Situated at an altitude of 650 metres above a wide plain between the three mountain summits of Ventoux, Lure and Luberon, Simiane-la-Rotonde is at the heart of the production area for lavender and lavandin (a lavender hybrid). This area is concentrated in the Alpes de Haute Provence, the Vaucluse and the Provençale Drôme. Lavender extends over 5 000 hectares (more than 12 300 acres) and lavandin occupies 15 000 hectares (more than 37 000 acres).

The “Société Coopérative Agricole des Plantes à Parfum de Provence” (SCA3P) [Agricultural Cooperative Society of Aromatic Plants of Provence] has its headquarters at the foot of the village. It was founded in 1979 by the present mayor of Simiane, Alain Cassan, and is the largest in France.

It collects, stores and markets 34 % of total French production of fine lavender essential oil and 40 % of total French production of lavandin essential oil, that is to say more than 420 tons of essential oils distilled by 330 members. Clary sage, salvia officinalis, peppermint, hyssop and tarragon are also produced and marketed.