A city that smells of spring; Why is this city in the news these days?

As the last days of winter are approaching, the south of France has welcomed spring earlier than other parts of Europe with a yellow carpet of mimosa flowers and the lovely scent of violets. The city of Grasse, which is located among the green hills north of Cannes, still proudly carries the title of “Perfume Capital of the World”. (the Guardian)

Photographer: Unknown / Alamy

Interestingly, the perfume industry in this region was not started out of tenderness, but to find a solution; In past centuries, perfumers were looking for a way to mask the unpleasant smell of tanneries and tanneries, but this very need led to the flourishing of an art that is recognized worldwide today.

Today, in the old workshops of this city, such as Galimard, which dates back to the middle of the 18th century, tourists have the opportunity to create their own perfume among hundreds of bottles of essential oils, from musk and amber to ginger and saffron. In these interactive classes, the art of smelling blends with the knowledge of chemistry so that participants will learn about the three layers of perfume, i.e. “opening notes”, “middle notes or the heart of the perfume” and “base notes”, and create an extract that captures the sunny vibes of the Mediterranean coast.

Photographer: unknown / tripadvisor.fr

Along this road trip, the spectacular village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup stands out as a violet nursery. This old tradition, which flourished since Queen Victoria’s winter travels in the 19th century, is kept alive today with lively festivals and the production of special products such as violet candies.

Photographer: unknown / www.pariszigzag.fr

A little further and along the beaches of “Mandelieu-la-Napoule”, a path called “Mimosa Road” is stretched for 130 kilometers. These yellow and puffy flowers, which were first brought to this region by the British from Australia, have adapted to the Mediterranean climate so much that now watching them bloom on the walls of luxurious villas has become a symbol of the arrival of spring in the south of France.

This trip is an experience beyond sightseeing and is linked to aromas, from the sweet aroma of local lemonades to the pungent smell of nightly fireworks next to coastal forts. For those who have escaped the gray cold of northern Europe, the Riviera at this time of the year, with pleasant air and nature awake, is not only a tourist destination, but also an opportunity to revive on the eve of the New Year.

Photographer: Unknown / partir.ouest-france.fr

If your signature perfume were to tell a story of a journey or a memory, what scent would dominate it? Write the name of your imaginary perfume for us and other readers.

Cover photo source: The Guardian Photographer: Unknown