COME AND MEET FRANCE-MAY LEBRETON

THE SOUTH COAST

France-May Lebreton, a farmer and turmeric producer in La Plaine des Grègues, embodies the essence of Reunion Island’s southern terroir. Staying true to traditional methods, she showcases this spice so emblematic of the Island by creating unique artisanal products. Labelled by “Bienvenue à la Ferme” [Welcome to the Farm] and “Esprit Parc National [National Park Spirit] – La Réunion”, France-May shares her know-how and love of the land with visitors to her farm. Blessed with an authentic vision that respects nature to the full, she turns turmeric into a true culinary and cultural treasure.

A generous land and traditional know-how

Set in the heights of Saint-Joseph, 600 metres above sea level, La Plaine des Grègues is the perfect location for cultivating turmeric. France-May describes her surroundings as “a land of rocks”, demanding but generous, ideal for this sun-tinted spice. “We’ve always cultivated turmeric in traditional fashion. No mechanisation hereabouts: every harvest leaves rhizomes in the soil, letting nature do her work for the next season”, she explains.

She has the utmost respect for age-old methods and prefers artisanal practices: manual cleaning, natural drying on tarps and nets, and local processing. Choices that ensure her product’s quality as well as the perpetuation of a unique tradition tinted with the south of the Island’s golden hues.

From field to processing: outstanding products

Bathed in golden light, the same colour as the turmeric they produce, her fields inspire her creations with every passing day. Working with deep respect for the land that nourishes her crops, she creates unique flavours embodying the luminous landscapes of Reunion Island’s south. France-May shares her know-how with visitors during guided tours, providing them with an immersive experience in the heart of her farm.

France-May does more than just grow turmeric, she exploits its full potential through a whole range of products including syrups, marmalades and curry powder. She also innovates by creating original recipes such as turmeric biscuits and flavoured lemonades. “Each idea comes to me naturally. I test it on myself first of all and if it works, I know that other people will like it”, she says.

A life devoted to transmission and innovation

For France-May, cultivating turmeric is more than just a profession, it’s a passion she has passed down to her children, who also work on the family farm. “It’s important to me to show them that, despite the challenges, you can succeed with enough hard work and determination”, she says. Inspired by her ideas, her son persuaded her to create a turmeric-flavoured lemonade, a simple, natural product that has met with great success.

True to her roots and guided by love of her terroir, France-May Lebreton has turned La Plaine des Grègues’ turmeric into a shining symbol of Reunionese culture. Combining tradition and creativity, her work highlights the south of the Island’s abundance and authenticity, showcasing Reunionese know-how far beyond its borders.

Fidèle à ses racines et guidée par l’amour de son terroir, France-May Lebreton transforme le curcuma de la Plaine des Grègues en un symbole rayonnant de la culture réunionnaise. Son travail, mêlant tradition et créativité, met en lumière la richesse et l’authenticité du sud de l’île, faisant rayonner le savoir-faire réunionnais au-delà des frontières.

GOURMET PORTRAIT

IF I WERE

A Reunionese dish

Wood-fire chicken curry with turmeric

A terroir product

Homemade turmeric lemonade

A spot for self-indulgence

A picnic on my farm

Discover all our portraits