"The birthcradle of parfume" a Grasse Travel Page by Pavlik_NL

Grasse is old, very old. Here in the mountains North of the mondain Cannes, this town already goes back to the beginning of the counted years. Ligurians settled in the furtile valley and started a settlement. The settlement grew as the trade started to florish. Agricultural products from the surroundings later specialised into flowers, the bases of the main industry that eventually gave Grasse the name "parfume capitol of the world".

The valley of Grasse is rich of sources. Fresh water is a key element for success in such warm environment as the inlands North of the Cote d'Azur. Walking through town you will still see that water is a vital element in the street scenery as everywhere you walk you will see old and new fountains and wells, providing refreshment for the passing pedestrian.

We visited n the wrong season to have the joy of the blossoming flowerfields that surround Grasse. In spring, but also in summer, Grasse vicinity is smelling with lovely scents that fill the air. Especially known is the purple Lavendula, which also is a very important ingredient for many parfumes. In autumn and winter one can anyway take a sniff of the flowery bouquet of Grasse, as you haven't been in Grasse, when you didn't visit at least one parfume "factory" to "smell the roses".