The know-how related to perfume in the Pays de Grasse: the cultivation of perfume plants, knowledge of natural raw materials and their transformation, the art of composing perfume

The know-how related to perfume in the Pays de Grasse covers three different aspects: the cultivation of the perfume plant; the knowledge of raw materials and their transformation; and the art of composing perfume. The practice brings together multiple groups and communities within the Association du patrimoine vivant du Pays de Grasse. Practiced since at least the 16th century, the cultivation of perfume plants and their transformation as well as the creation of fragrant blends developed in the Pays de Grasse in an artisanal environment long dominated by tanning. The cultivation of perfume plants mobilizes multiple skills and knowledge related to nature, soils, climate, biology, plant physiology and horticultural practices, as well as specific techniques such as extraction and hydraulic distillation methods. The inhabitants of Grasse have appropriated these techniques and contributed to perfecting them. In addition to technical skills, the art also calls upon imagination, memory and creativity. Perfume weaves social bonds and constitutes an important source of seasonal work. The associated knowledge is mainly transmitted informally through a long apprenticeship that still takes place mainly within perfumeries. However, in recent decades, the standardization of apprenticeship has developed with formalized teachings.

source: https://ich.unesco.org/fr/RL/les-savoir-faire-lies-au-parfum-en-pays-de-grasse-la-culture-de-la-plante-a-parfum-la-connaissance-des-matieres-premieres-naturelles-et-leur-transformation-l-art-de-composer-le-parfum-01207