A new item for our Velavi range on the Velay Attractivité website:
https://www.velay-attractivite.fr/velavi-une-gamme-de-cosmetiques-inspiree-du-velay
- March 10, 2025
Denis Chantegraille and Marie Calvez had the idea to launch Velavi, a brand of natural and organic cosmetic products in Saint-Pal-de-Mons. In 2022, they partnered with the Michelin-starred chef from Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, Jacques Marcon, and Thomas Marcon, who runs the SPA des Sources du Haut Plateau, to create the company Biovellave. Since January 2023, it has been marketing a range of cosmetics containing four basic ingredients: water from Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, honey from the Loire Gorges, verbena hydrosol, and acacia gum from Haute-Loire.
How did the idea of creating this cosmetics brand come about?
Thomas Marcon: It was born from a meeting of four people who love the region: Denis Chantegraille, CEO of Addiplast in Saint-Pal-de-Mons, Marie Calvez, a cosmetology expert, Michelin-starred chef Jacques Marcon, and myself, who runs the SPA des Sources du Haut Plateau. Each of the founders brought their own personal yet complementary touch to the brand.
We all love nature and the great outdoors. What we have in common is our desire to promote the Haute-Loire region and, of course, the Velay region.
Why did you choose the Velavi brand?
Thomas Marcon: We chose this name in the middle of summer in Saint-Bonnet-Le-Froid. After several discussions, we decided that Velavi was the right name. Of course, we are based in the east of the department, but we are in love with the Velay region. It is a must-see, and Velavi shares a similar identity with Velay. The idea was for the name to speak to a lot of people!
What products make up the cosmetics range?
Marie Calvez: Our cosmetics range currently consists of seven products. There are three for the body, a moisturizing, fragrance-free body lotion for women and men, and two sulfate-free shower gels to protect the skin. The first has a honey scent and the second has a pine scent. There's also a facial scrub and three face creams, depending on skin type.
What ingredients are used in their design?
Marie Calvez: All our treatments have different compositions. We use raw materials sourced locally. We base our formulas on four main ingredients: verbena hydrosol, spring water from Saint-Bonnet-Le-Froid, acacia gum, and honey from the Loire Gorges.
The raw materials we use come from local producers. This is what sets us apart from what other cosmetic brands offer.
Have some products won awards at the Victoires de la Beauté?
Marie Calvez: Yes! First of all, there's the first wrinkle prevention cream and the facial scrub, which won awards at the 2023/2024 Victoires de la Beauté awards. There's also the body lotion, which won awards at the 2024/2025 Victoires de la Beauté awards.
These awards recognize the virtuous nature of our products. On the one hand, there is the validation of the composition of our products and, on the other, our company's commitment to sourcing raw materials locally and also using packaging made from recycled materials. I would like to point out that our products are Eco Cert certified, with the Cosmos Organic label.
Do you have plans to develop this range of cosmetics?
Marie Calvez: Yes. We want to expand our range of cosmetic products to meet our customers' demands. We're working on various avenues, particularly facial care.
How to get them today?
Here at the SPA des Sources du Haut Plateau in Saint-Bonnet, but also at the Jacques et Régis Marcon restaurant. They are also distributed in around fifty points of sale in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes. For example, there is La Grande pharmacie in Puy-en-Velay, the Pensio pharmacy, and Hello pharmacie. You can also purchase them via our website.
