Grasse, France

 

Grasse is the only sub-prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region on the French Riviera.

Since the end of the 18th century, the perfume business in Grasse has been thriving. The global capital of perfume, Grasse, is the epicenter of the French fragrance industry. To detect between more than 2,000 different scents, many "noses" have received training or have lived in Grasse. More than two thirds of France's natural aromas are produced in Grasse. Over 600 million euros are made annually by this sector. The micro-climate in Grasse particularly supported the flower cultivation sector. Warm weather and enough inland distance provide protection from the sea air. Due to its position in the hills and the 1860 building of the Siagne canal for irrigation reasons, there is a plenty of water. The settlement is 12 miles from the coast and 1,148 feet above sea level. The Moors introduced jasmine, a crucial component of many fragrances, to southern France in the 16th century. Currently, Grasse harvests 27 tonnes of jasmine yearly. In Grasse, there are several historic "parfumeries," including Galimard, Molinard, and Fragonard, each of which offers tours and a museum.