From June 30 to July 5, Grasse will host the very first edition of Grasse Perfume Week, an event created by Nez, the olfactory cultural movement. The goal: to celebrate perfume in all its forms through exhibitions, talks, meetups, workshops, concerts, and film screenings.
At the heart of this project is Romain Raimbault, Director of Events at Nez, who tells us more about this new must-attend event in the world of scent culture.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m the Director of Events at Nez, the olfactory cultural movement. You may already know Nez, the Olfactory Magazine, and the many books—and podcasts—we’ve published since 2016, all dedicated to scent culture. In 2024, we launched the Paris Perfume Week by Nez. The event immediately gained international attention, and together with Jérôme Viaud, mayor of Grasse, we decided to take this unique concept on the road—from one perfume capital to another, from Paris to Grasse!
In one sentence, how would you describe Grasse Perfume Week?
A celebration of fragrance, of Grasse, and of the diversity of olfactory cultures around the world!
Who is it for?
First and foremost, for the people of Grasse and the 5,000 individuals working in local fragrance companies who make the city the world’s perfume capital every day. We’re also expecting enthusiasts and professionals from across France and abroad. And of course, tourists, who begin arriving at this time of year. We want Grasse Perfume Week to be an event where everyone can discover what defines contemporary fragrance creation: brands, composition houses, perfumers, ingredient producers, scientists…
What exactly will happen during this Perfume Week?
We’ve selected three main venues: the Palais des Congrès, Grasse Campus, and Villa Fragonard, which will all be active from July 3rd to 5th.
The Palais des Congrès will host an area dedicated to local expertise with Grasse Expertise, while the other two floors will be devoted to niche fragrance brands from both France and abroad. For example, we’ll be welcoming around ten Chinese brands, as well as Italian and Korean ones, alongside an exhibition focused on olfactory culture in China.
Grasse Campus will also feature compelling exhibitions, such as “Wadi Dawkah, the valley of Frankincense” and “When the perfume of plants speaks”, dedicated to an iconic brand: Parfum d’Empire. As a key higher education site in the region, the campus will also host nearly 30 conferences, roundtables, and masterclasses—all livestreamed for remote viewers!
Villa Fragonard will be dedicated to our main partner for this first edition, Robertet. On the occasion of its 175th anniversary, the company will invite visitors on a journey through the history and future of fragrance.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, but we’ve kept it affordable: €10 for a day pass and €19 for the full three days. In addition, anyone with a Grasse Perfume Week ticket will enjoy free admission to the International Perfume Museum and its gardens in Mouans-Sartoux.
But wait… will this “week” only last three days?
Not at all! It actually begins on Monday, June 30. We’ve planned a wide range of events throughout the city—and even beyond. Many downtown shopkeepers are offering workshops, meet-ups, and perfume launches. The Grasse Institute of Perfumery will host an open house, the Domaine de la Rose will offer guided tours throughout July 3rd, the Sens² exhibition will still be on view in the cathedral’s crypt… And of course, the houses you all know—Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard—will also be taking part.
The film Les Parapluies de Cherbourg will be screened in a special “odorama” version at the media library, and visitors can explore a photo exhibit dedicated to Madagascar and raw materials at Square du Clavecin, or catch a rock concert by Payan Bertrand’s company band at Place Morel.
And all of this will be completely free!
In short, we look forward to welcoming you all for a wonderful week of festivities!
Click here to access the event ticketing
Photo credit : @Romain Bassenne
