About the location
Where better to go to make perfume than the world’s capital of perfume, Grasse. Grasse lies at the heart of the French Riviera, in the midst of hills, forests and canyons. This picturesque location is surrounded by rolling fields of lavender, jasmine, mimosa, orange blossom, roses and violets and is an idyllic setting for any perfume making course or perfume making holiday.
Grasse is a charming medieval village that has enjoyed a prospering perfume industry since the 17th century, producing over two-thirds of France’s natural aromas used both for perfume and in produce.
Grasse is located just 30 minutes from Nice airport and 10 minutes from the main Boulevard in Cannes with its fine sand beaches and luxury shopping.
The life of the village revolves around the flowers where numerous festivals illuminate the town centre with their flower parades all in honour of the rich floral industry in the city’s past and present. Whatever time of year you chose to visit you will be captivated by the beautiful sweet aromas all around you. Lavender all summer. Try visiting in February and you will catch mimosa in the air, orange blossoms in April and jasmine in the Autumn.
The perfume school itself was established in the 18th century and is part of the oldest Perfumery in France. It supplied the court of King Louis over 250 years ago with olive oils, pastes and perfumes and is also home to the famous Chanel number 5 and other great perfume creations.
Here in the fragrance laboratory with the guidance of your professional and enthusiastic Nose and Aromachologie experts you will experience the real tradition and learn the art of creating authentic perfumes. You will be transformed into a creator of fine perfume. This famous fragrance studio will teach you how to create your own unique perfumes and scents through a true understanding of the architecture and extraction of fine scents.
You will discover the different base products and techniques that combine to create your very own personal fragrance using over 127 notes. You will learn to create a harmonious balance of Top Note (peak note), Middle Note (heart note) with Base Note (fond note). You will then let your imagination free to develop your own perfume. A perfume uniquely “you”, a perfume that will distinguish you and your personal taste. Then you can take your unique perfume home in a personalised perfume bottle with the name you have chosen for your design. Each of your newly created perfumes will also be kept on file for you to re-order time and again.
With all courses you can also enjoy a tour of the traditional perfume factory to learn more about the traditional techniques such as distillation and effleurage. Here, under the guidance of the factory hostesses, you’ll discover a magnificent collection of museum pieces and antique perfume production equipment. Wander through the extraordinary laboratory and the conditioning room where the origins of perfume can be traced and learn about the extraction methods of aromatic raw materials, flowers, plants and aromatic woods.
Visit the shop, where you can meander through the exceptional quality products and gifts and try out some samples. There is such an array of delights to choose from, eau de toilettes, eau de colognes, soaps, cosmetics, sachets, bath products and so much more.
Features
- 30 minutes from Nice airport
- 10 minutes from Cannes
- Charming medieval village
- Perfect setting for exploring Nice and Cannes
- Perfume makers following a 250 Year old tradition
- A chance to socialize with likeminded creative people
- Traditional factory and museum antique production equipment
- Laboratory and conditioning room where the origins of perfume can be traced
- A thorough explanation of extraction methods
- Discover some of the secrets of the Nose
- A fully equipped fragrance studio
- Guided visits in all major European languages
- Expert Nose, Aromachologie and creation masters
- A guide that will transform you into a creator of perfume
- Shop with a large product assortment at factory prices
- Your own unique signature blend registered and stored for reorders
- Accommodation at the 4* Best Western Elixir Grasse is a 40 minute walk from Grasse centre or a short bus ride
- It is a 10 minute walk from the perfume studio to the factory for the tour
- Grasse is very hilly and steep which adds to it's charm