Distillerie Bleu Provence, which is a member of TISTRA network (Tourisme Industriel, Scientifique et Technique Rhône-Alpes), is one of the main producers of essential oils in the Drôme Provençale, making 9 tonnes every year, half of it lavender-based. Created in 1939, when it was known as the Distillerie du Val d’Aygues, and taken over in 1994 by Christine and Philippe Soguel, it exports its production worldwide, in particular to China. As a TISTRA member, it opens its doors regularly for individuals and groups to tour the site. However, this year it has gone a step further and invested 1.3 million euros in the production plant, adopting the latest environmental processes to reduce its carbon footprint, as well as in the building of an 80 m2 meeting room with capacity for up to 50 people.
“We opened the facility at the beginning of May and it’s a very new business for us,” admits marketing manager, Giovanni Payet. “In October we hosted two events: the seasonal results meeting of the Nyons tourist office and the annual meeting of the Bistrots de Pays de la Drôme Provençale. Our main target is for one day business sessions. However, we also receive requests from travel and events agencies, like the recent one we had from a Grenoble-based agency wanting to organise a board meeting followed by a visit of the distillery”.
The function room represents another asset for tourism in Nyons. Local suppliers should also benefit from the new facility, with Giovanni Payet pointing organisers in the direction of hotels and restaurants for any accommodation and catering needs. “We’ve basically diversified our business in response to our clients’ requests,” continues Giovanni Payet. “When they come here, companies can add a distillery tour to their meeting, lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. The visit is free of charge for delegates, otherwise the price is 4 € per person for groups and 5.50 € for individuals. The cost of hiring the fully-equipped room hire is 200 €”.
La Distillerie Bleu Provence also has the Pause Bleu Thé area, serving cordials, herbal teas and other lavender-based delights. In 2011, the site welcomed 5600 visitors who came to enjoy this unique olfactory experience.
www.distillerie-bleu-provence.com
info@distillerie-bleu-provence.com
04 75 26 10 42
Closed through January.
