In this article we will tell you about one of the most picturesque and interesting towns of Provence - Grasse (France). The French call it Grasse, and in most Russian-language sources it is written Grass. Perhaps some of our readers will remember him in the movie "Perfumer".
It is this city that bears the title of the perfumery capital of France. The small town has been holding this honorable status for several centuries and, apparently, is not going to give it to anyone. And this is despite the fact that in accordance with current trends in the manufacture of perfumes, production is concentrated in large chemical enterprises far from the city. Nevertheless, the aromas of the most famous perfumes are carried precisely in Grasse (France). The legendary Chanel No. 5 first appeared here.
Location
Grasse (France) is a very small resort in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Its population is a little less than fifty thousand inhabitants. The modern city is located on a mountainside, at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, 30 km from Nice and 16 km from Cannes.
Description
Grasse (France) is not accidentally called the city of history and art: it invites all guests to get acquainted with the unique architecture that combines Genoese and Provencal styles. This alone makes the medieval city unique.
Grasse's pleasant atmosphere is complemented by picturesque streets, markets with aromas of local dishes, small squares, the famous cathedral, numerous architectural and historical monuments. It is in Grasse (France) that the most valuable raw materials for the entire world of perfumery are produced - the rose of Centifolia and the jasmine of Grassa.
Italian migrant artisans chose this town in the 18th century. They were the first to establish the manufacture of leather gloves in it, which were impregnated with aromatic substances. Thus, the future of the city was predetermined. Grasse (France), a photo of which you can see in this article, is buried in a sea of magnificent flowers. Their cultivation is favored by a special microclimate. In the autumn, jasmine is fragrant, in the summer it gets intoxicating with the scent of lavender and roses, in the spring the air is filled with a delicate smell of mimosa.
Relaxation
This resort became popular after Polina Bonaparte liked it. Following her, Queen Victoria acquired real estate here, turning it into her winter residence.
Today, a vacation in Grasse (France) is an opportunity to get a lot of positive impressions, because the city is recognized as one of the most beautiful on the Cote d'Azur. According to everyone who has already been here, the city today looks like it was described by Patrick Suskind in the novel "Perfumer". At first glance, it may seem inconspicuous, many at first do not allow the thought of acquiring real estate here. But it is worth taking a walk along the narrow medieval streets, looking from a height onto the valley, going to local shops and shops, breathing in the world-famous aromas, it becomes clear how unforgettable life and relaxation in Grasse (France) can be.
There are no offices of large corporations in this city. But there are three of the world's most famous perfumery companies that produce very important components for famous aromas. The historical center of Grasse is neat and very clean, in the tradition of tourist booklets depicting the charms of Provence.
The city captivates with its houses with shutters on the windows. Under their roofs live white doves. In many shops you can buy colorful pasta. Grass is a square with plane trees and numerous cafes that serve traditional snails in creme brulee, and write the menu in chalk on the boards displayed on the streets.
An interesting fact: as a rule, the historical center of a European city is located on a hill. Typically, the castle was built at a height, and around it appeared settlements, which today have become the outskirts of the historical center. With Grass, everything happened differently. The city is really built on a hill, but you don’t need to climb to get to the historical center. On the contrary, you should go down the modern freeway via stone stairs.
What to see in Grasse (France)?
We are sure that most of the beautiful half of tourists, immediately after arriving in the city, will go to study perfume factories and museums that are open at them. There are also shops that sell finished products. For everyone there are scented candles, incense, soap, body care products. You can even try to create your own fragrance, of course, under the guidance of an experienced employee of the factory Galimard.
Each street delights with neat terracotta-colored houses, ancient architecture, pretty chapels, elegant churches and fountains. A fountain in the form of a perfume bottle is especially popular among tourists.
Jasmine festival
Every year, at the very beginning of August, the town hosts the traditional jasmine festival. It was first celebrated on August 4, 1946. Today it is a magnificent festival. Platforms decorated with snow-white flowers float through the city, and young girls in not very modest outfits throw armfuls of flowers into the crowd . At that time, folk groups performed in Grasse, street performances took place, fireworks lit up the night sky over the city.
Grasse (France): attractions. International Perfume Museum
The museum area is 3.5 thousand square meters, which exhibited more than five thousand exhibits. But this is only a small part of the collection, since ten times more various items related to cosmetics, perfumes and their production are stored in storage rooms.
The museum exposition is built according to the chronological principle, exhibits from five continents are included in it. Guests can not only study the history of perfumery, which began about 3 thousand years ago, but also learn interesting facts about the preparation of raw materials, the production of bottles, the features of various types of cosmetics, and the traditions of perfumers from different countries.
Notre-dame-du-puy
This cathedral was built in 1154, but it got its present look in the eighteenth century. Since 1244, the temple has been the seat of the Catholic episcopate. The cathedral contains a picture of Fragonard, who was born in this city, and three canvases by the great Rubens. The temple is decorated with stained glass windows and sculptures.
Villa Ivan Bunin
Perhaps, once the villa of Ivan Bunin, located in Grasse, will be made a museum. But today it’s just a house, on the door of which there is a sign that says that the physicist G. Semenoff lives in it. Other affiliation of the villa is indicated only by a memorial plaque made of marble, installed on the road that leads to the house.
Villa Bunina is called rather pompously - "Belvedere". But despite the loud name, the structure looks very modest. Minimalist white two-story house with long windows and white rail shutters.
Tourists reviews
The bulk of travelers were fascinated by Grass (France). Reviews about the trip people leave enthusiastic. The magnificent nature, a huge number of fragrant flowers, "toy" houses on narrow streets - all this creates the feeling that you are in a fairy tale.
Many liked the educational excursions in the perfumery capital, which are conducted by experienced guides. They know a lot of interesting historical facts about this city.