Exceptional Riviera Towns: Grasse
The home of perfume
Considered to be the world’s perfume capital, Grasse is renowned across the globe and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Alongside the historic perfume houses of Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard, Grasse’s links with Coco Chanel, Edith Piaf, Christian Dior and a host of celebrated artists, writers and public figures boost the town’s reputation. Grasse is home to many events, such as the annual Rose Exhibition in May and Fête du Jasmin in August. This July, Grasse hosted the first edition of Grasse Perfume Week, dedicated to celebrating all things fragrance, with over 80 exhibitors, workshops, talks, concerts and more.
In 2022, the local mayor began vast new development and regeneration programmes for the area, securing central government funding for the project known as “Action cour de ville” which focuses on updating central village properties to ensure suitable living space and retail units alongside a wider project for public gardens, a food hall, better parking, a multiscreen cinema and shopping facilities making sure local residents and visitors alike will not miss out on any amenities. The next phase of the programme aims to expand its reach and improve climate change adaptation measures, such as urban greening and environmentally friendly transportation.
Situated 20 km north of Nice and set within the hills, Grasse benefits from a sheltered microclimate, as well as a plentiful water supply from the Siagne canal, which together ensure perfect conditions for extensive flower production. Producing close to 27,000 tonnes of Jasmine annually, the flower industry dates back to the 16th century, along with perfumeries such as Galimard, which was established in 1747 and is just one of the 30 perfume factories in the area.
Indeed, this year French fragrance company Parfex opened a new centre in Grasse and 2020 saw the cosmetics giant Lancome purchase a historic organic estate, renamed as the “Domaine de la Rose”. Likewise Chanel and Dior both hold estates in Grasse and don’t forget, this is the home of the iconic Chanel No 5.
Alongside a charming town full of winding streets, fountains, painted houses, markets and boutiques, not to mention an 11th century cathedral and incredible views, you will find an intriguing history and a remarkable industry. With a turnover estimated at circa €600 million a year and producing over two-thirds of France’s natural aromas and apparently up to 50% of the world’s base aromas, Grasse is a town quite definitely ‘on the map’.
With such an incredible setting and history, it is no surprise that property here includes historic estates, grand villas, Provençal architecture and incredible gardens. The area is popular with residents looking for greater space, more land, breathtaking views and a little respite from the summer coastal temperatures.
To discuss your search in more detail, or for further details regarding any of the exceptional properties below, our multi-lingual and knowledgeable teams based locally and throughout the Riviera would be delighted to assist you.
Grasse
Discover this exception bastide, set in over five hectares of beautiful grounds with a vegetable garden, rose garden, Mediterranean flora, and an olive grove producing award winning olive oil. The property itself spans 550 sq m, comprising bright and generous living spaces, spacious bedroom suites, outbuildings and independent apartments.
Grasse
Located in the prestigious Rothschild district of Grasse, this Florentine Art-Deco style villa was designed by renowned architect Jean Maurice Camille René Bouchet in the 1950s. This is a truly rare opportunity to own a property steeped in history and elegance.
Grasse
Nestled in the beautiful Grasse countryside, this expansive property of 400 sq m is the ideal family home, complete with an outdoor swimming pool, terrace with a pizza oven, six bedrooms, and spectacular views.
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