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Introduction to Grasse

906km (563 miles) S of Paris; 18km (11 miles) N of Cannes; 10km (6 miles) NW of Mougins

Grasse, a 20-minute drive from Cannes, is the most fragrant town on the Riviera, though it looks tacky modern. Surrounded by jasmine and roses, it has been the capital of the perfume industry since the days of the Renaissance. It was once a famous resort, attracting such royalty as Queen Victoria and Princess Pauline Borghese, Napoleon's promiscuous sister. Today some three-quarters of the world's essences are produced here from foliage that includes violets, daffodils, wild lavender, and jasmine.

Pricey Petals -- It takes 10,000 flowers to produce 2.2 pounds of jasmine petals; almost a ton of petals is needed to distill 1 1/2 quarts of essence. Keep these figures in mind when looking at that high price tag on a bottle of perfume.

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Destination Guide Destination Guide Frommer's Provence and the Riviera, 8th Edition Destination Guide Frommer's Provence and the Riviera, 8th Edition

Author: Mary Novakovich
Pub Date: January 24, 2012

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