You choose your top notes, heart notes and base notes for your one-of-a-kind eau. Other luxury fragrances houses like Dior, Herms and Louis Vuitton also source their ingredients from Grasse, while major fragrance companies like Robertet and IFF, who are behind some of the worlds most memorable scents, also call Grasse their home. Discover how perfume is made with a guided tour of the Fragonard Perfume Factory in Grasse. Find out more here. While in Galimards store the following day, waiting for the workshop to begin, I inhaled what the perfume house had to sell single fragrances, home scents and other fragrance-related items until the friendly woman attending the counter tapped her nose: a gentle suggestion that I stop. When you think of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Baccarat Rouge 540 is likely the . 1. In town, youll find Fragonards boutique showcasing lifestyle items like ceramics and clothing in its signature vivid colours. In fact, the great Coco Chanel met Ernest Beaux of the Perfume house of Chiris (now closed) in Grasse in 1921, and asked for a womans perfume that smells like a woman. To see more accommodation options and availability for your own dates in Grasse,click here. $195 at Nordstrom $440 at Walmart $325 at Bloomingdale's. Pros. Earth () Eau De Parfum. International Perfume Museum (2 Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon; www.museesdegrasse.com/en) is one of the most complete museums regarding perfume in the world, tracing its history from ancient civilization to modernity. The churchs Romanesque design is modest in contrast to the highly decorative styles that came later. A view of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, in the hills above Cannes in southern France. We strolled through rooms with massive stainless steel vats, and others with staff members who were used to the intrusion. It offers a product line, free tours, and individual and group perfume workshops by reservation. Michel Almairac 2.4 7. Excellently located, it has everything you need for a short stay. 1. My only complaint is that they don't sell Fragonard perfumes in the US.". Today, Grasse perfume is what the town is most known for, and it is the place where some of the world's most famous perfumes are crafted, such as perfumes from Louis Vuitton and Chanel. When the essence of jasmine, may roses, and lavender are becoming a little too much, then its a sign that you should take the opportunity to wander around the picture postcard streets of Grasse. Canadian Jessica Buchanan came to Provence in 2007 to attend the Grasse Institute of Perfumery. Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars. ", She says she's been extra-cautious about protecting her sense of smell since the pandemic began, with anosmia being one possible effect of COVID-19. Their work is just as important as that of big-name perfumers; its just different.. Both flowers are at the heart of more than a few famous fragrances, including Chanels breathtaking star, No. At the Galimard perfume factory, tourists sit in front of their daunting perfumer's organs. 2019 Mouratoglou Hotel & Resort - 3550 Route des Dolines, 06410 Biot, French Riviera - 04 92 96 68 78. Take a guided tour of a perfumery in Grasse, explore the medieval hilltop village of Gourdon, and roam the galleries and boutiques of Saint Paul de Vence. Les Fleurs dException du Pays de Grasse, a consortium of organic flower growers formed in 2008, produces around 40 acres of perfume plants for large companies rose, jasmine, iris, tuberose, orange blossom, violet, Madonna lily and Iris pallida, along with mimosa, narcissus, broom and lavender. Instead,with the very best hotels in Grasse are best reached with your own vehicle or a taxi from the train station. La Bellaudiere|For a romantic, traditional French experience, this is a great option. That French word sums up the specific characteristics of a place that create a unique agricultural product the soil, sun, geographic location or harvesting technique. Our most recommended Grasse Workshops & classes. It is a . Our main advice though is to either arrive here earlier in the morning (i.e. Those based in Cannes (20kms), Antibes (23 kms), and Nice (44 kms), can easily make their way to the town by car, train or bus for a day-trip. To join a free guided tour, simply head to the factory reception (we don't take reservations). Fragonard perfumery is one of the oldest perfumeries in Grasse. We look at top things to do, where to stay, and more. Book here. Champ DArome sells oils and perfumes, while Parfumerie Ambiance Natureis crowded with candles, soaps fragrances and more from brands like Panier Des Sens. hide caption. Entry is 6 per person (there are a variety of concession tickets available also), and it can be found here on 2 Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon. Maison Fragonard has been a perfume maker based in Grasse since 1926 and manufactures its products in its three factories on the Cte d'Azur. As you can imagine there are plenty of provenale souvenirs to be had. Fragonard is the most conveniently and centrally located, housed over several floors in its glorious old yellow walled factory at the entrance to the historic part of Grasse. The