The Luberon is home to the largest ochre deposit in the world. From the 18th century until today with the “Société des Ocres de France”, the ochra industry, combined with erosion, has created spectacular landscapes. Before the appearance of synthetic dyes, in the mid-30s, natural ochre pigments were exported all over the world.

Admire landscapes with striking colors, ranging from yellow to red by walking the Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon or the Colorado Provençal in Rustrel.

Experience ochres differently and share the adventure of color at the Ecomusée de l’ocre in Roussillon and the Museum of Apt.

Take a discovery break at the counter of ochres, the largest selection of 7/7 pigments as well as artistic material and ochre gifts. Pigment your life!

Soak up artisanal mining at the Mines de Bruoux at Gargas, made up of 40 km of galleries and enjoy a moment of freshness in the heat of summer!

It was with the arrival of the Romans that lavender made its appearance in Provence. It was from the end of the 19th century that the Provençal peasants began to maintain and care for wild lavender groves. The boom in the production of fine lavender essential oil is linked to the expansion of the perfume industry in Grasse. Fine lavender is grown between 600m and 1400m above sea level. It reproduces by seed. Not to be confused with the Lavandin which grows from 0m to 800m which multiplies only by the action of man thanks to cuttings. Its use remains industrial to perfume cleaning products. The harvest extends between July and August.

The lavender fields in bloom offer a mosaic of purple blue purple and lilac colors conducive to beautiful souvenir photos.

Visit l’Occitane plant and find out more about the short history of this company, its values and the manufacturing processes during an English (or French) spoken guided tour. L’Occitane has its headquarter and main factory in Manosque with a staff of 800. You can step into the boutique should you wish to bring back some of their products at a discounted price.

In addition to l’Occitane, there are several industrial museums that worth a visit:

• Lustrerie Mathieu at Gargas.
• Paper mill Vallis Clausa at Fontaine de Vaucluse.
• La Filaventure (Brun de Vian-Tiran textile manufacturing) at Isle sur la Sorgue.