Focus on the perfumes of Grasse
Cap-Nature
If you are interested in perfumery, you certainly know the perfumes of Grasse. For centuries, they have enjoyed worldwide fame. They offer exceptional quality, stemming from unique expertise. Each perfume invites you to experience an olfactory journey. Today, they are widely used to create perfumes as well as cosmetics, skincare products, and scented candles. Discover everything you need to know about the famous perfumes of Grasse!
To discover | Our range of artisanal and natural candles
History and origin of the perfumes of Grasse
- Grasse, an exceptional territory
Before exploring the history and origins of the perfumes of Grasse, let’s first locate this typically Provençal French town.
It is located in the southeast of France, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes department (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region). Known for the beauty of its landscapes, it benefits from fertile land and a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round. Ideal conditions that have allowed it to cultivate a wide variety of plants since the Middle Ages. Thus, many hectares are dedicated to growing olive trees, roses, and jasmines.
But in the 12th century, Grasse was mainly a commercial crossroads excelling in the art of tanning (transforming hides into leather). This activity produced unpleasant odors that lingered on the leather and were not appreciated by customers.
To solve this problem, the perfumer from Grasse, Molinard, decided to create scented gloves. They were dipped in baths infused with various plants and flowers: lavender, jasmine, rose, mimosa… This is where the story between Grasse and perfume begins.
Read also | The benefits of natural cosmetics
- Grasse, the world capital of perfume
Over the years, the city became a reference in the field of perfume. Its geographical location and status as a commercial crossroads opened the doors to new crops. In addition to roses and jasmine, it also cultivates orange trees, lavender, mimosa, myrtle…
At the same time, part of the population retrained in the art of perfumery. The people of Grasse became true “noses” and fragrance specialists. Today, there are many perfumers with worldwide fame such as Molinard, Galimard, or Fragonard.
In 2018, it was a crowning achievement for the Provençal city. The perfumes of Grasse were recognized by UNESCO and entered the list of the intangible cultural heritage of Humanity.
Read also | How to recognize a quality candle?
How are the perfumes of Grasse made?
The perfumes of Grasse are the result of ancestral know-how, a long and meticulous process. They follow a strict specification. That is what makes their quality!
It all starts with the cultivation of the plants that make up the raw materials of the perfumes. They must be grown locally. This guarantees maximum freshness as little time passes between harvesting and processing.
The second step is to extract the aromatic molecules and fragrant essences from the flowers. For this, they are either steam distilled or obtained by alcohol extraction (absolute).
Finally, the noses and master perfumers come into play. They set up an olfactory pyramid,
seek balance between the scents, the top and base notes… They blend the raw materials and combine them until creating the desired fragrance. Composing a perfume is a true art!
Cap-Nature: candle perfumes created by master perfumers from Grasse
At Cap-Nature, you will find a whole range of natural, vegetable, and artisanal candles. They were created by us, in Switzerland. They come in different scents: apple cinnamon, mandarin, walnut & honey…
To compose their fragrances, we called on master perfumers from Grasse. Thus, you benefit from 100% natural perfumes that capture the original scent of the flowers. Our olfactory pyramids include notes of mandarin, orange or lemon, saffron, violet, and pine. A true delight for the senses!
To discover | Our range of artisanal and natural candles