Relais de Sartoux

Perfume Factory - Parfumerie Molinard

by astro_kerryn

Parfumerie Molinard is well known, as many fragrances created here are destined for American stores like Saks, Nieman Marcus, and Bloomingdales. The factory tour shows how the essence of the flower is extracted, as well as how flowers are converted into essential oils. Antique perfume bottles by Lalique and Baccarat are also displayed here

Grasse's sanctuary for over a 1000 years

by Pavlik_NL

The other tower in Grasse's skyline is the one of the cathedral, in full name known as the Cathedrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy. This masterpiece of early medieval Romanic style, dates back to the 10th century and is since then a religious centre of the Grasse region as well as the whole Provencal and Cote d'Azur coast.

Long ago and far away in a distant place...

by DeeDeForio

"Rennaissance Alchemy"

Part of Provence, Grasse is renowned as the world capital of perfume making. The rose and the jasmine are perfectly at home within this poetic setting that is dedicated to flowers and perfume. The impecably preserved medieval architecture provides an un-rivalled historical heritage to this city, whilst it has also gained international acclaim through the painter Fragonard

"Essence Blends and Names"

Perfume, which in the broad sense of the Latin term - per fumum means literally through smoke - has played a prominent role in all civilizations since antiquity.

Everywhere it is used it fulfills two primordial functions, religious and profane.

Its volatile nature and its ability to burn in beautiful wafts of sweet-smelling smoke make it mankind's privileged ambassador to the gods.

Perfumes and make-ups are also used for their magical and therapeutic virtues before being appreciated for their powerful strength of seduction.

Throughout civilization perfumes have spurred an incredible production of precious and refined objects made of rare materials : alabaster, earthenware, enamel , ceramic , glass, forged metals, whose luxury is rivaled only by their beauty.

"Urban Evolution of Grasse"

Grasse's sudden appearance in the east of Provence where the other towns are of Greek or Roman foundation, can probably be attributed to the new economic and political structures set up by the feudal regime.

Once a tiny village situated on a spur of turf, Grasse owes its prosperity to its strategic position at the crossroads of major axes which allow for commercial exchanges by mountain via Castellane and by sea via the port of Nice, namely towards Genova.



In spite of civil wars, invasions, and the plague, all of which stifle the region's development for 400 years, Grasse's prosperity, first based on tannery and then perfumery -and therefore trade- undergoes a steady progression.

During the 13th century, a period of peace, convents sprout beyond the city walls. Beginning in the next century, Grasse must expand its boundaries to ensure their protection. It is then the capital of the diocese and the headquarters of a vast magistrate, combining administrative and juridical functions with spiritual powers.