Complete Guide to Grasse Perfume - Cannes Estate Grasse: Design Your Own Fragrance at a Perfume Factory. In fact, the flowers used for making the infamous Chanel N5 are grown and harvested here. But Grasse is still the place to be for fragrance-makers, whether multinationals creating signature smells for shampoos and detergents or smaller artisan perfumers. Grasse. Learn how Grasse became the world's capital of perfume and discover how the . Free guided tours of the factory take place throughout the day. he says, pointing to a terracotta roofed structure covered with vines. $125.00. In this medieval town and its environs, which are sufficiently inland to be sheltered from the sea air, a confluence of soil, sun and temperature nurtured the rose, jasmine, lavender, myrtle, wild mimosa and other flowers that were the genesis of the French perfume industry in the 17th century. The tourists pass through slow and steady, but the numbers dont compare to the throngs that descend elsewhere upon the French Riviera. A shuttle bus. As mentioned, there is a museum attached to the Parfumerie Fragonard, but there are plenty more in Grasse, as well. hide caption. This museumis a must-see for a million different reasons. Anyone can read what you share. The Old town is mostly pedestrianized to leave your car behind and wander around the villages narrow streets. If you have some time, you may want to head to the 13th century cathedral known as the Cathdrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy de Grasse. Once a simple church, it became Grasses cathedral in 1244. I had fallen in love not only with perfume, but also with the deft and curious descriptions of fragrance at the hands of gifted perfume critics, namely Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez who together wrote the vastly entertaining Perfumes: The A-Z Guide. I felt as though I had discovered two new strains of art not to mention the most underrated of the five senses. There is an annual international exhibition of roses (Expo Rose) held in May each year. This is where the perfume brands have their showcase factories where you can see the perfume-making process. 12. Create your own perfume in Grasse with Fragonard ? Like Fragonard and Galimard, Molinard offers free tours in a number of languages, as well as individual and group workshops. To this day, in and around Grasse, Dior, Herms and Chanel all grow May roses and jasmine in protected flower fields. Most of them smell wonderful and are all sold at an affordable price. Grasse has won 3 flowers in the Concours des villes et villages fleuris (Competition of flowery towns and villages) and was deemed a Ville dArt et dHistoire (town of art and history). To learn more about the history of perfume, you can then head to the International Perfume Museum which, unsurprisingly, is about all things perfume. Top 10 Niche Perfume Brands: The Ultimate List (2023) With breakfast included and a free-of-charge communal kitchen available to guests, alongside excellent views over the historic centre, it's a sensible choice for those who prefer to cook their own meals, and don't have a car. 2 Niche Perfume Brands: The List 2.1 1. 10 Best Maison Francis Kurkdjian Perfumes 2023 If You Love Baccarat Rouge Yes, you read that right: this well-respected perfumery is 268 years old! This elicited an audible gasp from the gaggle of tourgoers who included a chatty man from Ireland, a few from Britain and me the lone visitor from the United States. Check out the timetables for the 600 hereand the 610 here. Molinard Mansion (60 Boulevard Victor Hugo; molinard.com/en/content/14-the-visit) displays artifacts and gives a glimpse into the daily operations of the fragrance house, which dates back to 1879. TOP 3 Grasse perfumeries to visit | Mouratoglou Resort But it didnt actually start out that way. After 24 hours of flying and layovers, I crashed at a functional Paris hotel, submitted myself to a pastry crawl through the hotels neighborhood, and then grabbed a cab to Gare de Lyon, one of the busiest train stations in Europe. That was about 70 years ago. Created in 1926 by Eugne Fuchs, it takes its name in honour of the painter Jean-Honor Fragonard. While waiting for the next English-speaking tour, I wandered around Fragonards unpretentious perfume museum and was reminded that although the origins of perfume stretch back to ancient civilization, France transformed its humble use into a luxury industry in the 18th century. Bndicte Desrus for NPR Perfume publisher Frdric Malle: 'I'd rather go to the V&A than to Even if you dont happen to be in town at the same time as one the festivals, there is plenty to enjoy on a visit to Grasse. It is home to three paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and one by Jean-Honor Fragonard, Grasses most famous artist and the namesake of one of the big fragrance houses, which was a relatively short hike from the church. The small Old Town of Grasse on top of a hill is quite walkable, and stroller and handicap-friendly. With large perfume factories in the town outskirts, the charm of the city is actually driving up to the Old Town of Grasse that is on a hill. We arrived at 10 a.m., had a leisurely lunch, several strolls around the old