Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Domaine de Manon
FARM
( 06 12 18 02 69;
www.le-domaine-de-manon.com
; 36 chemin du Servan, Plas-
cassier; admission €6)
Curious noses can combine a perfumery session with a (literal)
field trip to this wonderful flower farm. Centifolia rose and jasmine have been cultivated
here for three generations and Carole Biancalana, the current producer, will take you on a
tour of her fields and explain how the flowers are grown and processed. The Domaine's
production is sold exclusively to haute-couture label Dior.
Tours only take place during flowering and are held on Tuesday at 10am between May
and mid-June for rose, and on Tuesday at 9am between August and mid-October for jas-
mine; ring ahead to double-check since exact times vary from year to year, depending on
flowering.
The
domaine
is located 7km southeast of the centre of Grasse, in the small village of
Plascassier (officially part of Grasse). Head in the direction of Valbonne along the D4 as
you leave Grasse, and then follow signs for 'Vieux Village' when you get to Plascassier.
The
domaine
will be on your left, opposite a hair salon.
CREATE YOUR OWN SCENT
It can take months, sometimes years, for a 'nose' (perfumers who, after 10 years' training, can identify up to 3000
smells) to create a perfume. And you'll understand why once you sit down in front of a mind-boggling array of es-
sences: the number of combinations is dizzying. Perfume workshops won't turn you into a perfumer overnight, but
the olfactory education they offer is fascinating - and great fun.
Molinard (
Click here
)
runs a fantastic 90-minute workshop (€69) in its Grasse factory where you can create your
own perfume. Perfumer Céline will quiz you about the scents you like - and dislike - talk you through the structure
of the perfume (base, heart and head notes), explain the rules of perfume etiquette (bannish liberal spraying!) and
help you through the more subtle blends of your creations. 'Graduates' leave with a stylish (and refillable) 130mL
bottle of their perfume.
Sleeping & Eating
There is a dire lack of decent accommodation in Grasse so you'll have to get out of the
city for a good night's sleep.
