When you talk about perfumes, it is France that ranks the highest. French perfumes and cosmetics are considered as luxury goods in the world. You may find these following terms mentioned behind most of the perfume bottles: “pour homme” and “pour femme” – which mean – ‘for men’ and ‘for women’ respectively.
The art of making perfumes can be traced back to ancient Greeks and Romans but it was during the Renaissance period that perfumes became popular in Europe. Catherine de Medicis, wife of King Henry II, who introduced the trend of perfumes in France. Originally, the sweet scent of flowers was used to hide body odors.
The Grasse region of France has always been the perfume capital of Europe. Grasse is a town in the French Riviera, north of Cannes. That is right, Cannes – the famous town for the International French Festival. The special microclimate in the region of Grasse has been beneficial for growing aromatic plants since the 18th century. Here goes the history in brief: In the 16th century Grasse was famous for its leather tanneries and the tanners used aromatic plants found in that region to take away the unpleasant smell of the trade. Thus, began a new creation and industry of perfumery. It so happened that the leather trade was going on only till the 1700s as Grasse’s tanners abandoned the leather trade business completely and took over the business of perfumery. The aromatic flowers of that region had become the source of wealth and income for that town and till date Grasse is known as the capital of perfume. Now Grasse also has many other famous perfume companies over there that produce luxury perfumes from the best quality aromatic sources available in that region.
South France in general anyway boasts, the best and the most magnificent Lavender fields. This region has the perfect climate for Lavender, Iris, French Jasmine and Violets. Today many factories in southern France produce lavender perfumes, soaps and cosmetics. There is something in the secrets and techniques that are passed down from generation to generation under the Mediterranean sun in Grasse region that cannot be copied! Other countries find it impossible to challenge France’s art of making fine perfumes! Many top perfume brands are now linked to fashion brands as well! The International Museum of Perfumery – “Musée International de la Parfumerie” is a museum located in Grasse that showcases the culture and history of perfume making.
In another museum “Musée du Parfum” (Perfume Museum) of Fragonard in Paris, visitors can attend a workshop where they are guided to create their own scent by a professional parfumeur! They can take their own 100ml perfume home with them along with a certificate! “Eau” by the way is a French word for water.
Eau de Cologne: “Cologne” is a French word for “Köln” a city in Germany that is famous for this perfume – Eau de Cologne. This city in Germany is famous for this perfume / Cologne water. In 1806, a perfumery business of Eau de Cologne was opened in Paris by the nephew of Maria Farina - the perfume maker who launched the original Eau de Cologne in 1709 in Germany.
Now, allow me to answer the most frequently asked question – What is the difference between Eau Fraîche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum and Perfume? These categories differ with regards to the ratio of perfume oil to distilled water and pure alcohol. Eau Fraîche contains about 1% to 3% perfume oil, Eau de Cologne typically contains 5% perfume oil, Eau de Toilette contains about 5% to 15% perfume oil, Eau de Parfum contains about 15% to 25% perfume oil and just Perfume contains about 25% to 35% perfume oil. The higher the concentration of perfume oil, the stronger the fragrance.
Now that you got to know all about perfumes, what is stopping you from smelling amazing? Who knows? Maybe your lover might be waiting there for you to get all enchanted and seduced by your aromatic perfume! After all, don’t forget, Christian Dior quoted – “MAKE ME A FRAGRANCE THAT SMELLS LIKE LOVE”.
Snehal Walia
Faculty in French
SIFIL