town, popped into the museums, procrastinated in the gift shop, joined our perfume workshop, and that felt sufficient for us. Founded in 1849 and then popular with Queen Victoria, Molinard is also open to the public in its large Provenal-style building. Perfume in Grasse - Galimard - Perfumer since 1747 It is not by chance that this city, a very old commercial centre, has become the cradle of perfumery. While I was there, she, among a number of other industry players, met with Unesco ambassadors from various countries to help them determine the scale and scope of Grasses perfume industry. Arriving by rental car, we spent a full day exploring its picturesque medieval streets, whiffing the scents of its famous parfumeries, enjoying the atmosphere of small town France, and even making our own perfume; here are our favourite things to do in Grasse (which we think youll love too!). So if you have a particular Chanel perfume that you enjoy, you can ask the vendors in at the perfume ateliers showcase if they have something similar, and you just might get your Chanel perfume at a much lower price. The perfumer's organ that belonged to Jean Carles, the early 20th century creator of perfumes including Miss Dior and Ma Griffe by Carven, at the International Perfume Museum in Grasse. Perfumers learn the notes by heart. With large rooms (all with garden views) and a guest pool, it's a perfect choice for lazy mornings or relaxing after a day's exploring. They went to the perfumery school. Visit of the historic Perfumery factory of Grasse - Fragonard Parfumeur In the Middle ages, the big industry in the area was leather and tanning. ", American student Michael Nordstrand (left), 35, and Gabriela Santana, 30, from Brazil, sniff scents at a class at the International Perfumery School in Grasse. Perfumers in Grasse, along with those in the rest of the perfume world, have had to change with the times. hide caption. Still, only a handful of small perfumers currently work out of Grasse. hide caption. Alongside the class itself, you receive a 100 ml bottle of your own creation in a lovely pouch, a certificate, Fragonard apprentice apron, and a 30 minute guided . It is in the Azure hinterland, above Cannes, that the most renowned laboratories are developing ever more innovative techniques to create fragrances with ever more intense fragrances. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. He says his grandmother and her sisters picked jasmine in this same terraced field rimmed by an old stone wall. On the way, while being jostled by high schoolers, I noticed the ubiquitous signs pointing the way to the three big historic perfumeries in Grasse that offer tours, perfume workshops and fragrance products: Galimard, Molinard and Fragonard. Apart from the tour around the Beside the Mediterranean or nestled in the Alps, the hotels on the Cte dAzur are found in exceptional Provencal locations. Grasse is for perfume lovers. "We're testing scents and trying to mix our own perfume, so it's very exciting!" It was established in 1849, when the company produced and sold floral waters in a small shop in Grasses center. Grasse Perfumery Perfumery School in Grasse Neophyte, passionate, amateur or professional, we offer you an initiatory journey to the heart of the French perfume industry. Some of these companies make white-label perfumes, which are then sold under big luxury brand names, as well as their own perfume brand. With beautiful medieval buildings in various shades of pastels, there are a lot of shops, cafs, and restaurants offering local specialties. Grasse - homeland of the perfume - France Decorated floats drive through the town, with people throwing flowers into the crowd. | A Private Perfume Creation Class: A more intimate and personalised perfume making experience with Molinard, including a private class and champagne. Find out more here. She was aware that I was in the next group of budding perfumers and she wanted my olfactory facility unconfused. Leather was however a popular clothing material, and Jean de Galimard came up with the creative idea to make the products more appealing for his noble clients by masking them with the fragrance of the flowers which grow so well around the town (and continue to thrive). Fragonard, with its cheery, buttery yellow facade, sits overlooking the rest of the town. Weve written more about our Grasse perfume making experience, but we genuinely recommend a perfume workshop to everyone visiting Grasse. There are many perfumery companies in Grasse, most of which offer a tour of the factory. Muse International de la Parfumerie Source: EQRoy / shutterstock Muse International de la Parfumerie As we said, Grasse is the cradle of French perfume. Paul Lokker, 45, and Mariska Lokker, 49, tourists from the Netherlands, try their hand at creating their own fragrance during a workshop at the Galimard Studio des Fragrances in Grasse. You will enjoy a guided tour of the location (around 45 minutes). The wonderfully pretty French town of Grasse, just north of Cannes and an easy drive from Nice, is an incredibly popular day-trip destination for those holidaying in the French Riviera region. Alberto Morillas 2.5 6. "That's where the pickers cooked and slept, so they'd be right on the spot at dawn to begin working.". Floral notes arent just reserved for beauty products, either you can get scoops of sweetly-scented rose, jasmine and lavender at ice cream shops (one of each, please). Elorea. 