Grasse – The Birthplace of Perfumery

Grasse is a town in southern France, ideally situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, close to Cannes and Nice. Its favourable climate has helped establish Grasse as one of the historic centres of perfumery. Mild temperatures throughout the year, abundant sunshine, sufficient rainfall and fertile soils provide excellent growing conditions for a wide variety of aromatic flowers.

During the early Renaissance, Grasse was known for its leather industry, particularly for the production of leather gloves. In the 16th century, perfumed gloves became fashionable at the French court, traditionally associated with Catherine de’ Medici. The craft of perfuming leather gradually developed alongside the production of fragrances. Jasmine, rose and tuberose became some of the region’s most important perfumery flowers and remain closely associated with Grasse today.

As the fashion for perfumed gloves declined, fragrance production continued to grow in importance. Over time, Grasse developed into an internationally renowned centre of perfumery, bringing together highly skilled perfumers — often referred to as “noses” — and specialist fragrance houses. Luxury brands including Chanel and Dior have cultivated flowers in the Grasse region, particularly roses and jasmine, for use in their fragrances.