Grasse and the Perfume

After a while, I felt as if the town's history and present interlock continuously and without rupture. It is a fascinating blend of art, craftsmanship, and industry that has made Grasse the perfume capital of the world.

Stinking Gloves: The Cradle of Scents

In the Middle Ages, the leather industry was the leading trade in Grasse. However, the uric acid commonly used for tanning at the time produced a pungent odor. To put an end to this, craftsmen experimented with baths of lavender, myrtle, jasmine, and roses.

This new trend of perfumed gloves spread quickly through royal courts. Catherine de' Medici popularized them, and soon the fragrance business was more lucrative than the leather itself. Perfumers gradually displaced the tanners from the town.

Where Factories Sound Poetic

Grasse is ideally situated between the sea and the mountains. The mild climate and fertile soil provide perfect conditions for producing flowers like jasmine, the city's "mythical flower." The author Francis de Croisset aptly noted that Grasse is the only city in the world where the word "factory" sounds poetic.

The "Nose" and His Organ

The perfumer, often simply called "the nose," is a composer of scents. At a special table called an "organ," at least 2,000 base products are available to him. It is a highly specialized craft that requires years of experience to create a harmonious whole from individual essences.