Perfumery in Grasse: the top perfumers to discover this year

Grasse Perfumery: a true emblem of French expertise, it attracts fragrance enthusiasts every year in search of the greatest perfumers to discover. If your curiosity leads you to seek out the region's essential addresses, houses, and artisans, you've come to the right place. The cradle of world perfumery, Grasse embodies heritage, innovation, and olfactory excellence, giving rise to unique creations that captivate the senses across the globe.

Just minutes from Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and the Relais Impérial , this historic town unfolds its fragrant hills, endless fields of flowers, and vibrant heritage. Visitors flock here to immerse themselves in a world where May rose, jasmine, tuberose, and lavender are featured in refined compositions, blending artisanal tradition with contemporary creativity. Whether you're passionate about rare fragrances, eager to meet renowned perfumers, or simply curious to explore the finest perfume houses in Grasse, this guide will help you discover the perfumers and workshops not to be missed this year.

Immerse yourself in the secrets of perfume making, step inside iconic perfume houses, or be surprised by independent creators who are breathing new life into local tradition. Thanks to its prime location between the sea and the mountains, Le Relais Impérial is the ideal starting point for a fragrant getaway to discover the treasures of Grasse perfumery. Join us for an unforgettable sensory experience in the heart of the land of scents.

Grasse: world capital of perfume and living heritage

The origins of perfumery in Grasse

Located in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes region, Grasse is more than just a tourist destination: it embodies the historical soul and dynamism of French perfumery. From the Middle Ages – when the city was renowned for its perfumed leathers – to the industrial boom of the 18th century, Grasse has forged a unique identity. The abundance of fragrant flowers and the mastery of extraction techniques have made Grasse an international benchmark.

To delve deeper into the history of this city and those who have passed through it, discover the story of the Relais Impérial family , rooted in local tradition.

Over the centuries, historic houses have been established, transforming Grasse into a hub of olfactory innovation. Today, the city is home to ancestral know-how recognized as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018 ( Learn more on the official UNESCO website ).

A unique terroir between sea and mountains

The geographical environment of Grasse is an essential component of its influence. Protected by the Pre-Alps and bathed in Mediterranean influence, the region offers an ideal microclimate for the cultivation of perfume flowers: centifolia rose, jasmine, tuberose, lavender or bitter orange.

Between fields of flowers and the Provençal art of living, this region brings forth millions of blossoms each spring, precious to the perfumers and local perfume houses. To come to Grasse is to walk on the land that gives birth to some of the finest raw materials in the world.

To understand the unique characteristics of this terroir, the official website of the Grasse tourist office offers numerous articles and visiting tips.

Discover the great perfume houses of Grasse

Fragonard: the mythical institution

If there is one iconic address in Grasse, it is Fragonard . Founded in 1926, this family-run company opens the doors of its museum, workshops and historic boutique in the heart of the city in all seasons.

• The Fragonard Museum : immerse yourself in the history of Grasse perfumery, admire the copper stills, antique bottles and creative archives.

• Visit the workshops : discover the perfume manufacturing process, from receiving the flowers to packaging, including composition with the perfumers.

• Boutique and olfactory workshops : indulge yourself with the house fragrances or create your own perfume during a participatory workshop.

To prepare for your visit, all practical information is available on the official Fragonard website.

Address: 20 boulevard Fragonard, Grasse – open all year round

Galimard: excellence since the 18th century

Founded in 1747, the Galimard house is one of the oldest in Grasse. It offers bespoke creation workshops , allowing everyone to learn the art of perfumery and compose their own formula.

• Museum and guided tour : discover the secrets of distillation and maceration, the natural materials and the precise gestures that preside over the birth of a great juice.

• Workshops for adults and children : leave with your personal creation, accompanied by expert advice from the house perfumers.

To book your workshop or a visit, go to the official Galimard website .

Address: 73 route de Cannes, Grasse – reservation recommended

Molinard: tradition, design and modernity

Molinard, another jewel of Grasse's heritage, offers an approach that is both historical and contemporary. A family business for five generations, it opens its Villa for museums, workshops and personalized visits .

• Self-guided or guided tours : discover the legend of Molinard and the evolution of French olfactory trends.

• Perfumers' workshop : create a bespoke fragrance, guided by a master perfumer.

To register, please visit the Maison Molinard website.

Address: 60 Boulevard Victor Hugo, Grasse

A deep dive into renowned raw materials

The iconic flowers of Grasse perfumery

Grasse is synonymous with legendary flowers, cultivated for generations on its land: - Centifolia rose : the queen of May flowers, delicate and precious, picked at dawn. - Grandiflorum jasmine : its late flowering, from July to October, perfumes the hills. - Tuberose : an exceptional plant with a powerful fragrance, harvested by hand. - Lavender : with fresh and aromatic notes, essential in many compositions. - Neroli : extracted from orange blossoms, it brings sweetness and refinement.

The most famous perfumers come to Grasse to source their ingredients from growers, guarantors of authentic expertise. Botany enthusiasts can delve deeper into the subject at the International Perfume Museum.

Extraction, distillation and ancestral know-how

Creating an exceptional perfume is no simple task. In Grasse, each step is ritualized: 1. Harvesting : done by hand, often at dawn, to preserve the purity of the absolutes. 2. Extraction : by steam distillation or extraction with volatile solvents. 3. Composition : the perfumer blends the accords to create the final fragrance.

Throughout Grasse, museums and workshops offer demonstrations of these age-old techniques, inviting visitors to become participants for a sensory immersion.

To better understand these processes, the information site NEZ, the independent olfactory magazine, offers comprehensive reports on extraction techniques.

