A Glimpse Into the Heart of Avène: My Journey to France with Pierre Fabre

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit France for a firsthand look at one of my favorite skincare brands, Avène.

Known for its gentle, skin-soothing formulas, Avène has earned a loyal following for its focus on sensitive skin and its commitment to preserving the skin’s natural barrier. The brand’s products undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, with dermatologists involved at every step of development.

The Avène story dates back to 1736, when the healing properties of the Avène Thermal Spring were first discovered after a horse with dermatosis found relief by rolling in the spring’s waters. By 1743, the Marquis of Rocozels established the first thermal baths, treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The spring’s therapeutic benefits caught international attention when it was used to treat victims of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. In 1975, Pierre Fabre Laboratories, a French pharmaceutical group, acquired the Avène Hydrotherapy Center, and in 1990, Eau Thermale Avène skincare products were officially launched. Today, the brand offers more than 180 products, available in nearly 120 countries.

The Magic Behind Eau Thermale Avène Water

My visit to the Avène L’Hôtel Station Thermale was a highlight of the trip, where I learned more about Eau Thermale Avène water—the star ingredient in every Avène product.

Architect Roger Taillibert has created a hotel shaped along curving lines. Its audaciously modern and transparent architecture blends perfectly into the natural environment of the Avène Thermal Spa Resort.

People with atopic conditions travel to the Avène Hydrotherapy Center for treatments using the naturally mineralized spring water, which has proven effective for eczema, psoriasis, burns, scars, and more. Even babies as young as three months old can benefit from hydrotherapy here.

Below is a specialized scalp shower that treats psoriasis or eczema on the scalp.

Our group relaxing after a hydrotherapy bath.

In 2001, a unique ancestral microflora that doesn’t exist anywhere else but in the Eau Thermale Avéne water was discovered. This micro-organism produces active substances with anti-irritant properties.

It’s no surprise that one bottle of the iconic Avène Thermal Spring Water R295 (for a 300ml) BUY is sold every two seconds worldwide.

What an experience visiting the production unit and seeing for myself how the iconic Eau Thermal water is packaged.

Expert Tips for Atopic Skin

A standout moment was a masterclass on how to care for atopic skin.

Here are some quick tips on treating compromised skin:

Avoid These Skin Irritants:

Soap

Hot water

Vigorous towel drying

How to Treat Atopic Skin:

Spritz the affected area with Thermal Spring Water R295 BUY to soothe and calm.

Apply XeraCalm A.D Lipid Replenishing Balm R435 BUY to damp skin for better absorption.

For severe irritation, use a compress with gauze or tissue, spritz with Thermal Spring Water, and leave it on for 10 minutes.

Follow up with Cicalfate Repairing Protective Cream R280 BUY twice daily.

For oozing flare-ups, use Cicalfate Absorbing Repair Spray R300 BUY to dry the area.

Use XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil R375 BUY on both face and body.

A Morning In Albi

We spent half a day in the charming river city of Albi.

We explored the jaw-dropping Sainte-Cécile cathedral – the largest brick cathedral in the world.

The frescoes on the ceiling are the oldest and biggest in France.

We also marveled at the Palais de la Berbie’s gardens, a majestic masterpiece created Albi’s first archbishop, best viewed from above.

Outfit Of The Day

Trench Coat by Zara. Leopard Print Skirt & white trainers by Desray. Black Vest by Uniq. Sunglasses by Ray Ban

Discovering Pierre Fabre

After our whirlwind tour of Albi, we made our way to the Pierre Fabre headquarters in Lavaur.

The building, designed to resemble a seashell, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

While there, we were introduced to some of Avène’s latest products, including the Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF50+ R360 BUY, a tinted sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and blue light. Its universal tint suits all skin tones and leaves the skin looking even and radiant—it’s like a tinted moisturizer with major benefits.

Skincare Innovations at Le Lab

In Toulouse, we visited Le Lab, Pierre Fabre’s concept store, where customers can try out and buy products, get a skin analysis, or check if they’ve applied their sunscreen correctly.

Here, I learned about the Cleanance range, perfect for combination, oily, or blemish-prone skin. The Cleanance A.H.A Exfoliating Serum R550 BUY, a hero product, helps reduce blemishes and refine skin texture, especially for those with adult acne.

I fulfilled a fantasy to enjoy French Onion Soup in France at Le Bibent, a historic restaurant that has been serving customers since 1861.  While this soup may not be the most photogenic, trust me when I say it was the most delicious.

Pierre Fabre’s Social Impact

Pierre Fabre (pictured above), a pharmacist from the Tam region grew his local pharmacy into a global company. A passionate entrepreneur and humanist, he donated his entire company to a government-recognized public-interest foundation with a unique shareholding structure to ensure the companies independence and longevity.

It was fascinating visiting the Fondation Pierre Fabre and learning about the various initiatives it supports. Created in 1999 by Mr. Fabre, it strives to enable communities from less advanced and emerging, as well as those plunged into severe crisis by political or economic upheaval and / or antral disaster, to access the quality and level of everyday healthcare and widely used drugs defined by the WHO and other organizations as essential to human health.

The foundation includes 5 key areas on intervention that include training pharmacists and healthcare professionals, access to healthcare for the most vulnerable, eHealth, dermatology and fighting sickle-cell disease.

My Skin Saving Serum

The Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum R790 – BUY was an absolute skin saver. Over 24 hours of traveling can seriously dehydrate one’s skin. This serum hydrates the skin’s surface, delivering intense, long-lasting hydration. It also contains Niacinamide that brightens and strengthens the skin.

A Night in the Château

Our trip ended at Domaine du Carla, a stunning 19th-century chateau set amidst 100-year-old trees. The property, now a hotel, perfectly reflects Pierre Fabre’s values of nature, authenticity, and beauty. We had a fantastic dinner here to mark the conclusion of our visit.

#Team Trench

The following morning, before heading to the airport, we toured the Pierre Fabre product showroom, a sleek space showcasing all of the company’s brands.

The panoramic view of the surrounding countryside was the perfect backdrop for a final, unforgettable experience.

A huge thank you to Avène for a fun, insightful, and memorable trip to France!