By Angélique Lux-Galiffi
Pierre Chiarla, humility in the face of the earth
A Grasse Perfumery is a family affair. Pierre Chiarla represents the third generation of his family to cultivate the plants in perfumeHis grandparents were already in the fields for the harvest. He took over the family farm in 2000, and has since been committed to developing the business without losing the roots of the old ways.
In his fields, you'll find roses, tuberose, and jasmine. His method? Remaining faithful to traditional cultivation methods to guarantee the quality that perfumery demands. But beyond the technique, what strikes you when you talk to him is his humility in the face of the vagaries of the weather and nature. For Pierre Chiarla, innovation today must not be against life, but with it, in a sustainable and responsible approach. A concrete example for the entire profession.
We joined him in the middle of May, at the time of the rose harvest, when Grasse was buzzing with excitement for its annual event, Expo Rose. Visiting his land at this time is a remarkable experience: the flowers stretch as far as the eye can see and the atmosphere is literally saturated with fragrance.
At Domaine de Sainte Blanche, perfume is written like a musical score.
There are secluded places where one immediately understands what the word "creation" means. Domaine de Sainte Blanche, located in Spéracèdes, is part of it. It is there, in this site closed to the public, that Olivier Maure, President ofArt and Perfume, received us.
The place is steeped in history. It was in 1945 that Edmond Roudnitska and his wife Thérèse founded the company, before purchasing the estate two years later. The name Sainte Blanche is a direct tribute to the perfumer's mother. It was here that global successes such as Eau Sauvage, Femme de Rochas, and Eau d'Hermès were conceived. Edmond Roudnitska was not only a brilliant creator, but also a theorist who fought for perfumery to be recognized as a true art form. By founding this estate, he wanted to offer independent perfumers the environment and tranquility necessary for introspection.
Today, Olivier Maure leads the organization with the same passion for sharing, while grounding it in the realities of our time. For him, creation is not isolated from the world: “a perfume, with its notes, is like a musical score resulting from a collective creativity, a process of writing and intellectual exploration.”
While UNESCO has inscribed perfume-making skills on its intangible cultural heritage list, the company advocates for a close and supportive relationship with producers. This network is essential in the face of climate change, which is forcing crops to adapt rapidly.
Olivier Maure is already shaping the future of the estate, with passing it on to younger generations as a priority. A true ecosystem where humans and nature seek perfect harmony.
Rose Expo: when Grasse celebrates its territory
May in Grasse belongs to the rose. Spring takes on a special dimension when the Centifolia blooms and its trail invades the plains.
On the occasion ofRose Expo And during the Centifolia festival, the city pays a fitting tribute to its growers. Behind the delicate petals lies a long and arduous process and a know-how passed down from generation to generation.
The event doesn't just celebrate the past; it showcases the next generation. Beyond the traditional competition for the most beautiful rose, the gardens of Maison Fragonard host an exhibition that brings together young fashion designers and talents from the world of perfumery.
For a few days, the entire city is transformed by the cultural trail: street performances, dance, workshops, stalls featuring local producers and artisanal confectionery. An immersive experience that demonstrates that Grasse's culture remains a living heritage, shared by all generations.
Escapades France – AFJET
Photos provided by François MILLO
