Bourbon Essential Oils Cooperative (CAHEB)
In Le Tampon, CAHEB opens the doors to bourbon rosat geranium distillation: copper stills, comparative scent tasting, and direct sales of certified essential oils.
In the heart of Le Tampon's highlands, the Bourbon Essential Oils Cooperative (CAHEB) brings together Réunion farmers who cultivate and distill rosat geranium, vetiver, and other aromatic plants endemic or adapted to the island. It's one of the rare places where you can observe the complete supply chain—from plant to essential oil—and understand why perfumers in Grasse still source from Réunion.
What you'll see
The visit centres on steam-distillation stills used for rosat geranium, the emblematic plant of the island's highlands. You observe copper vats, cooling coils, and oil-water separators. Essential oil samples are presented for olfactory tasting, allowing you to distinguish the green and rosy notes of bourbon geranium from those of other global origins.
History and context
The cultivation of rosat geranium on Réunion dates back to the 19th century. The island, then called Bourbon, lent its name to this variety highly prized in fine perfumery. CAHEB was established to structure and sustain the sector in the face of international competition, particularly from Morocco and China. It unites small producers in the highlands, where altitude and climate favour a high concentration of esters in the oil.
Highlights of the visit
Live distillation
If you visit during harvest season, you may witness the loading of stills with fresh geranium stems. Steam passes through the plant mass, carrying aromatic molecules, which then condense. The oil separates and is collected manually.
Comparative scent tasting
Samples allow you to compare bourbon geranium with other oils from the cooperative. It's a hands-on exercise that explains why perfumery noses immediately distinguish the Réunion origin.
The cooperative shop
You can purchase certified essential oils, hydrolats, and derivative products directly at producer prices, with no middleman.
Photography tips
The copper stills offer beautiful textures in soft natural light. Avoid flash inside the workshops. The surrounding geranium fields, photographed early morning, offer raking light that highlights the dense green of the foliage.
Location and access
CAHEB is located in Le Tampon's highlands, a commune in southern Réunion accessible from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Louis. Le Tampon lies about twenty kilometres from Saint-Pierre by road. A personal vehicle is recommended, as public transport poorly serves the agricultural zones in the highlands. No reliable information on disability accessibility is available—contact the cooperative directly before your visit.
Nearby attractions
- Plaine des Cafres — high-altitude plateau with open landscapes, departure point toward the volcano.
- Piton de la Fournaise — active volcano accessible from Le Tampon's highlands, an unmissable excursion in the region.
- Cité du Volcan — museum dedicated to the island's volcanic geology, located at Plaine des Cafres.
- Le Tampon — central town with its gardens and local market.
Frequently asked questions
Rosat geranium harvest takes place mainly between May and November, the dry season in the highlands. This is when you have the best chance of witnessing active distillation.
It is advisable to contact the cooperative before visiting to confirm opening hours and guide availability. Group visits typically require a reservation.
Yes, the cooperative has a shop where essential oils and hydrolats are sold directly to visitors at producer prices.
Allow between one and one and a half hours for a complete visit including the distillation workshop, scent tasting, and shop.
The scent-tasting workshop is accessible to all ages. Children respond well to scent discovery. Keep them away from operating stills, which give off heat.
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