The town of Grasse is home to lots of old perfumeries like Galimard, Fragonard, and Molinar and some famous 'noses' of the perfume industry. These companies are very protective of the quality of their products, so they still use only fresh, hand-picked flowers. The local 'stars' are the pink Centifolia rose and the jasmine. Both of them are widely used in Chanel perfumes, and the company is doing everything it can to maintain quality. It controls the condition of the fields and has been buying the flowers from one family, the Muls, for five generations. The roses are in bloom from May to mid-June and have a festival dedicated to them called Expo Rose. The flowers must be picked at dawn and placed into hessian bags. Some of the women who come here for the harvest are from families that have been doing it for generations. After roses, it's time for the jasmine. It blooms from August when the Fête du Jasmin is held and up to beginning October. The tender jasmine flowers are also hand-picked and carried in baskets. Lots of the farmers offer visits to the fields and sometimes even let you help with the picking.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Provence & French Riviera for the Rose and Jasmine Harvest?
The best time to experience the Rose harvest in Provence & French Riviera is between the months of May to mid-June while for Jasmine, visitors should plan their trip between August to early October. It's when the flowers are at their peak, and the season is in full swing. To make the most of the season, visitors should plan their trip accordingly during these months. Show more
Where can I find the gardens that produce Centifolia Rose and Jasmine in Grasse?
Many places in Grasse and its surroundings produce Centifolia Rose and Jasmine, one of which is the old perfumeries including Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard. In addition, visitors can explore independent farms, including La Domaine de Manon and Le Jas de Robert, which offer guided tours, perfume-making workshops, and the opportunity to witness the harvesting process firsthand. Show more
How do local perfume companies maintain the quality of their products during the harvest season?
Local perfume companies, such as Chanel, Fragonard, and Galimard, are dedicated to maintaining the quality of their products by adhering to strict quality control measures. These measures include hand-picking harvested flowers, monitoring field conditions, and sourcing products from reputable suppliers like the Muls family, who have been supplying Chanel for generations. Such measures ensure that the harvested flowers are of the highest quality and freshness. Show more
Are there any local festivals held in Provence & French Riviera celebrating the blooming of Centifolia Rose and Jasmine?
There are two local festivals in Provence & French Riviera held to celebrate the blooming of Centifolia Rose and Jasmine. The first is EXPO Rose, observed between May and mid-June, and the second is the Fête du Jasmin observed in August. Both festivals provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the lush flowers' full bloom and explore the local culture in an enjoyable setting. Show more
Can visitors participate in the harvesting process of Centifolia Rose and Jasmine?
Visitors can participate in the Centifolia Rose and Jasmine's harvesting process through guided farm tours and workshops offered by local farms. La Domaine de Manon and Le Jas de Robert are two farm examples that provide a comprehensive and satisfying perfumery experience, from the harvesting process to perfume-making workshops. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's rich culture while learning about the flower's history up close. Show more
