.Fourth centre of the department in terms of population and located a very short distance from the glamorous French Riviera just 12,0 km north of the famed Cannes and 29,0 km from Nice the local area surrounding Grasse consist of stunning hills and large forest and one fourth of the territory is classified as natural protected reserve.
Considered the world's perfume capital,its medieval architecture, markets fragrances and a mild climate create an environment where tourists always feel very welcome.With an area of nearly 4500 hectares,Grasse is today one of the most widespread municipalities of France which hosts more than one million tourists every year.
Thanks to an activity which started in the16th century Grasse is still one of the world's leading contemporary perfumery,main site of the Provençal,due to its importance in production,processing and trade for perfumery,cosmetics and aromatic industry,Grasse stands out as a sort of capital dedicated to the manufacture of perfumes and fragrances.
The name of the town is not formally identified, but perhaps derived from Podium Grassum, Latin name of Grand Puy,the hill on which was developed the original heart of the current centre,later simplified and finally given its present French name Grasse who took origin from Grasso,name in the ancient Provençal Occitan language.
Grasse reached is relevant importance in medieval times,exactly in the 11th century,despite it is known
as the historic capital of perfumery,it also has an important cultural heritage and it is also named City of Art and History,founded in the 7th century,a stunning mix of architectonic styles inherited by different settlers,
such as Genoese,Provencals,one of the most charming highlight is the presence of splendid houses restored in the 17th and 18th centuries,charming squares,arcades, narrow winding streets and the typical sunny and stylish atmosphere of Southern France.
For many years, the town has managed to keep its independence,since centuries ago it became a free municipality and consequently it could develop through the trade,important activities mainly concentrated to leather products.In the Middle Ages,Grasse was specialised in leather tannery and that product was often exported to Genoa and Pisa with which it established an intense commercial alliance.From the beginning of the 13th century the Count of Provence,noticed the growing territorial influence of Grasse and
he besieged it.
In the year 1220, after several battles the town was incorporated in the Provençal County,a rule which was discontent of the local population but despite that in a short time it obtained many privileges,such as free trade, freedom of culture and social life, reduction and exemption of taxes,all that endured at least, to Louis XIV times.The main city revenues came from handicrafts and activities related to leather products,an intense business was the witnesses of many technical developments related to the tannery industries,thanks that
Grasse acquired a reputation for high quality in many European areas.
A peculiar episode happened during those golden ages of activity,when the nobility at that time considered the gloves leather smells bad and they did not to want to wear them for that reason.Due that Galimard tanner had the idea of scented leather gloves and it offered some to the noble Catherine de Medici who was seduced by such present.Since there,those product were diffuses across the Royal courts and high societies and Grasse became so famous and appreciated,it is from that event,started the prestigious history related to the perfumes consecrating Grasse capital of that activity.Thanks to that creative invention ,theThe 17th century was the great era of the Perfumed gloves,it was an outstanding success,very trendy,nobody since there had crated something similar,next to the exceptional quality of the leather treated in Grasse,the successful operations were due to the use of mastic and myrtle .A network of some 65 companies employing more than 3700 people in Grasse and in the surrounding area were created around the perfumery industry and almost half of the tax on earned income of the town comes from that activity.The production from natural raw materials,such as,essential and absolute oils,resinous and molecular distillation and the manufacture of concentrate, also called juice are something unique in Grasse,where the concentrate is diluted in at least 80% alcohol which can achieve the perfume.
Food flavourings developed from the 70s,have for more than half of the outputs of production.Grasse Pond still has an important role in the world of perfumery, representing nearly half of the French activity in the perfume and flavourings and about the 8% of the global activity. During the years 60s and furthermore in the 70s, large international groups progressively rescued family local factories such as Chiris,Givaudan-Roure and Lautier and the production has often been relocated.About 30 years ago,yet the vast majority of companies focused on the production of raw materials,but a perfume as you know today contains an overwhelming majority of synthetic chemicals,Companies adapted for turning to food flavourings and faced with the multinational chemical industries can not compete with Grasse industries,however profit class benefits such as knowledge of raw materials, facilities, subcontractors,commercial agents and all related to the commerce Moreover,famed brands as Chanel an Dior have their own plantations of roses and jasmine in Grasse.The scenic centre of Grasse is characterised by its several old houses of the 17th century and 18th century established along its narrow streets and they never suffered an alteration in coexistence with villas and mansions mainly erected one century later in the 19th century,memories of the first tourist flows,while the most modern buildings were built in the extra radius due the signals of a population expansion,all that preserved the harmony of the old core of Grasse.
