Native to the Mediterranean Basin, lavender was imported by the Romans to Provence, its most iconic producer today. The scent of the blue flower and of its hybrid, lavandin, has always been synonymous with cleanliness and soothing freshness. When transformed into an essential oil or absolute, both species offer perfumers a wide variety of olfactory profiles: While lavandin is more camphoraceous, lavender presents more floral, powdery notes. Discover every facet of this emblem of Provence by journeying through botany, art, gastronomy, history, agriculture and chemistry without overlooking, of course, lavender fragrances and their creators.
