For Beautiful Scents of France, Visit Fragonard…
Here are a few pics of Grasse on that summer morning…
A little about Fragonard. It’s not just a luxury French perfume. It’s a French treasure.
Eugene Fuchs, a former Parisien notary with a fondness for fragrance founded the company in 1926 in one of the oldest factories in Grasse.
Perfume as Art
Monsieur Fuchs named his now legendary firm after the local painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, whose father was a Perfumer in the 18th century court of Louis XV.
In 1765, Fragonard painted Coresus et Callirhoe, which apparently showed his talent for intimate, mildly erotic scenes, favored by wealthy patrons and members of Louis XV’s lascivious court. He was wildly popular until the French Revolution deprived him of his patrons, many of whom were guillotined or exiled.
Jean-Honore was the most notable celebrity in the town of Grasse, and Fuchs was looking to attract the attention of the wealthy, the titled society mavens and international celebrities flocking to nearby glamourous Cote D’Azur prior to WWII. Et voila! The House of Fragonard was born. Fuchs’ marketing genius combined with his exotic line of perfumes earned him instant fame.
Fast forward to The House of Fragonard today.
The Future of Fragonard
The three daughters of Eugene’s son-in law Jean-François Costa: Anne, Agnès and Françoise, were not initially predestined to join the family business.
Anne graduated from medical school. After studying law in Paris, Agnès became passionate about marketing and advertising. Françoise, meanwhile, studied economics at the European Business School in Paris, London and Madrid.
They are developing Fragonard as the signature of a certain art of life beyond the borders of perfume.
House of Fragonard
Back to the perfume.
The visit to the Fragonard factory in Grasse is free and is hosted by a guide trained in perfumery and familiar with the company’s rich history. Guests are encouraged to sample a variety of scents and I was thrilled to oblige.
The Nose
Much like a wine sommelier, The Nose, or scent designer, is able to detect and identify a nuanced combination of essences. Each perfume is made up of several notes in harmonic combination of essences. Woody, citrus, fruity and floral are primary. Similar to musical composition, there are top notes, middle notes and base notes to each. The design of a perfume can require several years of research.
Becoming a perfumer normally takes ten years of studies and training: it’s a long process for an incredible role. Only a select few are able to qualify for the distinction of The Nose. Which after touring this amazing place, I better understand.
To take the tour, simply show up at the factory at this address:La Condamine – 06360 Eze-Village and visit their website for additional details.
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Becky | 12th Sep 22
My favorite!