The square Place aux Aires is considered the focus and the urban heart of Grasse.It is a wide space, created in the 14th century,surrounded by houses with arcades where today are placed flower shops while in the past they were place of the tanners were soaking the leather in the channel crossing the square,actually due those new activities,the square hosts the flower market and expositions of regional products.With a beautiful fountain which give thr place a charming aspect,at the civic number stands the conventional mansion Maximilian Isnard, whose balcony is decorated with a beautiful wrought iron balustrade,while other beautiful mansions now house various museums and the Hotel Pontevès and the Hotel Clapier Cabris .In the centre of the old Grasse is also situated Place du Petit-Puy,another captivating square in which lies the Cathedral Notre Dame du Puy erected in the 11th century.That splendid religious building dominates the square with its great Saracen tower,30 m high a magnificent masterpiece of architecture.The former Church was transformed in a cathedral in the occasion of the transfer of the diocese of Antibes to Grasse in 1244 during works in which there was also the construction of the Bishop palace replaced the City Hall.The Romanesque-Provençal original architectonic style has been altered over the centuries but keeping a very impressive silhouette..An external double staircase was constructed at the entrance and the side doors were sealed while two side doors were walled up and the front door was decorated in 1714.The Lombard arches of the facade reflect the Italian influence of the construction and it is considered a hymn to the Gothic in Provence.
The interior is simply great with an ample nave which measures 55 m by 19 m,built in the 13th century and the walls are over two meters thick.Ten austere columns damaged by the devastating fire in 1795 have been pretty well restored and placed in a perfect symmetry and also the organs located above the entrance received a restoration in the year 1978.The cathedral has 6 windows and four statues representing the four Evangelists such as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.The imponent cylindrical columns and the side chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Baroque style were added in 1740 and they are a relevant work which was perfectly managed to create harmony with the medieval elements.In the right aisle,there is a beautiful altarpiece attributed to the artist Louis Brea,very active in Nice and other centres of the French Riviera. In the nave,there aree three relevant paintings by the famous Flemish painter Rubens such as The Crowning with Thorns,The Crucifixion,,The Invention of the Cross, a painting by Fragonard,Grasse famous citizen The washing of the feet and other works by Gaillard and Sebastien Bourdon.
The Hôtel de Ville the City Hall is also in Place du Petit-Puy,The building is the former bishop palace,with a monumental door which leads to acourtyard where stands a fountain topped by a statue representing Rabuis Grasse allegorized.On the right you can see the highly conserved facade of the former Bishop Palace and in its interior the splendid hall, two arches dated 12th century and the private chapel of the bishops of Grasse also dated 12th century on the second floor, now a marriage hall. It was in the late 18th century when the bishopric was abolished,concretely in the year 1790 when the building officially became the current Town Hall.
Worth also a visit the Eglise de Plascassier,a Church dedicated to St. Pancras built in in the 17th century,it has the same aspect of the original building after an intregral restoration made in 1970 and another one pretty interesting is the Eglise Plan de Grasse dedicated to St. Helen and erected in 1753.
The Museum of Art and History of Provence is an highlight of the town.Hosted in the home of the Marquise de Cabris and presents the history of Grasse and its region.The former Hotel Cabris-Clapier,vandalized and destroyed for a century was patiently and meticoulsy renovated and filled by the donation of many treasures by many contributors and today,it owns some of the most varied as replicas of four paintings painted for the Comtesse du Barry.The stairwell has an amazing optical illusion that the son of Fragonard,Alexander,would have realised at the age of 13 years.
Francois Carnot, descendant of men of science,son of the president already has a large experience and relationships with art and galleries having participated in the creation of Museums and president of the Union Centrale des Arts DécoratifsProvençal costume and jewelry of 18th and 19th centuries.The museum worth a visit to discover the history through works and objects of daily life in Provence.
The Villa-Musée Fragonard which is devoted to the painter of the same name.Jean Honore Fragonard,court painter of the 18th century,was born in Grasse and lodged during the French Revolution in that villa.Thanks the Museum was dedicated to the painter created for an initiative of Francois Carnot with the help of the Society,established the exhibition which is a must visiting Grasse and Provence.
Another interesting exhibition is the Musée del Marine the Navy Museum Museum,formerly located in the Hotel Pontevès.That museum dedicated to the life and career of Francois Joseph Paul Count of Grasse an iconic local figure who fought in America in the battle of Yorktown in the war of Independence and it displays 30 ship models which are exhibited in different rooms in ground garden.
