Bright and early I head back to the Yves Rocher head office to learn about the science behind botanical beauty. I visited the in-house laboratories where scientists test out new concoctions that create the makeup and skincare products we love, or soon will get to love! I was surprised to learn that all Yves Rocher products are derived from plants; their scientists have studied over 1,100 plant ingredients. I've been a devote vegetarian for over a decade, so I was relived to learn they stopped using animal testing in 1989 and none of the products contain ingredients from animal origins.
Following a delicious lunch across the canal at a colonial style residence surrounded by lush vegetation, I met Jacques Rocher (Yves Rocher's son). He spoke to us about some of the sustainable development projects that the Yves Rocher Group is working on. After my day at the office I was excited to get back to the hotel to slip into the most fabulous dress I packed and the most uncomfortable, yet gorgeous, heels I own.
We all headed to the Pompidou Centre to soak up some contemporary Parisian art and culture. I was lucky enough to attend the Elles@centrepompidou opening night. Yves Rocher is sponsoring this exhibition, which runs through to May 2010. It features 500 works by 280 women artists who address their issues and conceptions of beauty. I was surrounded by thought-provoking works of art, fashion-forward guests and a view to kill on the outdoor patio. At that moment I realized how blessed I am to experience a one-of-a-kind evening like this.
Day 3
A two-hour train ride through the French countryside took me to the region of Brittany in Western France where I boarded a bus to the small French village of La Gacilly. To give a boost to his hometown and revive its dying economy, Rocher generated jobs by building his headquarters in the village in 1959.
At last I arrive at the hotel; I was one of the first guests to stay at "La Gee des Landes" Eco-Spa Hotel created by Jacques Rocher. The hotel is designed as an eco-system; everything from the water, building materials, food and decor is closely connected to the surrounding natural elements.
After touring the hotel and its fertile grounds we all headed down to the village to visit Yves Rocher's birthplace and attic room. This room is where his very first formula was perfected, which happened to be a hemorrhoid cream! On we went for a tour of the Villes Geffs factory, which specializes in the manufacturing of cosmetics and liquid hygiene products.
Page 2 of 3 - Julia says goodbye to Paris on page 3!
