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DAY 5
ST-PAUL-DE-VENCE
GRASSE, WORLD PERFUME CAPITAL
OVERNIGHT IN CANNES
Behind the French Riviera's narrow strip of seaside resorts rise the
undulating hills of the Maritime Alps.
Walled towns and villages cling to the slopes and perch on the hilltops,
vestiges of the days when Saracen pirates and medieval mercenaries invaded
and plundered southern France.
During the Middle Ages, twin dangers drove Provençal town-builders to the
hillsides and plateaus: invading enemies and the unhealthy marsh air, which
tainted the plains surrounding the rivers at the slightest flooding.
La Terrasse in Saint-Paul-de-Vence Offers the Chance to Enjoy a Crêpe with a View
©Photo by Michael Reed ~ Creative World Travel
Of all the hilltop villages of the Riviera, St-Paul-de-Vence is the
best-known and one of the most visited sites in France. It overlooks a peaceful setting of
flowers and olive and orange trees. It was popular
in the 1920s when many noted artists inhabited the little 16th-century
houses along the narrow cobblestone streets.
Art still plays an important role in St-Paul-de-Vence.
The Maeght Foundation is an exceptional world-class site
that contains one of the most important collections in Europe, with paintings,
sculptures, drawings and graphic works of art from the 20th century, such as Bonnard,
Braque, Calder, Chagall, Chillida, Giacometti, Léger and Miró, as well as contemporary artists. Admission is 14 Euros,
or only 9 Euros for groups of 10 or more.
The village also boasts a municipal museum, Le Musée de Saint-Paul, which presents
regular expositions free of charge to visitors.
Art Shops Line the Medieval Main Street of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
©Photo by Michael Reed ~ Creative World Travel
Grasse, World Perfume Capital
The gentle climate, rich soil and cradle of mountains that protect it
from the north wind make Grasse an ideal place for flower production
almost all year round. Golden mimosas bloom in March.
Set among glittering hills, surrounded by jasmine and roses, Grasse
is the most fragrant town on the Rivera. It has been the perfume capital
of the world since the 19th century. It was once a famous resort,
attracting such royalty as Queen Victoria.
Enjoy a guided tour through the Perfumerie Fragonard. An English-speaking guide will show you how the "soul of the flower" is extracted. You will learn how a highly-skilled
perfumer or "nose" creates fragrances from a wide variety of ingredients.
A Perfumer or "Nose" at the Perfumerie Fragonard Works at an "Organ" to Create Fragrances
©Photo by Michael Reed ~ Creative World Travel
The Perfumerie Fragonard is named after the most famous native of Grasse, the painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), probably the most successful and sought after artist of his day.
You will have time to visit the newly-opened Fragonard Museum, just around the corner from the perfumerie. The museum is located in the Hôtel de Villeneuve, an old mansion
restored in keeping with the tradition of large 18th century stately homes in Grasse. The museum (which is free of charge) displays not only works by Fragonard
but also those of his pupil Marguerite Gérard (1761-1837) and Jean-Baptiste Mallet (1759-1835), another Grasse artist.
Also free is the charming Provençal Costume and Jewelry Museum in the former residence of the Marchioness of Cabris, sister to Mirabeau.
Simple dresses, underskirts of piqué Indiana cloth and delicate lacework recount the lives of Provençal women – peasants, craft workers,
farmers' wives – of the region.
A Statue by Polish Artist Tomek Kawiak Honors the 17th Century Perfume Vendors of Grasse
©Photo by Michael Reed ~ Creative World Travel
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