Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Lavender Museum, located in Coustellet in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, was founded in 1991 by Georges Lincelé, a Provençal native to Apt from a line of producers and distillers. Its objective was to restore the reputation of Lavender Officinalis (Lavandula Officinalis), an emblematic plant of the region, by gathering historical objects related to its cultivation, distillation and marketing. Passionate and collector, Lincelé brought together rare pieces such as 17th century stills or a Garnier wheel of 1902, illustrating the evolution of techniques around this endemic plant.

The museum offers an immersion in the world of lavender through various collections: ancient agricultural materials, traditional costumes, advertising labels and distillation tools. These artifacts trace the economic and social history of Provence, where lavender has played a central role for centuries. Guided tours, workshops and on-site distillation demonstrations allow visitors to discover the artisanal know-how still alive today.

Beyond its heritage vocation, the museum is part of an educational and touristic approach. It organizes circuits discovered in lavender fields and seasonal animations to raise public awareness of the distinction between fine lavender and other varieties. The museum shop continues this tradition by marketing derivatives, while highlighting the essential oil of Haute-Provence lavender, protected by an AOC. This place has thus become a key player in the preservation and promotion of Provencal lavender heritage.

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