These big perfume houses in Pays de Grasse

Already recognized as part of the cultural and intangible heritage of France, the know-how related to perfume in Pays de Grasse has also been listed as an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO since 2018. Here is a quick overview of the biggest historic houses that make Grasse the cradle of French perfumery.

‍

Let's start by talking about one of the oldest: Galimard. Established in 1747, remaining entirely family-owned and managed with respect for tradition, the perfumery offers visits to its workshops and museums, allowing visitors to discover the processes of creating fragrances. You will find quality products at factory prices, straight from the factory.

‍

Another iconic house from Grasse, Molinard, founded in 1849 by Hyacinthe Molinard who sells flower waters there and quickly attracted a wealthy clientele including Queen Victoria, just that... Renowned for its traditional know-how, its unique olfactory creations and its most famous Habanita perfume, Molinard also stands out by collaborating with master glassmakers such as Baccarat or Lalique to create its bottles. Come and create your own fragrance in the perfumery workshops!

‍

Also, the very famous institution born in 1926, Fragonard (which takes its name from the painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, originally from Grasse), creates exceptional perfumes and opens its doors wide to anyone who wants them. Guided tours allow you to discover the house's factories and museums by following the entire perfume manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products. Workshops also invite you to create your own perfume!

‍

Although based in Switzerland,The group Givaudan, one of the world leaders in the production of fragrances and aromas, still has an important presence in Grasse. Its companies are experts in compositions and collaborate with many prestigious brands. Among his famous creations scented: L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci (1948), Dior Poison (1985), Angel by Mugler (1992), Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel (2001) or even Opium by Yves Saint-Laurent (2009).

‍

The flowers grown in Pays de Grasse quickly became the reference raw materials for great perfumers. It is therefore quite naturally here that the story of the perfume No. 5 of Chanel. In 1921, its perfumer, Ernest Beaux, chose jasmine from Grasse for its composition. The House sources its supplies here, and has contributed to the perpetuation of the cultivation of jasmine and the May rose since 1987. Chanel signed a partnership that was unprecedented at the time, with the largest local flower producer, the Mul family, based in Pégomas. Since 1988, a country factory has been set up in the middle of the fields in order to process fresh flowers on site as they are harvested, and to extract all their quintessence. Today, cultivation is expanding to other perfume plants, ranging from iris to geranium to tuberose. Five exceptional harvests, which are exclusively reserved for Chanel perfumes. Less than ten kilometers from Grasse, Vallauris is also a suitable area for the cultivation of orange blossoms. The House decided to relaunch the sector by launching a vast program of planting 600 trees over the last two years...‍

‍

Dior also has a long history with Grasse. In 1951, Christian Dior bought the Château de La Colle Noire in Montauroux to grow flowers for his perfumes. Even today, Dior continues to cultivate May roses and jasmine for its iconic fragrances like J'adore and Miss Dior. Field visits are organized in Grasse. An opportunity to discover all the art of perfumery and the ingredients that make up its famous fragrances.

‍

Each of these perfume houses plays a key role in the perfume industry. Through their heritage, their artisanal know-how, their innovations and their respect for traditions, they contribute to maintaining the reputation of Grasse as a global epicenter of perfumery.

‍

Photo credits: © DR