Grasse is still one of the world's leading contemporary perfumery as it is the main industrial centre of France due to its importance in the production, processing and trade of products for perfumery,to cosmetics and aromatic industry.Inaugurated in 1989 the International Perfume Museum is a great exhibition,with an extensive illustration of the evolution of techniques and 400 years of history of perfumery in Grasse which obviously has largely contributed to create such relevant museum which was renovated and expanded between 2007 and 2008.
It displays unique collections,the history of fragrances, but also soaps, makeup and cosmetics,The word Perfume,derived from the Latin words Per fumum literally meaning through smoke played a prominent role in all civilisations since antiquity and an inspiration from there to the new eras and trends.Grasse perfume made famous before France and later the world,conquering before the most prestigious fashion designers with their famed brands and the public delighted by such artistic and aromatic compositions.In that exhibition are transmitted the real concepts of choices to launch a specific fragrance in the market,nothing born for case,there are tests and choices,the memory is partner of the fragrance,a great perfume which has had success some years ago can be improved,that fragrance can continue to live,the philosophy is something like to change,or a F1 Car which change determinated details year by year,nothing is forgotten.Also in the perfume industry the old inspires the new in innovative reveals creating other stages during the creation of something unique,starting from the harvesting and processing of raw materials to the finished product to launch once again.
The museum investing three symbolic places of history of Grasse the entrance pavilion of the former perfumery Hugh Elder built in the 19th century, and the remains of the former Dominican convent built in the 14th century leaning against the wall walls of the city dating from the late 14th century.The ground floor of the International Perfume Museum is experiencing material with the different techniques used in perfumery industry over time.Perfumery, which is not just an industry or a science but it is also art,creativity and imagination,a product has to be different from each other,the simple bottle or the design of a box has to be studied,including the glass or the cardboard used and much more.Study,analysis during and after the processes,action and launch are th phases of a product determinated to conquer the markets.For a simple smoke smell in the air comes the study,the analysis during is to check if it can be improved,the after is to test
the value,the action is the last stage with promotion products and the launch is naturally the last stage,once there is the conviction that perfum is and will be successful.
A perfume has to have that ability,in all its essence to be a magnetic instrument of charming attraction,the positive results of perfumes and cosmetics are also used for their therapeutic and magical virtues before being appreciated for their strong powers of seduction,that is what happened in the past,centuries ago and continue to be used as a priority,naturally all that is also combined to the talent and divine inspirations.In a great educational in Grasse and visitng that Museum you will learn many things of course.
Naturally when you are in Grasse after the Musem is also a must to visit the famous Perfumeries well known all around the world.Three of them probably are the most popular such as Fragonard,Molinard and Galimard.The workshops are open to the public and offer free tours to explain the processes of the perfume production.It is also possible to create one's own perfume or a simple Eau de toilette and participate in all stages of manufacture from picking flowers in the bottling of the fragrance.Fragonard Perfumery is installed since 1926 in one of the oldest factories of Grasse.Its museum displays rare objects which evoke the history of perfumery for over 5000 years.Galimard perfumery was founded in 1747 by Jean de Galimard who provided the Court with ointments and parfums and it was revived after the war by Gaston de Fontmichel Roux and Joseph while Molinard perfume bottles has signed former Baccarat or Lalique, sets of labels.All them next to many others are a great chance to learn many things and they are a great chance to develop for who is working in the tourism area Educational,Incentives and special programs with several opportunities
to create a very interesting product.
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The Museum of Art and History of Provence is another highlight of the town.Hosted in the Villa Cabris,home of the Marquise de Cabris and presents the history of Grasse and its region.Annexed to that museum, located right on the street,it contains Provençal costume and jewelry of 18th and 19th centuries.The museum worth a visit to discover the history through works and objects of daily life in Provence.
The city of perfumes has numerous gardens and flower plantations as Manon Farm fields with jasmine and roses.A visit also the Garden of the Villa-Musée Fragonard, the Garden of the Princess Pauline,the Garden of the Villa Fort de France, the Garden of the Villa Noailles and the Jardin des Plantes.
