production is given form by the people within it. Our processes, from sowing seeds to transporting products to ensuring quality distillation, are maintained and strengthened by meaningful human connections.

And like caring for plants, connections must be nurtured, too. We hope that our essential oils connect you to our special place, that you find peace in the aromas of our sanctuary. If you close your eyes you can see it: the valley, the cliffs, the years of people who found solace in the countryside of southern France.