Enjoy the captivating world of lavender through a hands-on floral experience in the heart of Provence. Venture into the picturesque countryside, surrounded by iconic purple fields, and learn the art of traditional flower picking. Witness the extraction of organic essential oils and hydrolat during a guided tour of an artisanal distillery, engaging all your senses as you inhale the soothing scent of freshly-distilled aromatics. Depart with a personally-extracted aromatherapy treasure, a lasting memento of an authentic and educational experience. Discover the enchanting process that transforms nature’s gift into a versatile and aromatic wonder.
Key Points
- A 2.5-hour activity that includes traditional lavender flower picking and a tour of an artisanal distillery with hands-on essential oil extraction.
- Located in the picturesque Provençal countryside, 15-20 minutes from Arles and Nîmes, with easy access via the Lio bus line.
- Highlights include guided tours, the opportunity to witness the distillation process, and the chance to take home personally extracted essential oil and hydrolat.
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels, with a focus on engaging all the senses and providing an authentic and educational experience.
- Participants must bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes, and the activity is not suitable for children under 10 years old.
Activity Details
What does this flowers and essential oil workshop entail?
It’s a 2.5-hour activity that encompasses picking traditional lavender flowers, touring an artisanal distillery, and extracting organic essential oils and hydrolat – which participants can take home with them.
The workshop is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Arles and 20 minutes from Nîmes, with easy access via the Lio bus line.
Participants will learn the art of using a traditional picker’s knife, go on a guided tour of the distillery, and discover the process of extracting local, organic essential oils and hydrolat.
This experience is open to adults, and participants should come prepared with sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Location
The workshop takes place just 15 minutes from the historic city of Arles and 20 minutes from the vibrant town of Nîmes, with easy access via the Lio bus line ‘n°130’ which stops conveniently at the Magnolias bus stop.
Set amidst the picturesque Provençal countryside, the workshop location offers a tranquil and serene setting, perfect for immersing oneself in the art of flowers and essential oils.
Surrounded by the iconic lavender fields, you will feel transported to a world of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The convenient location allows easy access for visitors from nearby cities, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway for those seeking a unique and immersive experience.
Highlights
Participants can look forward to a traditional picking of lavender flowers, seeing the serene Provençal countryside.
After the flower gathering, they’ll enjoy a guided tour of the artisanal distillery, learning the intricate process of extracting organic essential oils and hydrolats.
The highlight will undoubtedly be the hands-on experience of distilling their own batch of high-quality, local essential oil. Attendees will leave with a bottle of their personally extracted aromatherapy treasure, a tangible memento of their immersive journey into the rich heritage of Provençal essential oil production.
This workshop promises to engage all the senses, from the vibrant purple hues of the lavender fields to the captivating aromas that fill the distillery.
Inclusions
Guests will embark on a walk through the captivating lavender fields, seeing the serene Provençal countryside. They’ll learn to use a traditional pickers knife, mastering the art of gathering the fragrant blooms.
After the flower picking, you will enjoy a guided tour of the artisanal distillery, discovering the intricate process of extracting organic and locally-sourced essential oils and hydrolats.
Visitors will:
- Witness the extraction of pure, aromatic essential oils
- Inhale the soothing scent of the freshly-distilled hydrolat
- Gain hands-on experience in the traditional distillation techniques
- Appreciate the dedication and craftsmanship behind each bottle
- Leave with their own personally-extracted bottle of essential oil and hydrolat.
Requirements
Although the workshop isn’t suitable for children under 10 years, visitors should bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the immersive experience in the captivating Provençal countryside.
This hands-on workshop allows participants to connect with nature and learn traditional techniques firsthand.
Participants will venture into the lavender fields, wielding traditional pickers’ knives to harvest the fragrant blooms.
The activity is designed for all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic and educational outing.
Whether you’re a budding aromatherapist or simply seeking a relaxing day amidst the serene natural surroundings, this workshop promises an unforgettable journey.
Traditional Flower Picking
Wielding traditional pickers’ knives, visitors venture into the captivating Provençal lavender fields, carefully harvesting the fragrant blooms that will later be distilled into pure, organic essential oils.
The gentle rustling of the lavender creates a soothing ambiance as participants:
- Slowly snip the vibrant purple spikes, mindful of each movement
- Gently gather the delicate flowers into their wicker baskets
- Inhale the calming aroma, their senses transported to the heart of the French countryside
Participants learn the traditional techniques passed down through generations of local artisans, developing a newfound appreciation for the labor-intensive process of essential oil production.
This hands-on experience allows participants to connect with the land and the rich heritage of the region, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the art of natural perfumery.
Guided Distillery Tour
After exploring the lavender fields, participants move on to the artisanal distillery, where a knowledgeable guide leads them through the process of extracting organic essential oils and hydrolats. Stepping into the distillery, the group encounters a captivating blend of traditional machinery and modern techniques, as the guide explains the intricate workings of the equipment.
| Distillation Techniques | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Steam Distillation | Preserves delicate aromas and therapeutic properties of oils |
| Hydrosol Extraction | Captures the water-soluble compounds, creating fragrant hydrolats |
| Batch Processing | Ensures quality control and traceability of each product |
| Sustainable Sourcing | Uses locally-grown, organic botanicals |
Participants eagerly watch as the guide expertly operates the distillery, transforming the freshly-picked lavender into pure, aromatic essential oils and hydrolats that they can take home as a memento of their experience.
Organic Essential Oil Extraction
As the group moves from the lavender fields into the distillery, they eagerly watch the guide demonstrate the careful process of extracting organic essential oils from the freshly-picked flowers.
The guide meticulously loads the steam distillation equipment, explaining each step with expertise. The aromatic steam rises, carrying the precious oil through the condenser, where it collects in a flask. The guide proudly displays the pure, golden liquid – the essence of the lavender.
The participants are then invited to:
- Smell the concentrated, fragrant oil
- Feel the silky texture of the hydrolat, or floral water
- Learn how to properly store the extracts
- Understand the difference between organic and synthetic oils
- Appreciate the time-honored tradition of artisanal distillation
Recap
Capture the essence of Provence by exploring the captivating world of lavender. Enjoy the picturesque countryside, witness the extraction of organic essential oils, and create your own aromatic memento.
This enchanting 2.5-hour activity promises an authentic and educational experience that engages all your senses, leaving you with a lasting impression of the region’s rich lavender heritage.