The influence of the perfume city extends to the culinary domain.In Gorges du Loup,a confectionery proposed based candy flower petals,and the famous rose petal jam.Violet petals,mint and sugar glazed roses,it is possible to visit the candy-making workshop.The traditional Provence's cuisine is typically Mediterranean and some well known plates very famous also along the French coast are common are also prepared in Grasse as the famed Ratatouille the Bouillabaisse.A very healthy cuisine with outstanding products like olive oil, herbs of Provence,figs, strawberries from Carpentras, Carpentras,Cavaillon melon,goat cheese, fish and tomatoes.The typical plates highlight the fish and vegetable soups, flavored with basil,the famous tapenade black olive puree mixed with capers, anchovies and tuna, mixed with garlic mayonnaise aioli and Provençal tomato.Also present is meat with the gigot meat, leg of lamb,pork and beef.The mild climate allows many fruits and vegetables,in summer there is an abundance of fresh products,a plate which is very traditional is the succulent soupe au pistou,which consists of a variety of summer vegetables , beans,pasta and of course,the Pistou the French version of Italian pesto,sometimes covered with melted cheese and is always a delight.All those specialities can be accompanied by fine wines of excellent quality wines as Côtes de Provence.
The countryside of Grasse located between sea and mountains,offers a number of chances in terms of outdoor activities,with several cycling routes on road and mountain bikers can find a mecca enjoying several dirt and mixed trails,horse riding is another highlight thanks a territory which is the ideal for that beautiful
activity immersed in a splendid nature,Golf and water sports in the nearest Côte D´Azur are undoubedtly
other great opportunities the area offers.The town is also a great starting point for excursions both in the High Country Provencal in the footsteps of Napoleon or along the coast and with the opportunity to visit three stunning caves such as St. Cezáire, ,Balms and Obscure Audides, open to the public throughout the year and naturally the visit of the most important towns of the French Riviera such as Nice,Cannes, Antibes, St.Tropez,Menton and so on.
Various shows and events all year are celebrated in Grasse, such as Jasmine Festival which takes place the first weekend of August, Jasmine Day is the feast of the year and Grasse is flooded in that occasion by flowers.In the streets,the public is sprinkled with water jasmine and in the gardens of the Princess Pauline, sister of Napoleon I, a Provençal meal is served to all who wish to join that traditional folk festival.Rose Expo takes place in May throughout the city and especially in the gardens of the Villa Fragonard.More than 50,000 roses of all colours are displayed in traditional pottery at that international exhibition and Bio Grasse takes place in early September.
Olivéa takes place in June and it is is a lounge which features markets,competitions, exhibitions,debates, events and conferences,all related to to the theme of the olive but also to the traditions of Provence.Vénusia is another famed appointment,an International Congress held in April at the Palais des Congrès and lectures around the beauty and fragrance.Centifolia is an important international Congress which takes place in October since 2001. It aims to present the sector through conferences perfume, leading economic sector of the town.
Grasse has set most of the novel Perfume by Patrick Süskind,a bestseller known worldwide and the town served as a place of intrigue several novels including Le Moulin du Rossignol by Georges Camera in 2005,Dans un grande vent de fleurs by Janine Montupet adapted for French television in 1996 by Gérard Vergez.
Many prominent people lived in Grasse, apart the mentioned Flemish painter master Rubens and Fragonard,
he town also hosted Roger de la Fresnaye French painter,one of the founders of the Cubism movement. Sophie Taeuber-Arp, painter and sculptor,the painter Albert Charpin, Consuelo de Saint Exupéry, painter, writer, and sculptor,Jean Henri Jaume Saint-Hilaire, naturalist and artist and the famous French singer famous for the well known song "la Vie en Rose"Édith Piaf lived and died in the town.
Grasse is located 30,0 km from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport.By bus,it is accessible through the network lines TAM Transport Alpes-Maritimes. Rail transport were once very numerous in Grasse until the mid-20th century, Grasse-Cannes line linking the two cities by train under the auspices of the company's railway Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée line railway track.Today, Grasse railway station,closed since 1944, was put into service by the SNCF, spurred local and state under the Agreement State-Region plan:,it was reopened to passenger service in 2005 and The train TER circulates every hour with a record attendance of nearly 2500 passengers per day.
Grasse is absolutely a perfect destination for all people looking for to visit a beautiful medieval town in Southern France,a place rich of history,culture and with a magnificent environment,a destination at a very short distance from the French Riviera,surrounded by picturesque hills with an oustanding beauty,the Provence is absolutely a magic place all to discover,Grasse is one of its most shining highlights,a great idea to organise and plan a trip there will show you a faitytale place,unique and enchanting.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in Grasse
Hotel La Bellaudiere
Hotel Mercure Grasse
Hotel Le Virginia M Vacances
Hotel La Bastide Saint Antoine Jacques Chibois
Hotel Bastide Saint Mathieu
Hotel La Victoria
www.grasse.fr
www.labellaudiere.com
www.mvacances.com
www.jacques-chibois.com
bastidestmathieu.com
www.provenceweb.frç
www.fragonard.com
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