This study trip took place from May 15th to 17th 2023, where we embarked on a captivating journey to discover the narcissus in Aubrac, Lozère. This trip offered unparalleled insights into the cultivation, harvesting, and production of this exquisite flower, all made possible with the International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF).

Our adventure began with a visit to the breathtaking fields of narcissus. Under the guidance of knowledgeable experts, we learned about the meticulous cultivation techniques employed to nurture these beautiful flowers.

On the Aubrac plateau, millions of narcissus plants grow naturally for just 3 weeks a year. During our visit, we were able to watch them being harvested using an ingenious tool: a giant comb mounted on wheels, which removes only the flowers without damaging the plants.

The harvested narcissus is then transported to the SADEV factory, who welcomed us to visit their factory and extraction unit. During our visit, we discovered that this is the only site in France to extract the precious aroma of narcissus. Thanks to a transformation process, the floral essence is obtained in the form of an absolute, a raw material sought after by perfumers, especially in Grasse.

We are deeply grateful to all who helped make our field trip such a remarkable and impactful learning experience for the students.

Some memories :