About L'occitane
The province in the south of France known as Haute Provence has a wildly rugged landscape with a volatile climate and an almost primal beauty. Rolling hills, craggy peaks and enigmatic woodlands form a backdrop for a profusion of lavender, sage, lime blossoms, thyme, juniper and luminous narcissus that fill the air with a heady perfume and a vital sensuousness. These natural treasures inspired 23 year old Olivier Baussan to capture the spirit of this land using its essential oils and natural ingredients. He called his tribute L'Occitane - "the woman from Occitania" - the ancient name for Provence. Beginning in 1976 L'Occitane was one of the first companies to use essential oils as active ingredients and with a single old steam distiller Olivier made rosemary oil that he sold in local markets.