Tour Guide of an Essential Oil Distillery in the Drôme

France , France

Tour Guide of an Essential Oil Distillery in the Drôme

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(3 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover lavender in all its forms during a 1.5-hour guided tour at the Distillerie des 4 Vallées, located in the heart of the Drôme and the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

This family-run distillery, founded in 1930, invites you to immerse yourself in the world of lavender, from its centuries-old history to its modern-day uses. Guided by our team, you will explore the current production site, where the flowers are transformed into essential oils and floral waters.

Throughout the tour, you will learn about the evolution of lavender in our daily lives and uncover the secrets of its cultivation, from fine lavender to lavandin, while discovering how to recognize each variety.

You will also gain insight into both traditional and modern distillation methods and explore the markets and uses of lavender, which is cultivated on over 30,000 hectares across France.

This visit is a unique opportunity to discover the artisanal expertise of a working distillery with nearly 100 years of history, all while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.

Available options

Tour Guide of an Essential Oil Distillery in the Drôme

What's included

Certified with the “Accueil Vélo” label, the Distillery welcomes cyclists with secure parking, electric bike charging, a repair kit, and route advice along a scenic and accessible route.

The nearest train station is in Die, just 6 km from the distillery. From the station, you can rent a bike (Yéti Sport, Vélo Drôme) or book a taxi/ride service (JO Taxis) to easily reach Chamaloc.

The Distillerie des 4 Vallées has a private car park with 30 spaces for cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and camper vans, as well as a public parking area located 150 meters away for convenient access to your visit.

Detailed itinerary

During this 1.5-hour tour, you will discover the Distillerie des 4 Vallées and its family history, from its founding in 1930 to its current operations in the heart of the Drôme region. Guided by a professional, you will explore behind the scenes of the estate and its surrounding landscapes, wandering through lavender fields, drying areas, and historic stills that are still in use today. Along the way, you will learn to distinguish different types of lavender – fine lavender, lavandin, and aspic – by observing the crops and taking part in an interactive olfactory workshop. You will also gain insight into both traditional and modern distillation techniques, from the harvesting of bundles to the evaporation process, and discover the practical uses of essential oils and floral waters in everyday life. The visit concludes with a friendly exchange with your guide, who will answer your questions and share tips on how to make the most of your lavender products at home.

In addition to the guided tour, you can extend the experience at your own pace. Visitors are welcome to stroll freely through the nearby lavender fields, a perfect setting to enjoy the scents and capture photos with the Vercors mountains as a backdrop. You can also explore the distillery’s museum area, where our fully restored historic stills showcase the evolution of distillation techniques and reflect nearly a century of expertise. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local history while enjoying an authentic, fragrant setting.

To conclude your visit, the producers’ shop next to the distillery offers the chance to take a piece of this experience home with you. More than 300 artisanal and French-made products are available, combining our own creations – essential oils, floral waters, syrups, and cosmetics – with specialties from local artisans, including honey, jams, soaps, biscuits, and regional treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the finest of the Drôme’s local products and leave with a delicious or fragrant souvenir.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About France

France, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks, is a top travel destination in Europe. From the romantic streets of Paris to the picturesque countryside of Provence, France offers a blend of art, gastronomy, and natural beauty that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

An iconic symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower offers stunning views of Paris from its observation decks.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80

Louvre Museum

The world's largest art museum, home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough, often enjoyed for breakfast.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Bouillabaisse

A traditional fish stew originating from the port city of Marseille, made with various types of fish and shellfish, vegetables, and saffron.

Dinner Contains seafood and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Alps Skiing in the Pyrenees Rock climbing in Calanques Spa treatments in Paris Wine tasting in Bordeaux Beach lounging in Nice Visiting museums and galleries Attending festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and long daylight hours. It's ideal for beach trips, outdoor activities, and festivals.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, German
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural regions

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

France is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime like pickpocketing and scams can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious and take common-sense precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 23 km from Paris city center
Orly Airport • 14 km from Paris city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Paris Gare Routière Internationale, Other major cities

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and easy to use, covering most of the city and connecting to other transport systems.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Montmartre Le Marais

Day trips

Versailles

20 km from Paris • Half day to full day

Home to the Palace of Versailles, a grand royal residence and UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens and fountains.

Mont Saint-Michel

350 km from Paris • Full day

A stunning medieval abbey perched on a rocky island in Normandy, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and tidal flats.

Festivals

Cannes Film Festival • Mid-May Bastille Day • July 14th

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore lesser-known regions and towns for a more authentic and less touristy experience
Use a Paris Visite Pass or similar regional pass for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions
Try local specialties and regional dishes for a true taste of France