THE MYSTERIES OF VETIVER

Mr Didier Hoareau is one of those who don’t wish to see part of the island’s agricultural heritage die out: namely, vetiver.
A farmer, he arranges tours so visitors can learn all there is to know about this grass along with other crops to be discovered (banana, sugar cane, pineapple, coffee, various citrus fruit...) that make up the wealth of Reunion’s agriculture.

This visit lets you discover vetiver from root to leaf while helping out with its harvesting or growing.

Visit schedule:
• 9.15am or 1.45pm: Meet at Far Far de Bezaves, in the heights of Saint Joseph
• 9.30am or 2.00pm: start of the tour

Points covered:

1- Geographical and environmental location of the agricultural site
2- Drying area, storage, preparation and use of vetiver
3- Walk through the fields: sugar cane, songe, coffee, pineapple, citrus fruits, geraniums, brèdes...
4- Stop off at a vetiver field overlooking the entire coast
5- Workshop you can join in: depending on the season, visitors can join in harvesting the plant or planting it
6- Stop at a traditional still: distillation of the plant to recover its essential oil and vetiver hydrosol
7- Time for discussion over a delicious pei cake and a cold or hot drink

Further information :

- Depending on the season, the harvest and the weather, the workshop out in the fields can also be organised in the storage area and adapted to the conditions (making bundles of vetiver roots or leaves, sorting etc)
- Reservations required 24 hours in advance
- The tour may be cancelled by the service provider in the event of adverse weather conditions
- The visit lasts about 2 hours
- This price includes: the guided tour, the hands-on workshop, refreshment at the end of the visit
A small area is set aside for vetiver-based products or other species from the Far Far de Bézaves plantation.

What to wear/bring:

Casual clothing, hat, sunglasses, rain gear, closed shoes such as tennis or walking shoes, a bottle of water.

Guaranteed activity : minimum 1 pers / max 15 pers per visit