Along the french riviera just a little inland is the centre of the French fragrance industry - Grasse. Also known as the world's perfume capital (
la capitale mondiale des parfums).
Apparently many famous "noses" (or in French, "Les nez")
were trained here. It seems almost obligatory to stop by and understand a little more about an important industry in the French culture and history.
Several of the perfumeries are opened to public and offer free tours, but it is best to call and check in advance. There are also classes where participants that create their own scent but they are only held during peak tourist season and with reservations.
Fragonard is the oldest perfumery and offers tour in different languages.
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| Grasss is a hilltop town as well and the perfume house are located on its slopes. |
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| House of Fragonard |
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| Map of flower essence origins marks the start of tour |
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| Process and equipment for bottling |
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| we were allowed to smell the diff Fragonard signature fragrances that were in filters |
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| where les nez work the magic scent - selection and blending of 3 notes |
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| tour ends with gift shop where you can purchase fragonard products |
Another well know perfumery is Molinard. Apparently their perfume bottles were made of Baccarat crystal and Lalique glass. This is also where fragrance course is held where you can create your own personalized perfume. Sadly the course was not available during the day we were visiting. You also need to make a reservation way in advance.
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| House of Molinard |
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| where the DIY workshop is held |
After touring the perfumeries (and some shopping for the wife), it was nice strolling through the old town of Grasse. Although mind you it is on a slope and most shops sell fragrance related products for obvious reasons.
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| Love walking through the old town |
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| Found a nice creperie for lunch, where a bunch of uncles were drinking beer and waiting for their wives while they shopped. |
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| the crepe was so good the husband had to order another dessert crepe |
After that we decided to visit the International Perfume Museum to learn about the evolution of techniques during the 5,000 year history of perfumery.
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| Large collection of perfume bottle designs in the museum |
Where to Stay:
Before the trip I was searching for accommodation in Grasse and they were mostly
either expensive or lacked character. None appealed to me until I stumbled upon
L'Auberge Du Vieux Chateau in the little town of Cabris at the edge of a
mountain. It is a both a hotel and restaurant and apparently reservation for
tables is very hard to get but as hotel guest we are guaranteed a
dinner spot!
Once I visited its website I was instantly sold. It didn't disappoint and this was the most memorable place we've stayed during our honeymoon for me. The restaurant is located on the edge and offers a panoramic view of the entire riviera. The only regret was that we didn't spend longer there.
PS: the restaurant is very dog friendly and almost every other table came to dine with their dogs.
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| The "hotel" and restaurant that I fell in love with |
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| Panoramic view of the entire french riviera right in front of our hotel. Cannes in the far middle and Nice on the left |
Dinner table was guaranteed for hotel guests thankfully, as it was full house that night.
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| La carte |
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| Food was amazing at the restaurant and service was first class. This is just the appetizer. And my champagne cocktail in the background |
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| My main |
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| Le husband's quail |
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| Lovely tarte to end the meal while watching sunset |
I would definitely strongly recommend this place!
Drive map of the day:
Dinner table was guaranteed for hotel guests thankfully, as it was full house that night. 
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