Themed tours and activities Madagascar

Founded by the Missionary Fathers in 1889, SPPM (Société des Produits à Parfum de Madagascar), the island's (and the world's) leading distillery and the world's largest producer of ylang-ylang essential oil, processes several tons of flowers a day. It is produced by steam distillation for cosmetics and perfumes, but also for a lesser-quality oil, called cananga oil, extracted from the tail of the distillate. Around 100 kg of flowers are needed to produce 2.5 kg of essential oil. The best ylang-ylang oil comes from flowers picked early in the morning in the early days of summer. The olfactory power of ylang-ylang oil is its claim to fame, and is the source of the world's best-selling perfume - Chanel's famous N°5. Ylang-ylang's therapeutic virtues are also of interest, helping to slow the heart rate and combat tachycardia and hypertension. Like rose, jasmine and sandalwood essential oils, ylang-ylang is also said to have anti-depressant, aphrodisiac and sedative properties. On site, in the distillery, you can watch the essences being extracted and buy small bottles of ylang-ylang as well as various souvenirs, a pure pleasure for the senses and a scent you'll associate with this trip for a long time to come. Preferably on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings, when the workers are harvesting and distilling.