Wandering through the South of France
June 30, 2020
It started with a road trip.
Some summers ago, Essènci founders Yetunde and Michael Beutler decided to journey through the southeast of France. The Beutler’s knew that hopscotching French countryside would be nothing short of wondrous and were keen on discovering the region’s hidden treasures. What they did not realize, however, was that this trip would lead them straight to the birthplace of Essènci: Provence.
The rolling hills
Known for its rich history, lavender fields, sleepy hillside villages, and distinct dialect, Provence captures the essence of French Mediterranean rural life. Its name originates from provincia–the first region that came under Roman control past the Alps (which at the time extended along the coast from modern-day Italy to Spain). Since then, Provence’s charming, historic towns and alluring range of yellows, greens, and blues has enamored all who have walked its fields.
For years, artists have drawn inspiration from the region’s colorful pastures, dark-green pines, and wide, open skies. Painter Paul Cézanne, for example, a native of Aix en Provence, often portrayed the region’s rugged terrain, with its flowing rivers and rocky coves, in his artwork. “When you’re born there, it’s hopeless, nothing else is good enough,” once said Cézanne. Other artists have also been mesmerized by Provence’s spectacular landscape. The region’s magical, honeyed light captivated Vincent Van Gogh. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea’s bright blue surface dazzled Claude Monet. And, its colors were frequently found in many of Henri Matisse’s palettes. Writers too like Charles Dickens, Peter Mayle, and James Baldwin were deeply enchanted by the region’s natural beauty, allowing Provence to carve its place in the literary imagination.
Much of Provence’s glory can be attributed to its sunny climate and ideal geography. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, Provence’s climate lends itself well to agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grapes and olives. The region’s warm beaches frame lush, fertile valleys that house countless vineyards, farms, and orchards. And, gentle sea breezes rise in the afternoon, helping the soil stay dry despite the sometimes moist climate. The best part? You can smell the sweet fragrance of lavender mingling in the salt-enriched Mediterranean air during certain times of the year.
A second treasure
About 100 miles southeast of the coast of France lies another treasure–the mountainous island of Corsica. The island boasts of a warm climate, a wide range of wines and fertile hills known as the Corsican gardens. There in the gardens you can find over dozens of villages perched along the edge of cliffs and tucked within valleys. Though the vibrancy and richness of Corsica parallels Provence, Corsican culture is a unique blend of French and Italian elements–making it distinct from the Provence region. Nevertheless, given its proximity to Provence, it would go on to play a pivotal role in Essènci's story.
Planting Essènci
Traveling from one sleepy village to the next, the Beutlers learned the history behind different plots of land. Nearly every moment of their trip was packed with stories of past farmers, what once grew, and the impacts of climate change on the region. It was only a matter of time till they fell in love with their surroundings and began to wonder: how could they forge a meaningful relationship with the land and contribute to its preservation? As the trip neared its end, the answer became increasingly clear: it was here in Provence, and southeastern France at large, that the Beutlers were meant to plant the roots of their skincare brand, Essènci.
And, so they did.
Today, Essènci is proud of its Provençal roots. Living up to the splendor of the region is no easy feat, but we are committed to maintaining the region’s legacy through sustainable practices and are excited to share with you the Provençal story and spirit.
- By The Essènci Team -