Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Grasse city
Grasse : The essential town
Pierre Dac dreamed of putting factories - and towns (!) in the countryside. Grasse did just that...
Imagine a medieval town, stretching lazily over the hills basking in the soft rays of the French Riviera,
Imagine a place in Provence adorned with the same colours as Toscany,
Imagine the scented flower fields, wafting their fragrances into the centre of the town,
Imagine an industry that speaks the language of poets, Imagine that you are in Grasse...
For two hundred years the town of Grasse has proudly proclaimed itself to be the “world perfume capital” and has proved it!
Where were the modern perfume techniques invented?
Where were perfumes such as Rochas, Dior and the mythical Chanel n° 5 created ?
In Grasse of course!
At the economic heart of the city, the perfume industry has given way to that of tourism. Three establishments “Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard” organise guided tours of their production lines and allow visitors to buy products whose production process they have followed.
In the last few years visitors have had the opportunity to participate in the full production process from the trip to the flower fields through to the creation of your own personal perfume during a workshop!
The long standing history of this tradition helps to explain the architectural splendour of the old city. The cathedral and its collection of artwork is worth a visit in itself, without forgetting the many different museums including the International Perfume Museum. The cool alleyways with their many fountains, remind us that we are in Provence. Concerning the many remarkable gardens, they remain some of the most beautiful vestiges of the glorious years of the French Riviera, of which Grasse is without a doubt a founder member. This inclination towards “rural” tourism, Grasse confirms in its different play activities: It re-groups the highest number of golf courses on its land. This land stretches over a large area enabling many beautiful walks and bicycle rides.
So you think you know the French Riviera?
Grasse will still manage to surprise you...
