London Diploma Course in Aromatherapy & Therapeutic Massage

Study Week in Provence, France

The Institute provides as part of the Diploma Course an exciting 6-day residential module in Provence — in the very heart of the French essential oil producing region. Under the expert tutelage of leading international Aromatherapy teachers Rhiannon and Bob Harris, who live in Provence, students will get a first-hand impression of lavender cultivation and production.

At the same time, students will study Aromatherapy in the tranquil yet breathtaking surroundings of the Provençal mountains. This special week in Aromatherapy’s birthplace will provide a direct learning experience of essential oils that would take months, if not years, to replicate through book study.

In addition to in-class study with Rhiannon and Bob, the week includes a visit to Grasse, the ancient centre of the essential oil industry; a Galimard workshop in perfume creation; a botanical walk to Bargeme; a distillation workshop; a day trip to the Valensole plateau, via the gorges of Verdon, to see Lavendin cultivation; and a farewell visit to Castellane market, where regional natural products are sold.

The Diploma Course Fee includes the return flights to and from Nice, all accomodation in France, and two meals per day. Accomodation is shared, although a single room option is available at an extra cost.

La Martre and its environs

While students stay in the beautiful town of Castellane, classes are held nearby in the tranquil village of La Martre – in the mountainous Haut Var region of Provence, France. La Martre is just 90 minutes drive from Nice Côte d’Azur international airport, and 45 minutes from Grasse, the world capital of perfumery and essential oil production.

The mountains surrounding the village cradle Scots pine forests full of juniper, box, lavender, savory and thyme, while the valleys are populated by plants such as yarrow, wild carrot, meadow sage and St John's wort. The village itself lies on the side of a south-facing hill at 1000 metres altitude, and is only a short distance from the region’s famous lavender fields. The village’s epicerie-bar-restaurant, with its shady terrace overlooking the valley, provides delicious local cuisine for some of the week’s lunches.

The teaching facility

Situated on the outskirts of the village is the teaching facility – a modern provençal-style building that can accommodate over one hundred people. Fully equipped for teaching and conference purposes, it provides a cool and spacious environment in which to study on the typically warm, sunny days that produce the region’s abundant aromatic flora.