Studio-workshops and independent designers not to be missed

The rise of the new niche perfumery

Beyond the major perfume houses, Grasse is experiencing a renaissance driven by independent creators . These passionate artisans are imagining the perfumery of tomorrow: bold, local, and responsible: - Parfums Bastide : a tribute to authentic Provence, locally made, using natural raw materials (bastide.com ). - Maison Godet : resurrection of a Grasse historical heritage, inspired by contemporary art ( maison-godet.com ). - Le Jardin Retrouvé : an immersive experience centered around gardens and rare scents ( lejardinretrouve.com ).

Personalized experience and tailor-made workshops

Grasse is also the city of "perfume à la carte." Numerous workshops offer the opportunity to create a unique fragrance under the guidance of professionals: - École des Nez : introductory courses in composition, discovery of olfactory families, personalized selection of ingredients ( ecoledesnez.com ). - Ateliers du Parfumeur : sessions for couples, groups, or families, creating unforgettable olfactory memories.

For an authentic experience, most of these establishments welcome you by appointment, guaranteeing a special moment with the artisan creator. To organize an exceptional perfume-themed ceremony during your stay, explore the event options offered by Le Relais Impérial .

Grasse Perfumery: Tours, Museums and Iconic Places

Essential museums in Grasse

To understand the impact of perfumery, several museums offer a fascinating look at local history and techniques:

• International Perfume Museum : a unique collection of objects related to perfumery, from bottles to perfume organs, a global history of fragrances. See practical information and opening hours at museesdegrasse.com .

• Gardens of the International Perfume Museum : botanical garden in Mouans-Sartoux, bringing together all the perfume species cultivated in Grasse.

• Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewelry : period bottles, accessories and traditions related to local perfumery.

These museums offer temporary exhibitions, workshops for children and adults, as well as themed tours throughout the seasons. To plan your visit, contact the Grasse tourist office .

An olfactory journey through the old town

Exploring Grasse means surrendering to the charm of its narrow streets, flower-filled squares, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. From Place aux Aires to Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral, numerous perfumers have their boutiques or workshops: - Small, exclusive houses offering limited editions. - Shops where you can discover soaps, scented candles, and eau de toilette inspired by the gardens of Grasse.

Take advantage of the weekly market to experience, compare, and bring home the spirit of Grasse. The personalized advice of the Relais Impérial can also guide you during your stay.

Events and festivities related to perfumery

Events not to be missed

Grasse lives to the rhythm of perfume celebrations all year round: - Rose Expo (May): the city is covered in thousands of roses, with floral exhibitions, workshops, and flower markets (Official program here). - Jasmine Festival (August): flower-covered floats, entertainment, concerts, and flower releases in a convivial atmosphere ( details on Grasse.fr ). - Autumn of Perfumes : conferences, guided tours, and creative workshops showcasing exceptional raw materials.

These events offer an opportunity to learn more about the art of Grasse perfumery and to meet the players in the sector: growers, perfumers, historians and designers.

Meetings with the artisans and “noses” of Grasse

A true meeting point between tradition and innovation, Grasse regularly organizes open days and masterclasses. Here, the transmission of know-how is central: many families in the region have passed down their production secrets, fields, and recipes through generations. For exclusive experiences, some wineries offer workshops and introductory courses on site .

• Take advantage of your stay to speak directly with the artisans, understand their passion, and discover the current environmental and economic challenges facing the sector. You can also find resources on the evolution of the perfume industry on the website of theFrench Perfumery Syndicate .

Perfumery in Grasse today: between tradition and innovation

The new challenges of the Grasse perfume industry

While Grasse's perfume industry draws on centuries-old traditions, it also embraces the challenges of the 21st century: - Ecological transition : respect for biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and conversion to organic farming for some producers. - Traceability and transparency : promoting short supply chains and local production. - Training and knowledge transfer : specialized schools, university programs, and internships to train future generations.

Major fragrance houses collaborate with designers, laboratories, and universities to continue innovating in composition, formulation, and packaging. For more information on innovation and training in perfumery, consult the resources of the French Federation of Beauty Companies.

The perfume industry of Grasse and global creation

The majority of prestigious raw materials – jasmine from Grasse, May rose, tuberose – are used in the composition of some of the world's most famous perfumes (Chanel, Dior, Guerlain, etc.). The city exports worldwide: Grasse thus positions itself, every day, at the heart of global olfactory creation. Vogue magazine also features a spotlight on Grasse's global influence in haute parfumerie.

By choosing to discover Grasse perfumery during your stay, you immerse yourself in the heart of a living heritage and a creative industry, rooted in its terroir but looking towards the future.

Practical information: plan your visit around the perfume industry in Grasse

Visitor tips

• Opt for spring or autumn to enjoy the blooming flowers and avoid the peak tourist season.

• Remember to book your creative workshops or guided tours on the perfume houses' website.

• For enthusiasts, plan a full day in Grasse, alternating visits, workshops and lunches in the historic center.

For easier organization of your stay, you can use the booking platform of the Relais Impérial hotel .

Staying nearby for an immersive experience

The Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey offers an enchanting setting from which to explore the Grasse region. Its authentic atmosphere, the quality of its welcome, and the tranquility of nature make it an ideal base for discovering the area and returning each evening to recharge.

For a comfortable stay, explore the different room categories offered by the establishment.

Just a few kilometers away, you can enjoy both the vibrant atmosphere of Grasse and the tranquility of a charming hotel nestled between the sea and the mountains. The hotel offers personalized advice on fragrant routes, local favorites, and must-see events, ensuring your stay is a truly memorable sensory experience.

Whatever approach you choose – a cultural visit, an immersive experience, or simply a leisurely stroll – the perfume industry of Grasse awaits you, vibrant, inspiring, and endlessly creative. For any questions or to request a customized itinerary, please contact the Relais Impérial team .