The Lavender Field Landing

On July 1, 1965, French farmer Maurice Masse encountered a landed egg-shaped craft and two small beings in his lavender field near Valensole. The case left physical trace evidence and profoundly affected the witness.

The Witness

Maurice Masse:

• Lavender farmer
• Valensole area
• Respected locally
• War veteran
• Credible observer

The Location

His lavender field:

• Near Valensole
• Provence, France
• Rural area
• Early morning
• Agricultural land

The Craft

What he saw:

• Egg-shaped
• About 12 feet wide
• On landing legs
• Metallic
• Landed in field

The Beings

Two occupants:

• About 4 feet tall
• Large heads
• Small mouths
• Wearing coveralls
• Examining plants

The Encounter

Events:

• Masse approached
• Being pointed device
• Masse paralyzed
• Unable to move
• Beings departed

The Departure

What happened:

• Beings entered craft
• Craft lifted off
• Shot away quickly
• Masse freed
• Alone in field

Physical Evidence

Ground traces:

• Flattened area
• Hardened soil
• Lavender affected
• Nothing grew for years
• Documented scientifically

The Paralysis Device

Masse described:

• Small tube pointed
• Instant paralysis
• Full consciousness
• Could not move
• Terrifying experience

Emotional Impact

Masse afterward:

• Deeply affected
• Sleep problems
• Reluctant to speak
• Changed man
• Lifetime impact

Investigation

Researchers found:

• Soil analysis done
• Traces documented
• Witness credible
• No hoax evidence
• Serious case

The Lavender Effect

Years later:

• Plants wouldn’t grow
• At landing spot
• Documented anomaly
• Lasting evidence
• Unexplained

Comparison to Other Cases

Similar elements:

• Small beings
• Physical traces
• Paralysis weapon
• Landed craft
• Psychological impact

Official Interest

French authorities:

• Gendarmerie investigation
• GEIPAN interest later
• Documented officially
• No explanation
• Classic case

Significance

Single witness with extensive physical trace evidence, documented soil effects, and profound psychological impact.

Legacy

Valensole remains a foundational UFO case—physical traces, a credible witness, and lasting environmental effects that defied explanation for decades.