My “made in Vaucluse” Christmas gifts
A list of my top 5 authentic gifts
This year, I’ll be having a “locavore” Christmas, with gifts that have been made in Vaucluse. Here there are so many different places and so much talent that there is no shortage of ideas! In my quest for original Christmas gifts, I scoured the shops, visited producers and artisans to find THE unexpected and unique gift. I have discovered endearing personalities and… treasures, far from the tumult of the big brands.
Here is a small selection!
Organic cosmetics in Provence
Château du bois Provence, the organic natural cosmetics brand
The production of organic cosmetics at the Château du Bois Provence has been a family-run business since 1890, with the cultivation of fine lavender in PDO Lavender de Haute Provence, a certified Organic Ecocert. The sprigs come from family-cultivated fields, working to meet quality requirements, and are handled with particular care at each stage of manufacturing. 🙂 You can profit from a 100% natural beauty regime with the essential PDO fine lavender essential oil harvested from the domain’s lavender fields, as well as many other products, such as: Talc with massage oil, skin creams, shower gels, bath salts, etc. Be sure not to miss the collection of beauty products for men and teenagers ;-). We love these Christmas boxes which are perfect for the occasion. New and original gifts to make you happy! Not to mention the beautiful sachets of lavender flowers…
A great plan
In November and December, the “Lavender Museum celebrates Christmas”. Admire the blue sprigs of Provencal lavender around the fir tree and taste meringues and macarons accompanied by a cup of tea or a herbal infusion with a strong perfume.
Bastide du Laval Organic Olive oil
Did you know?
The Olive oil from the Bastide du Laval has sailed over the oceans with Armel le Cléach, François Gabart and Michel Desjoyaux. It is also the oil chosen by chef Guillaume Gomez for the tables of the Elysée.
Olive oil, a jewel in the Provençal crown, and the holy grail of Provençal cuisine
The controlled designation Olive oil: «Huile d’olive de Provence» of the Bastide of Laval, property of Carine and Roland Coupat, is made up of 30 hectares of olive trees, organically cultivated (about 4000 trees). To ensure and sustain the quality of production, an eco-responsible mill has been built on the estate. I really like the concept of (vintage?) tasting offered during the visit: you get to taste the different oils before you make your choice! The good Provencal resident that I am, I personally like very fruity and green oils.
Among the various products of the shop (spices, accessories, teas, etc.) we also fell in love with those that are born as the result of the cultivation of the olive tree, such as tapenade or cosmetics in gift boxes! A little extra for lovers of fine food: I loved Carine Coupat’s recipe ideas.
A case of wine
Classic in appearance, here is a wine-derful gift for the oenophile in your life
PDO Ventoux, Luberon, Côtes du Rhône, even the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape… These designations have increased the fame of Vaucluse wines. It is difficult to recommend one wine more than another, each palate being different! But I will still share my preferences with you. I like to highlight winemakers who are committed to sustainable and organic agriculture, and those who are part of a vegan wine approach, such as:
– Château Unang, part of the Ventoux PDO in Malemort-du-Comtat (organi
– Rhonéa, which brings together the cellars of Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise, part of the Côtes du Rhône/Ventoux PDO and which, since this year, produces certified vegan wines
– Domaine des Eydins, in Bonnieux, part of the Luberon PDO (organic)
– Domaine Beauregard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (organic and remarkable site of taste)
A vast amount of choices for the perfect personalised gift for wine lovers 🙂
Souvenir
Become a winemaker for a day by participating in a wine-making workshop at Château Maucoil in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A unique oenological workshop in Vaucluse!
Warm stoles
High-quality fibres made in Vaucluse by Brun de Vian-Tiran
I don’t know about you, but in the winter there’s nothing like wrapping up in a blanket and curling up on the sofa. Here’s an idea: gift a beautiful and warm stole from Vaucluse. The leading manufacturer of natural blankets in France, the Brun de Vian-Tiran family mill, a certified “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant”, has carried on the “wool” trade for eight generations at l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Lovers of high-quality fibres, these creators transform and weave the threads to wrap us in an infinite softness.
A unique piece of craftsmanship
Do as I do, follow the road of arts and delicacies, take a tour in La Traversée des arts in Monteux or in the numerous workshops of Pernes-les-Fontaines labeled «Ville et métiers d’art» since 1998.
Jewellery, accessories and clothing, cabinetmaking, decorative ironwork, stained glass, ceramics, salty and sweet flavours, alcohol and spirits, etc. I am sure that you too will find your perfect gift Mine? If I told you, it would no longer be a surprise…
