Harvest lavender by hand, watch an ancestral copper still in action and leave with a bottle of your own essential oil. This two-hour, family-friendly workshop on the Vercors combines practical distillation skills with regional history and mountain views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The day opens with the scent of crushed lavender and a high, cool wind rolling off the Vercors. Participants gather at a small distillery framed by rows of silver-green plants; sunlight cuts across stems while the mountains watch. The guide — often the distiller — demonstrates the ancient copper still, and the group moves into the field with sickles to cut blooms the old way.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — brief walks across fields and standing during demonstrations; suitable for children 4+ and active older adults.
Wildlife
History
Lavender has been grown across the Drôme for generations; small-scale distillation in copper stills preserves methods once common across rural Provence and the Vercors valleys.
Conservation
Workshops emphasize hand-harvesting and small-batch distillation to reduce waste; visitors are asked to respect plantings and avoid disturbing pollinators.
Reserve your spot on the Atelier DE Distillation à l'Ancienne DE la Lavender au Vercors today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Fields are uneven and may have cut stems; sturdy footwear keeps you stable during harvesting and near the still.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Two hours in sun and scent can dehydrate you — there may not be drinking stations in the field.
Protect from sun and scent sensitivity
Wide-brim hat and light layers help in strong sun; those sensitive to essential oils should stand upwind during distillation.
Arrive early to park and settle
Limited parking and a tight group size make punctual arrival important to avoid delays and ensure full participation.
Closed-toe hiking shoes or sturdy trainers
Protects your feet while harvesting in uneven, sometimes rocky fields.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Open fields and strong sun on the Vercors foothills make shade essential.
summer
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during outdoor activity and scent-heavy workshops.
Light backpack or tote
Carries personal items and the small bottle of essential oil you’ll take home.