Inside Boiron: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the World Leader in Homeopathic Medicine

If you’re ever lucky enough to spend a couple of days in Lyon, France, do it. And if your trip happens to include a stroll through flower fields, dinner in a Michelin‑whispered bistro, and a behind‑the‑scenes tour of Boiron’s homeopathy headquarters, well… consider yourself très fancy. Here’s how my recent adventure unfolded in Lyon with the incredible team and family behind Boiron homeopathy medicines.

I was so thrilled to take my family to France and couldn’t wait to get started on our adventures. 

Day One: Fields of Gold & Dinner Like Locals

We stayed at the perfectly French Intercontinental Hotel Dieu in Lyon and were welcomed with open arms by the Boiron team. The Intercontinental was the perfect place to host an event. It was also popular with the locals as the many gardens offered a shady spot to sit and sip wine. 

My first stop in Lyon wasn’t a museum or a cathedral—it was La Ferme du Patuet, a working flower farm about 3 hours outside Lyon where Boiron sources some of its fresh botanicals. Imagine rolling fields of arnica, calendula, and other delicate blooms swaying in the morning breeze, their petals practically waving bonjour.

There’s something about the French countryside that feels like stepping into a watercolor painting—rolling green and golden hills, quiet villages, and roads that curve just enough to make you wonder if you’re in the right place. Traveling through the central France farmlands was a perfect mix of nature, science, and a little retail therapy—though I’ll admit, the retail was mostly enjoyed by my husband Chris and our daughter Channing while I was knee‑deep in calendula blossoms.

 

Day One: Into the Fields of Central France

The morning began with a scenic drive from Lyon into the remote farmlands of central France, where GPS feels more like a suggestion than a promise. The further we drove, the more the city slipped away, replaced by winding roads, tidy stone farmhouses, and the occasional tractor or cow politely reminding me I was très much in the countryside.

My destination: La Ferme du Patuet, one of the farms where Boiron sources the botanicals for its homeopathic remedies. Fields of cheerful calendula greeted me like a postcard come to life. They also grow arnica, but we had just missed it because of the harvest. This was no ordinary farm visit—I had the privilege of meeting the family who owns the land, who shared stories about nurturing the flowers that eventually make their way into remedies like Arnica, Chestal, and Camilia.

If you aren’t familiar with Boiron, you have no doubt seen their products in pharmacies and on store shelves. Boiron is a French-based global leader in homeopathic medicine, founded in 1932 by twin brothers Jean and Henri Boiron. The company blends science and tradition to produce natural, plant-based remedies, and is known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and research.

Homeopathy is a medical philosophy that began in the late 1700s, developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, based on the principle of “like cures like”—the idea that a substance causing symptoms in a healthy person can, in very small doses, treat similar symptoms in a sick person.

Boiron products are available in more than 50 countries, including pharmacies and health stores across Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

Some of Boiron’s best-selling remedies include:

• Oscillococcinum – used to relieve flu-like symptoms such as body aches, fever, and fatigue.
• Arnicare (Arnica montana) – used to reduce bruising, muscle pain, and swelling from injuries.
• Chestal – a syrup for dry or wet coughs.
• Camilia – designed to relieve teething discomfort in babies, such as irritability and gum pain.
• Calendula – Also known as pot marigold, this bright orange-yellow flower is prized for its soothing properties and is traditionally used in homeopathic and herbal remedies to help relieve minor skin irritations, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. Its gentle nature makes it popular in creams and ointments for cuts, scrapes, and diaper rash.

These products are favorites from people looking for gentle, natural alternatives to conventional over-the-counter medicines.

While I explored the flower fields, Chris and Channing were on their own adventure back in Lyon: browsing the legendary Librairie Decitre bookstore and ducking into boutiques along Rue de la République, while occasionally texting me pictures of croissants to make me jealous.

By midday, I visited the nearest small town for lunch at Le Bistrot Lucenay, a charming countryside spot where time moves a little slower. A lunch with fresh veggies grown in their garden and a glass of chilled rosé later, I was officially living my best French countryside life.

 

After lunch, we made our way to Les Hospices de Beaune, one of the most breathtaking historical sites in the Burgundy region. Originally founded as a charitable almshouse in the 15th century, the building itself looks like something out of a medieval fairytale with its flamboyant Gothic architecture, colorful glazed tile roof, and intricate wooden beams felt like walking onto the set of a period drama. You almost expect monks in robes to appear with herbal tinctures.

 

 

Inside, I wandered through ancient halls that once cared for the sick and poor, learning how the Hospices blended medical care with monastic service long before modern hospitals existed. The preserved apothecary, antique medical tools, and quiet chapel painted a picture of what healing looked like centuries ago and it was humbling… the evolution of medicine felt tangible.

 

After the tour, we had some free time to explore the village of Beaune, which is every bit as charming as you’ve heard with cobblestone streets, pastel shutters, wine shops, and that signature slow French rhythm of life. I ducked into a boutique that sold handmade soaps and linens, then joined a few fellow travelers for a quick cookie and coffee at a café where even the sugar cubes seemed to have style.

It was the kind of afternoon that didn’t demand anything of you, just to be present, soak in the surroundings, and maybe pick up a bottle of local wine or two… for research purposes, of course.

That evening, we reunited for dinner in the city at Monsieur P, where we dove into a special menu of Lyonnais classics, Turbot, Paireau Crayon & Jus d’Aretes for Chris, Bavette de Boeuf, Delicatesse Mitraille for me, and a bread‑basket marathon for Channing, who now considers butter a food group. And after that she also had the Turbot and we all enjoyed the Chocolate Cafe & Sarrasin. 