1. Youll walk out with bric-a-brac that you didnt think youd want but are convinced you need (hope you have enough room in your suitcase). Direction was offered during the measuring, testing and smelling. They offer a free 30 minute tour of the museum." more 2. The perfumer's organ that belonged to Jean Carles, the early 20th century creator of perfumes including Miss Dior and Ma Griffe by Carven, at the International Perfume Museum in Grasse. Trains run hourly from Nice to Grasse, with a journey time of just over an hour and a single ticket costing 9.60 per person. Established in 1849, this independent French house is a family affair. Galimard, Perfumer since 1747 - Grasse - Eze-Village - France Grasse produces over two-thirds of Frances natural aromas, for perfume and for food flavourings. On board the train to Cannes, I befriended a young family from Kolkata on their way to Nice and five hours later got a glimpse of yachts preening in Cannes harbor for the towns annual film festival. Fragonard doesnt just specialize in fragrance, its a full-fledged lifestyle brand. You can wander through for hours and just enjoy the sights and sounds on offer. Mariska chimes in that he'll be very smelly today. Galimard Dating to 1926 and featuring plenty of artifacts from the original distillery, the historic factory functions as a modern artisanal perfume factory deeply rooted in tradition. The town of Grasse has two weekly markets on: Both markets have a variety of local food products, provencal souvenirs, clothes, and more. Founded in 1926 by Eugne Fuchs, it was named after the renowned French painter, Jean-Honore Fragonard. A perfumer's organ includes hundreds of vials of raw scent materials arranged on different levels, resembling a pipe organ. The next morning at Caf des Muses, a contemporary cafe near Fragonard, I met with Jessica Buchanan. For those who want to try their hand at creating their own perfumes, nearly all the factories have workshops. You even get to see how the are soaps are made, right in front of your eyes. The following morning I roamed through the citys winding cobblestone streets to get a taste of Old Grasse. It costs 58 per person, and you take home a 100 ml bottle of your scent. 5. But climate change is a concern. Fragonard doesnt just specialize in fragrance, its a full-fledged lifestyle brand. 4. Pierre Bourdon 2.3 8. A bientt! That evening, after I returned to my Airbnb rental, my host told me that she and her husband were both chemical engineers, and that he is in the perfume industry. She then decided to launch her collection on the 5th of May, the 5th month of the year. And she left the name as is: Chanel No 5. Very feminine! Manon said to me after she dipped a white fragrance strip in my new perfume. It takes between 7,000 and 10,000 jasmine flowers to make up 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). The museum charts the history of scent through the ages and its role in various civilisations, as well as Frances pivotal role in the industry. As you probably know, Grasse is the capital of perfume, where the art of perfumery was born. Grasse has a dedicated bus to the gardens. Find it here on Google Maps. We ate at Caf des Muses (maps), which had a small lunch menu and did the best vegetarian food we found during our short break in France; it was excellent value. ), Cider, Seaweed, And Slow Travels in Brittany, The le-d'Arz Travel Guide | An Island in Brittany, A Perfume Workshop in Grasse | The Day We Made Our Own Scent, Our Favourite Things To Do in Angouleme | The French Dispatch City, Five Pretty Villages & Towns To Visit in the Dordogne, The 11 Best Things to Do in La Rochelle | The French Gateway to the Atlantic. At one time, she said, there were many small perfumers in Grasse, but their number had dwindled over the years, though they were slowly coming back. "Be open-minded and go with your instinct," she advises. It becomes more developed in a perfumer than in a regular person who's not paying attention to scents every day. A view of Old Grasse, which was once known for its leather products. Galimard has two locations in Grasse:the first is a museum, and the other is a perfume workshop where you can play perfumer for the day and create your own fragrance. It actually simply named after him by the founder Eugne Fuchs, to recognise the artist's connection to the town (and possibly looking to get some free publicity off the association!). In order to become an expert perfumer, you have to have: Expert perfumers who have the nose are trained to distinguish over 2,000 kinds of scent. replies Ristevska, as they burst into laughter. Each of the perfume factories have shops in the town center as well as factories in the outskirts. You even get to see how the are soaps are made, right in front of your eyes. Grasse may have a viable bus system, but after the ride from Cannes, I had little interest in mass transit, so I rented a tiny Fiat that proved useful in managing traffic on streets barely designed for people, much less vehicles.