Lavender Museum in Luberon

The Musée de la Lavande (Lavender Museum) is a compact museum that provides knowledge about the original fine lavender species of Provence, known as Fine Lavender. This type of lavender thrives in mountainous areas at an altitude of around 900 meters and is propagated through seed cultivation, resulting in genetic diversity and a complex fragrance. It is genuinely beneficial for health. Another species is Lavandin, a hybrid created by crossbreeding fine lavender with another lavender species. Although Lavandin produces a large quantity of essential oil, its fragrance is stronger and coarser, often used in cleaning products or other industries where fragrance refinement is not a priority. The staff gave a presentation and allowed us to see and smell samples of both types of lavender. We were surprised to learn what true lavender smells like, as the lavender-scented essential oils we’ve used might not be purely natural. They explained that we should look for the AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) symbol, which certifies the quality of true lavender. This label guarantees that the product comes from authentic lavender grown and distilled in designated areas and meets high production standards. Afterward, we watched a documentary about lavender cultivation and explored a room displaying antique lavender oil distillation equipment. The museum also showcases a collection of historical essential oil distillation devices, illustrating the evolution of lavender oil production. For families, there are fun workshops such as making lavender sachets, painting lavender-themed watercolors, and watching demonstrations of traditional oil distillation.