Fragonard Perfumery

The Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse is a historic factory housed in an 18th-century tannery, purchased by the Fragonard family in 1926 and renovated in 2015. Located at 20 Bd Fragonard, 06130 Grasse, it serves as a tourist attraction offering insights into traditional perfume making. The site features a museum showcasing the history of perfume from antiquity to the present, displaying artifacts such as Egyptian blush spoons and medieval pomanders.

Key exhibits include the Distillery, which demonstrates steam distillation, a technique perfected by the Arab world in the 8th century. The factory also displays antique containers used for hot enfleurage and cold enfleurage techniques, the latter of which was widely used in the region until the late 1950s. The visit highlights the historical, social, and cultural aspects of family-run perfume factories up to the 1950s.

The factory offers free daily visits and free guided tours. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and depart every 30 minutes. They cover the history of the perfume trade and manufacturing techniques, concluding with a free olfactory game. Visitors should report to reception upon arrival. The factory is open every day, and group visits can be arranged by phone or email. This site provides a comprehensive look at Grasse’s identity as the perfume capital of France, combining industrial history with sensory education.