French Lavender in the Lot and Why We Love It

There are currently around 50 species of lavender flowing around the world. You’ll find it in Asia, China, India, The Mediterranean, Africa, and Europe. Farmers in the Lot, just a few kilometres down the road from Sophie’s Barn, are proud to keep alive the lavender farming traditions of the area. Most markets in the Lot have stalls selling locally grown lavender. Alongside the Lot, the lavender grown in Provence and the Midi-Pyrenees and other regions of South West France is some of the most beautiful and best quality in the world.

Grown to rigorous trading standards, French lavender is so good it’s considered a must-see. If you’re lucky enough to be in Provence between June and August, you’re likely to see some of the most beautiful spots in Europe. Pale blue to striking purple landscapes and transporting scents make for an out of this world experience. If you’re thinking of visiting a Provence lavender farm, you should do so before Bastille Day. The 14th of July is the traditional harvest day in Provence.

In the Lot, French farmers pay meticulous attention to nurturing the plants and the timing of the harvest. Finally, a traditional and perfected distillation process produces pure oils that are 100% natural.

Using Lavender

Lavender is not only stunning to look at, but it is also highly prized for skin and beauty. People have been using lavender for four thousand years, including ancient Egyptians. Yes, they used lavender oil when embalming mummies. For the living, lavender essential oil is considered to be among the safest for use on skin. 

Cosmetics – Lavender is highly-regarded when it comes to skin and beauty. You’ll find it in shampoos, fragrances, and soaps.

Antiseptic – Lavender oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Some have used lavender to help heal bites and minor burns.

Anxiety and Depression – according to research, lavender may one day be used to help treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and restlessness.

Lavender oil has even been of interest to those looking for help with fungal infections, wound healing, and hair loss, among many other uses. People love to use lavender when caring for their skin. It’s gentle, soothing, and its distinctive scent is universally welcome. 

Note that if you’re holding blue lavender soap, the manufacturer has probably coloured it artificially. Lavender oil is actually the colour of straw. At Sophie’s Barn, we not only use lavender in our soap, but we also get to use some of the best lavender in the world. By using some of the world’s best ingredients, we get to provide very good quality, natural, handmade soap for you, your guests, and your family.