The story of
a rediscovered land
Grand-Coude, Réunion Island. A forest dormant since 1972, a family, and the rebirth of tea in Grand-Coude.
One land, one family,
une one shared conviction
It all begins in Grand-Coudea small village perched at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the heights of Saint-Joseph. Johny Guichard has always worked this land — starting with rose geranium, distilling its essential oils, and utilizing the tea tree forest to supply firewood for his stills.
In 2005, Johny et Emmanuelle together made a decision that would mark the history of French agriculture: reviving tea production on land that had lain dormant since 1972. Johny brought his agricultural expertise and intimate knowledge of the terrain; Emmanuelle built the business from the inside — handling communications, administration, and business development. Without her, Johny's dream would have had no structure. Without him, it would have had no soul.
Twenty years later, their shared commitment was officially recognized. On March 22, 2025, at Labyrinthe En-Champ-Thé, the UNESCO Community Association presented Johny with a certificate of honor for his exceptional work in safeguarding the living heritage and cultural legacy of tea in Grand-Coude. Global recognition for a deeply local journey. His motto says it all: “From tree to cup.”
Johny Guichard · Grand-Coude
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION · MARCH 22, 2025
UNESCO Certificate of Honor — to Labyrinthe En-Champ-Thé
Awarded to Johny Guichard for his exceptional work in safeguarding the living heritage and cultural legacy of tea in Grand-Coude, Réunion Island.
Values rooted in Creole soil
Passion & Calling
Johny didn't choose tea out of calculation, he followed a deep conviction. Every harvest, every hand-picked leaf is the fruit of a genuine love for the land and all it has to offer.
Respect for the Land
Certified Organic by Ecocert, we cultivate without compromise: no pesticides, no shortcuts, just absolute respect for an exceptional volcanic terroir that deserves to be preserved.
Heritage & Knowledge Sharing
Reviving these 1950s tea plants means bringing back to life an agricultural heritage that Réunion Island almost lost. Johny perpetuates this craftsmanship and shares it with every visitor who walks his fields.
Creole Pride
Grand-Coude, Saint-Joseph, Réunion Island: every product proudly carries the identity of its island. Here, we don't try to imitate; we reveal the very best this unique corner of the world has to offer.
A human journey,
step by step
Planting of the first tea plants in Grand-Coude
The first Camellia Sinensis plants take root in the high plateaus of Grand-Coude. Tea from Reunion Island enters a golden age, recognized among the three finest in the world.
Abandonment of the plantations — nature reclaims its rights
Production ceases. The tea plants are left to grow wild, forming a dense and mysterious forest. A sleeping agricultural heritage, awaiting someone brave enough to awaken it.
Johny revives production — the birth of 100% French tea
Johny and Emmanuelle Guichard take on the bold challenge of reviving tea cultivation together. Johny in the fields, Emmanuelle in management — Le Labyrinthe En-Champ-Thé is born, and with it, the first 100% French organic certified tea production.
Official recognition of tea in France
After years of advocacy, tea is finally recognized under the category "Aromatic and medicinal plant" by French agriculture. A victory that Johny helped make happen.
Opening of the Maison du Thé
The estate expands with a unique tasting space: the Maison du Thé. Here, visitors can observe the production workshop live, seated at a table where cups are filled with the changing rhythm of the seasons.
UNESCO Certificate of Honor awarded to Labyrinthe En-Champ-Thé
On March 22, 2025, the UNESCO Community Association awards Johny Guichard a certificate of honor for his exceptional work in safeguarding the living heritage of tea in Grand-Coude. A global recognition for a deeply local adventure.
"Thé de France" label — national consecration
The Labyrinthe En-Champ-Thé earns the "Thé de France"label, a mark of guarantee for French tea producers. An official recognition crowning twenty years of commitment, hard work, and passion.
260 products, a living maze, and a story that continues
The estate offers 260 products and welcomes thousands of visitors each year into a world-unique maze carved from century-old tea plants — and the adventure is only just beginning.
Come write
the next chapter with us
Visit the estate, wander through the maze, and taste our teas. Every visit adds a new page to a story that is still unfolding.
