Crafts: the Ferme des Homs, on the Larzac plateau, cultivates aromatic flavors and scents

Le couple s’est installé à la Ferme des Homs, petit hameau en bordure du plateau du Larzac. Midi Libre – Bruno Campels

Chaque vendredi, la ferme des Homs ouvre ses portes pour faire découvrir la culture et la transformation d’aromatiques du Larzac.

“Homs”, a little-known term. Those who have some knowledge of Occitan will know that this term refers to abalone. Trees that once populated the lands of Larzac, and more particularly those of the Caussenarde farm of Homs, between Montredon and Saint-Sauveur.

Abandoned in the middle of the 20th century, the farm came back to life during the emblematic fight against the extension of the Larzac military camp, in the 70s. Today, it is managed by the SCTL (société civile des terres du Larzac) as well as the GFA Larzac (agricultural land management) and was taken over by Pierre-Yves De Boissieu and Maria Möller. “After having led a breeding activity [they] gradually planted and grew their passion for aromatic plants, first developing herbal teas, then aperitifs and condiments”, details the farm's website.

From the field to the laboratory

In 2016, Marion Renoud-Lias and Romain Debord, agri-agro engineers, took over the structure following the retirement of their predecessors. In the same vein, and with the help of three employees, they continue this activity of growing plants and their transformation. Among the emblematic recipes marketed within their farm, the Pastis des Homs.

Read also:A gin with the good aromas of Larzac for the pleasure of toasting with friends distilled near Nant in Aveyron

Every Friday in the summer, between July 14 and August 15, “Les aromatiques du Larzac” opens its doors to the general public to introduce them to this activity. "After presenting the history of the farm, we offer a tour of the plots with the different plants grown, explains Aurélie, an employee for five years. Then, we go on a tour of the production tool with the dryers and the laboratory, for example."

Beyond the manufacture of drinks, the agronomist couple offers a wide choice of products. "Our activity is also based on wild picking, particularly juniper or scrambled eggs, explains Aurélie. Then, we also have a whole range of essential oils." An eclectic range of products presented every Friday until August 15th during a free 2.5 hour tour at the end of which participants are invited to taste the products. "The children are happy because they see the crops. And the tasting at the end of the tour is also generally well received,", laughs Aurélie.

Fridays at 4 p.m. Duration: 2.5 hours. Reservation requested at 05 65 62 22 56