Grasse, Land of Natural
Around the bend in a narrow country lane, in a fragrant field of flowers, in the halls of its industry flagships, Grasse reveals the secrets of a savoir faire that is spun into the very fabric of its history. It is the birthplace of perfumery; a modest city with unique charm which, by virtue of its uncontested expertise, has maintained international renown as “Grasse, French Riviera, Land of Naturals.”
As testimony to this stands the creation of the World Natural Products Observatory incorporating a natural products research and development unit, and the founding of an international higher center of education . All are evidence of a genuine determination to make Grasse the undisputed leader and industrial core of natural products in perfumery, cosmetics, flavors, fragrance, and nutrition.
At last, with the advantages of the P.A.S.S Competitiveness Pole label (“Parfums, Arômes, Senteurs, Saveurs”- Perfumes, Aromas, Scents, and Flavors) and sophisticated research activity, local producers and manufacturers are able to pool their assets, strengthen their competitive advantage, and promote the region’s image and know-how As the new millennium gains momentum, as market trends clearly show a return to natural products, authentic sourcing, and well-being, Grasse, Land of Naturals, is taking center stage.
The heritage of one of most prestigious industries of France, perfumery, is also preserved and promoted in Grasse with the renovation and expansion of the International Perfumery Museum and the very recent opening of a botanical conservatory of perfume plants.
But those who truly want to know the heart and soul of the Pays de Grasse perfume plants and those who bring them to life should take the time to meet the producers themselves, who will share their love of the land and their noble crops. On their carefully-protected plots, they grow the Centifolia rose or May rose, Grandiflorum jasmine, tuberose, violet, iris, narcissus, orange blossom, lavender, and many aromatic plants. Each of these legendary flowers leaves its distinctive fragrance both on the hills of Grasse and on the most beautiful creations in contemporary perfumery and cosmetics.
