A day in Grasse during the annual jasmine harvest is as close as you can get to a day in paradise; or at least, as far away as you can get from the musty, sneeze-inducing, chemical modernity of a department store perfume hall.

Already a place of fairytale romance, with its art-filled cathedral, ochre colour palette and flower-blanketed hillsides, 7th century Grasse comes to glorious, vibrant life in the heat of August every year when the acres of jasmine are harvested alongside lavender, orange and lemon blossom, roses and aromatic herbs.

The flower-farming industry has flourished here since the 18th century due to the ideal climate and perfect irrigation, and the product has to be one of the world’s most beautiful. Entirely natural, and celebrated as the world’s best, it is used across the globe in food flavourings and perfumes.

Two days at the beginning of August signify the climax of the harvest, when La Jasminade takes place. There is a parade of bloom-bedecked floats manned by local girls, an enormous flower fight and party in the streets, firework displays and exhibitions of the best blossoms Grasse has to offer.

The shopping isn’t bad either, since Grasse is home to some of the global perfume industry’s greatest secrets – small, independent producers that sell the far superior, genuine article for a fraction of the price you’ll pay on the high street at home.

Read more here.

Written by  larapiegeler.

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