Perfume Houses
Galimard, Molinard and Fragonard
Grasse, located in the hills of the southern French hinterland about twelve kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, is known worldwide as the "perfume capital of the world". Since 2018, Grasse's perfume expertise has even been on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The city is home to famous perfume houses such as Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard, which offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at their ateliers and museums. Around the world, only about forty people are able to compose a totally new perfume. Most of these 'noses' come from Grasse. You can only follow specialized nose training courses in Grasse and Versailles. Perfume from Grasse is made from natural ingredients, mainly flowers grown locally such as jasmine, May rose, violet, iris, lavender, myrtle, wild orange blossom, mimosa and lily. Major perfume houses, such as Chanel, work exclusively with local jasmine for iconic perfumes such as Chanel No.5. Stroll through the narrow streets with shops and boutiques in the old town, visit the beautiful buildings and enjoy a glass of wine or regional dishes on one of the terraces of the attractive squares. If you are staying in a luxury villa in Provence at the beginning of August, you must visit the Fête du Jasmin in Grasse.
Grasse, a unique region for perfume
The perfume industry in Grasse is unique because of the interplay of an ideal climate, centuries-old know-how, high-quality natural raw materials, innovative techniques and a rich cultural tradition.
Location and climate - Grasse is located in a valley in the south of France a short distance from the beach and the Mediterranean Sea in the Provence - Côte d'Azur region. The region has a mild Mediterranean climate, lots of sun, fertile soil and plenty of rain. This combination ensures that flowers such as jasmine, May rose, tuberose and orange blossom grow exceptionally well here and develop a unique fragrance quality that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Know-how and tradition - The perfume industry in Grasse has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when glove perfuming was created to mask the leather smell. This tradition grew into a sophisticated industry with unparalleled expertise in growing, processing and blending fragrances. Grasse is the cradle of the craft of the 'Nose' (perfumer), with world-renowned perfumers and its own perfumery school.
Quality of raw materials - The perfume houses in Grasse are known for their access to the best and most consistent quality natural ingredients. This makes it possible to reproduce perfumes with the same precision over and over again, which is essential for the production of exclusive fragrances.
Innovation and influence - Grasse pioneered extraction techniques such as enfleurage and solvent extraction, which allowed delicate floral scents to be preserved. These innovations have had a lasting impact on the global perfume industry.
Cultural and economic - Grasse is not only a production centre, but also a cultural icon. The city is home to famous perfume houses (such as Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard) and the International Museum of Perfumery.
Collaboration with luxury brands - Many luxury perfume brands such as Chanel, Dior and Hermès have their own flower fields in Grasse and use the unique extracts from this region for their most exclusive perfumes.
Traditional cultivation and harvesting - In Grasse, the jasmine is often still harvested by hand, usually early in the morning when the scent is most potent. This artisanal approach ensures that the flowers retain their maximum fragrance.
Rarity and price - The production of jasmine in Grasse is small – only about 20 tons per year – and the demand from the perfume industry is high. This makes Grasse jasmine very exclusive and expensive, with prices that can reach up to €15,000 per kilo of concentrated fragrance.
