Our Key Dates
1976
At the age of 23, Olivier Baussan distilled rosemary for the first time using an old still.
From this founding gesture was born what he called L’Occitane.
1978
In 1978, Olivier moved into a villa nestled in the hills above Manosque, in Volx. Production was still entirely artisanal. The first employees sometimes even had to pedal a bicycle to power the labelling machine.
Two years later, the first factory and the first boutique opened in that same small village.
1993
In 1993, the Shea Butter Hand Cream was created.
Its metal tube, inspired by paint tubes, became a symbol: one of beauty born from the hand’s gesture, of care shaped by the bond between the women of the Sahel and the artisans of Provence.
2004
A sensorial collection was born in 2004 with the Almond Shower Oil, followed in 2006 by the Almond Supple Skin Oil.
Four years earlier, Olivier Baussan had joined forces with Jean-Pierre Jaubert, a Provençal producer, to help revive almond tree cultivation in Provence.
Since 2025, our Provence almond supply chain has been Fair Trade certified.
2026
This heritage forms the foundation of the 50th anniversary story: a Maison born from a single gesture and driven by a deep, lasting bond with Provence.
In the Beginning : The Story of a Still and a Vision
It all begins in Haute-Provence, with a remarkable encounter. A time-tested still is passed on, knowledge shared, and from this enduring tradition, Olivier Baussan finds his inspiration. With freshly picked rosemary, he ignites the flame. Oh, that fragrance! A revelation. This first act of distillation was more than a spark ; it was the dawn of an adventure where nature sings and tradition dances. Our Maison, L'Occitane en Provence, was born.
A Simple Gesture
SINCE 1976, A GESTURE BORN IN HAUTE-PROVENCE HAS BECOME A MAISON WITH A GLOBAL PRESENCE.
Since 1976, L’Occitane en Provence has been forging a vibrant connection between nature, women, and men.
It all began with a defining moment: Olivier Baussan, aged 23, distilled a few sprigs of rosemary in the heart of Haute-Provence. This simple, poetic, artisanal act became the foundation of a brand rooted in its region, nourished by local expertise, and driven by a humanistic vision of beauty.
Fifty years later, this legacy remains a driving force: transforming iconic ingredients—from lavender to shea butter—into expert sensory experiences, and celebrating the communities that have shaped the brand.
This anniversary is not a retrospective, but a living tribute to a history shaped by Provence, encounters, and the desire to share a unique way of life.
Extend the In-Store Experience
Immerse yourself in the world of L'Occitane through exclusive in-store services. Let our beauty hosts guide you through a soothing massage of hands and arms with our iconic products and expert gestures. Completed with gentle exfoliation and cuticle care, leaving skin soft, nourrished, and renewed.