Lyon is often hailed as the gastronomic capital of the world, thanks to its rich culinary heritage, central location between agricultural regions, and deep-rooted food traditions. The city is home to the famous “bouchons”—cozy, family-run restaurants serving hearty Lyonnais fare like quenelles, andouillette, and salade Lyonnaise. Legendary chefs like Paul Bocuse helped put Lyon on the global food map, blending rustic French classics with refined techniques. With its bustling food markets, centuries-old recipes, and a deep respect for regional ingredients, Lyon is where French cuisine truly comes to life.

 

It was an absolute dream to sit outside in the cool summer breeze with my family and newfound friends to enjoy an unforgettable meal. I hope Channing never forgets this night because I know I never will.

Day Two: Behind the Scenes at Boiron & Lyon From Above

The next morning was dedicated to the heart of the trip: an exclusive, behind‑the‑scenes experience at Boiron’s global headquarters in Messimy. The sleek campus stood in beautiful contrast to the rustic farms I’d visited the day before. During our trip we met an incredible lineup of leaders and innovators:

 

 

• Michele Boiron, pharmacist, author, and daughter of founder Jean Boiron—gracious, warm, and every bit the soul of the company.
• Thierry Boiron – Former President and influential leader at Boiron, known for continuing the family’s mission of blending tradition, innovation, and global education in homeopathy.
• Pascal Houdayer, Global CEO, whose energy and vision set the tone for Boiron’s future.
• Janick Boudazin, CEO of Boiron USA, bridging the French passion for homeopathy with American curiosity.
• Emeline Guiraud‑Boisson  and Laura Maucci‑Ponzio  who made sure our experience was as polished as it was welcoming.

Touring the state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facilities felt like entering a world where precision meets poetry: sterile white labs, stainless‑steel equipment, and solutions gently shaken in the delicate dynamisation process that ensures consistency in Boiron’s remedies. It was science, but with a French elegance. 

 

Our tour group heard a fascinating lecture from Michele Boiron about the history of homeopathy.

 

And Thierry Boiron kept us up-to-date on where the business is now and what they hope to accomplish in the future. But the one theme everyone shared was the compassion and dedication to the Boiron legacy. The passion for creating medicines in a natural way that would help people could be felt in every step of the process.

 

 

I am so grateful to have experienced this campus and meeting the people behind the little blue tube first-hand. 

After seeing the tubes and doses we grabbed a quick lunch at Le Petit Meunier. It’s a hidden gem set in a beautifully restored old mill—complete with a gently turning waterwheel and a shaded terrace overlooking riverside greenery. The moment you’re seated, the bucolic charm wraps around you like a soft blanket. The menu dances between traditional French dishes and inventive seasonal creations—think delicate terrines, perfectly cooked fish, and inventive touches like chocolate‑pineapple spheres that feel almost too exquisite to taste.

 

In the early evening, I met up with Chris and Channing to visit Basilique Notre‑Dame de Fourvière. The sweeping view of Lyon’s red rooftops and the twin rivers—the Rhône and Saône—was the perfect finale. 

 

 

Now it was time for the grande finale, a final meal with the incredible friends and Boiron team we’d shared this exquisite experience with.

Nestled in the serene cloister of the former Visitandines convent at the Fourvière Hotel, Les Téléphones is a bistronomic gem where modern French cuisine meets poetic history.

 

Under the talented direction of Chef Thibault Hostiguian, the seasonal menu showcases imaginative and refined dishes, with each table even featuring a vintage telephone, a playful nod to the restaurant’s name. In one long table, we shared laughter, stories, memories and a lot of wine. 

One of the unexpected joys of this trip was experiencing it alongside such a dynamic, passionate, and genuinely kind group of fellow creatives and professionals.

From the radiant Rachel Harris, whose travel expertise and Arizona sunshine energy made every conversation sparkle, to Phillip Cowley (aka @philsmypharmacist), who balanced humor and health wisdom with ease—there was no shortage of insight or laughter. His business partner Allie Watterson brought equal parts smarts and warmth, and always had a kind word or a helpful tip to share. Christina DeRosa brought a playful spirit and boundless energy (seriously, her laugh is contagious), and her husband Guido Grimaldi captured the magic behind the lens with charming brilliance.

Molly R. Stern, a beauty industry icon, was just as soulful as she is talented. Her cheeky yet calming presence made even our busiest days feel grounded. Jamie Hess infused the group with motivational magic and infectious enthusiasm (and probably taught us all how to level-up our personal brands in the process!). Julian Shereda-McKenna added a filmmaker’s eye and thoughtful perspective to every stop along the way.

Sharing this unforgettable journey through Lyon, the French countryside, and the heart of Boiron with such a thoughtful, funny, and passionate crew made every moment richer. It wasn’t just a press trip, it felt like a shared adventure with new friends who feel like old ones.

And last but certainly not least, Deborah Kelly and MaryKate Ott who created, steered, cheered and joyfully brought us all together. I am beyond grateful to you for this experience of a lifetime.

The French Lesson

In just two days, going behind-the-scenes with Boiron gave me everything I love about travel and wellness:

• Quiet moments among flowers in the French countryside
• A peek into world‑class science and family legacy at Boiron 
• Cobblestone streets, secret passages, and a daughter who declared, “We should just live here”
• Meals so good I considered writing poetry to a quenelle

As the sun set over the Saône, I thought: in France, even a work trip feels like a love letter to life.