On Wednesday, November 28, the city of Grasse, renowned for its expertise and excellence in the world of perfumery, was finally added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by a specialized UNESCO committee. This is a landmark date in the history of French perfumery and long-awaited after ten years of effort. To better preserve its tuberose and jasmine fields, the city was counting on this inscription, considered a real boost to achieve its goal. Now it's done!
Exceptional know-how covering three different aspects
To validate this inscription on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, a specialized committee, meeting in Port Louis, Mauritius, focused on three different aspects: the cultivation of the perfume plant, the knowledge of raw materials and their processing, and finally the art of perfume composition.
It should be noted that every year since 2003, the UNESCO intergovernmental committee has met with the aim of issuing an international label to protect practices and know-how passed down from generation to generation within a community.
The perfumes of Grasse have finally managed to appear on this list to add to the various traditions linked to music, dance, gastronomy... It is after a labeling procedure started more than a decade ago that the perfumes of Grasse were able to officially join the list.
This registration will also allow the Grasse region to begin a new era. But this registration can also be seen as a reward for these years of waiting and high-quality work. It should be remembered that the Grasse perfume center has significantly contributed to the success of Chanel perfumes, but it is also already responsible for the future fragrances of renowned perfume houses such as Louis Vuitton and Dior. But it is also a significant reward for the horticulturists who cultivate all these perfume plants. Everyone who works in the field has therefore contributed to the worldwide renown of French perfumery. From those responsible for picking, through those who take care of cultivation, to the producers of these exceptional perfume bottles.
Grasse and its fragrance history
The city of Grasse, the birthplace of perfumery, once had a high concentration of tanneries. Floral raw materials were used to mask the odors emitted by the skins. It was from this time that the city began to develop the scented glove, which became fashionable at the French court under Catherine de Medici. Over time, the city gradually progressed towards success.
But over time, the world of perfumery has faced stiff international competition. And the rise of synthetic raw materials has also weakened the perfume industry. In addition, some sixty specialized firms have set up shop in the Grasse area. Not to mention the pressure on land in the city, which also limits plant cultivation.
But with this classification, the city has a strong chance of regaining its global reputation and boosting its international visibility. In addition, the awarding of this label should promote the protection of local natural heritage, including fields of roses, mimosa, jasmine, lavender, and other fragrant plants. But it should also foster trades and skills related to the production of raw materials, their transformation, and the artistic creation of exceptional perfumes. Moreover, new projects are already in the pipeline, such as the creation of discovery trails: Scented Paths. This UNESCO classification will certainly attract tourists from all over the world!
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