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May 4, 2026

Inside Grasse, where flowers for Chanel No. 5 have been grown for more than a century

Centuries ago, the French town of Grasse reeked of pungent odors from leather tanning. But now it's famous for quite the opposite scent from the acres of jasmine that it grows for top perfume houses.

Inside Grasse, where flowers for Chanel No. 5 have been grown for more than a century

TL;DR

  • Grasse was historically known for the smell of leather tanning.
  • The town is now famous for the scent of jasmine.
  • Acres of jasmine are grown in Grasse.
  • The jasmine is supplied to top perfume houses.