Lavender Cultivation in Provence (South of France) – The Story of Douroulles
In the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, among rolling hills, ancient paths and wild landscapes, the small hamlet of Douroulles once lived to the rhythm of lavender cultivation. Long before the purple fields of Provence became world-famous, lavender here represented demanding work, a valuable resource and an essential part of daily life.
Today, this tradition has almost disappeared from the area. Yet its story deserves to be told.
Discover how this heritage continues to inspire our hand-poured scented candles, crafted with care and inspired by the authentic spirit of Provence.
A tradition dating back to 1820
As early as the beginning of the 19th century, true lavender was already being harvested around Douroulles. At that time, everything was done by hand. The locals had a deep understanding of the land, the seasons and the skills required to make the most of this emblematic plant of Provence.
The harvest lasted around forty days. It was an intense and much-anticipated period each year, during which many people from neighbouring hamlets would take part in the work.
Early morning journeys from nearby hamlets
At dawn, villagers would set off from Les Roux and surrounding hamlets to reach the harvesting areas. There were no modern roads or comforts. Travel was done on foot or by horse, and only later did tractors appear.
An elderly neighbour, now passed, would walk a mountain path each day to reach the lavender fields in just one hour. In the evening, she would make the journey back down to her hamlet. This daily routine reflects both the hardship and the resilience of that time.
Bundles weighing over 80 kilos
Once cut, the lavender was gathered into heavy bundles that could exceed 80 kilos. These then had to be transported to the distillation sites.
This work required great physical endurance and involved the whole community during the season.
The first distillations
Before a local distillery was established, lavender was distilled in Le Gion and Barrême.
In 1880, the first distillery was installed in Douroulles. In the early days, a wood-fired still heated over an open flame was used. Later, a more modern still built by Eysseric of Nyons replaced it.
These installations reflect the evolution of traditional know-how, blending ancestral techniques with gradual modernisation.
Glass demijohns protected with rye straw
Lavender essence was stored in glass demijohns wrapped in rye straw to protect them during transport.
Carried on the back to the August fair in Barrême, they were then shipped to Grasse, the world capital of perfume, via the small regional train and wagons of southern France.
From this small mountainous area, lavender already made its way to the great perfume houses.
A chemical-free agriculture
At that time, crops were grown without any chemical fertilisers. The fields were maintained by hand, using simple tools.
The plants were often more resilient than today, adapted to their environment and cultivated with patience. The work was demanding, but deeply connected to the land and the rhythm of the seasons.
The Valensole Plateau – Lavender and Lavandin Landscapes
Located in the heart of Provence, the Valensole Plateau is one of the most iconic landscapes of the South of France. Every summer, vast fields of lavender and lavandin stretch across the horizon, creating a breathtaking sea of purple.
While true lavender grows naturally in higher altitudes, lavandin — a hybrid variety — is widely cultivated on the plateau for its higher yield and strong, long-lasting fragrance. Together, they represent an essential part of Provence’s agricultural and aromatic heritage.
These landscapes continue to inspire the world of perfume and home fragrance.
A gradual disappearance
Today, lavender is no longer cultivated in Douroulles as it once was. Gradually, the fields have disappeared, taking with them part of the local history.
It is a loss for the landscape, for rural heritage, and for a Provençal tradition shaped by generations of men and women.
A personal story and a source of inspiration
I spent my childhood in a nearby hamlet of Douroulles, surrounded by the landscapes of Haute-Provence. Even today, I return there as often as I can. These places are part of my story and continue to shape my vision.
Preserving the traces of this past linked to true lavender is a true privilege. Every path, every stone and every memory tells the story of a time when life followed the rhythm of nature and human labour.
This remains a deep source of inspiration in my creations, through which I try to convey a sincere, luminous and living Provence through our scented candles.
I have also had the privilege of hearing elders share their memories — of harvesting, distillation and local fairs. These precious stories deserve to be passed on.
Discover our Provence-inspired scented candles
Inspired by this heritage and the landscapes of Haute-Provence, our natural soy wax candles extend this tradition through authentic and refined fragrances.
To access the shop, simply click on the images.
Preserving the memory of Provence
Telling this story is a tribute to those who rose before dawn, walked the paths, harvested lavender under the sun and kept these lands alive with dedication.
Provence is not just postcards. It also lives through these memories, these forgotten gestures and these villages that once cultivated lavender with passion.
