Grasse Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Grasse

The old town

Coat of arms

Grasse

Location in France

Grasse

Location in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Country

France

Region

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Department

Alpes-Maritimes

Area

44.44 km² (17.16 sq mi)

Population

(2012)

51,021

• Density

1,148.09/km² (2,973.5/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+02:00 (CEST)

INSEE/Postal code

06088 /

Elevation

80–1,061 m (262–3,481 ft)
(avg. 333 m or 1,093 ft)

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Grasse is a lovely town, also known as a commune, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the beautiful region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in France. It sits on hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

This town is famous around the world for one special thing: it is considered the world's capital of perfume. Many of the scents you smell in perfumes, soaps, and lotions come from flowers grown right here in Grasse!

The World's Perfume Capital
Exploring Grasse
- Museums and Attractions
- Notable People from Grasse
  - François Joseph Paul de Grasse
  - Frédéric Bourdillon
Images for kids
See also

The World's Perfume Capital

Grasse has been the heart of the perfume industry for centuries. Its warm climate and rich soil are perfect for growing many fragrant flowers. These flowers are essential for making perfumes.

Why Grasse Became the Perfume Capital

In the 16th century, Grasse was known for its leather tanning industry. However, the leather often smelled bad. To solve this, a perfumer came up with the idea of scenting leather gloves. This made the gloves popular with the French nobility.

Over time, the demand for scented leather grew. This led to the development of perfume-making skills in Grasse. Eventually, the perfume industry became more important than leather tanning.

Flowers and Fragrances

Grasse is famous for growing special flowers. These include jasmine, centifolia roses, tuberose, and orange blossom. These flowers are carefully harvested by hand. Their delicate scents are then extracted to create the base for many famous perfumes.

Jasmine: This flower is picked in late summer. It has a sweet, strong scent.
Centifolia Rose: Also known as the "May Rose," it blooms in May. Its scent is rich and honey-like.
Tuberose: This flower has a powerful, exotic fragrance. It is often used in luxury perfumes.

How Perfume is Made

Making perfume is a complex art. In Grasse, traditional methods are still used alongside modern techniques.

Extracting Scents from Flowers

One common method is called enfleurage. This old technique uses fat to absorb the scent from fresh flowers. The fat is then washed with alcohol to get the pure flower essence. Today, other methods like steam distillation and solvent extraction are also used. These methods help capture the delicate aromas.

The Role of a Perfumer

A perfumer, sometimes called a "nose," is like an artist. They mix different essences to create unique fragrances. It takes many years of training to become a skilled perfumer. They must have an excellent sense of smell and a deep understanding of different scents.

Exploring Grasse

Grasse offers more than just perfume. It has a charming old town with narrow streets and historic buildings. Many visitors come to learn about its history and enjoy its beauty.

Museums and Attractions

International Perfume Museum: This museum tells the story of perfume through the ages. You can learn about its history, how it's made, and see old perfume bottles.
Fragonard Museum: Located in a beautiful villa, this museum is dedicated to the famous painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, who was born in Grasse.
Perfume Factories: Many perfume houses in Grasse offer tours. You can see how perfumes are made and even create your own scent. Some famous ones include Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard.

Notable People from Grasse

Grasse has been home to several important figures.

François Joseph Paul de Grasse

One famous person is François Joseph Paul de Grasse. He was a French admiral who played a key role in the American Revolutionary War. He helped the American forces win the Battle of the Chesapeake, which was a major turning point in the war.