About 2 miles north of Cannes, between the world’s metropolises and the countryside, lies Grasse, also known as the capital of perfume. Here, the tradition and craftsmanship of fragrance and perfume is rooted in countless generations. Development and creativity never stop here. Here, in collaboration with the best local fragrance experts, we create the perfumes that set the scent of our soaps.
Today Grasse is well established as the capital of perfume, but in the Middle Ages Grasse’s specialty was tanning leather. Local tanner Galimard had the idea of creating scented leather gloves. He offered a pair to Queen Catherine de Médici, who immediately loved the idea. It quickly became a new trend among the French upper class. Slowly, Grasse was transformed into a city focused on perfume development and fragrance, attracting and developing the world’s sharpest noses.
Grass’s perfume production was further developed in the 18th century, when perfume became more popular in society, and smelling good became a sign of wealth. A major contributing factor to Grass’s success in perfumery is its climate and soil, which are ideal for growing the flowers used to make perfume.
As a visitor to Grasse, there are several different perfume houses and museums to visit to learn more about fragrances and the history of perfume. Grasse is also a very charming village with beautiful architecture, magical views and lovely little cafes on cobbled streets. As one of our perfume developers, Jean-Francois says: “The biggest fragrance inspiration for me is just walking around the streets and squares and feeling the scents that arise from the meeting of different people, nature and the pulse of the city”.
