Perfume Tourism – The Way To Mix Two Different Passions

St. Augustine has said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” Breathing in the air of a new place puts everything in perspective. Not just that, traveling changes you, challenges you, inspires you, shakes you up. It enriches your life in numerous aspects. That’s why it’s always a good idea! The world has so much to offer. So this got me thinking about magic (yes, the mind is a mysterious thing). The magic that happens when you do something you love; when you feel that you and your mindset are growing; when you are so into something, that you are even feeling overwhelmed, you feel it in every bone of your body, you breathe it in and fills you whole. That’s some magic right there! But you know what’s even better? When you are able to combine two passions of yours. Then you are not only having fun, growing, immersing yourself in magic, but you are also learning and having the time of your life. I am quite sure that many people love traveling and perfumes very much (maybe even as much as me), so that’s why I’ve decided to write this piece – to serve as an inspiration for your next trip, for your next research and daydream, or to wake up the traveler in you. Because the only thing that stands in your way of following your dreams is you.

So, yeah, perfume tourism is not only a dream, but actually a thing! Because life loves irony, I am not only a keen traveler, but a traveler with a fear of flying. So, after spending years of just reading about it, I’ve decided to face my fear and combine two of my passions. Not only it was the best decision of my life, but I am writing this now to synthesize all the information and convince you to do the same.

You probably will find it unsurprising that the first location in our list is France. The cradle of perfumery (what France is often called), and especially its small Mediterranean town Grasse are the first places that come to your mind when it comes to perfume and traveling.

More info: venerafragrances.com

In the 19th century, Grasse became the world perfume capital and one of the biggest tourist destinations in France. Just 15 kilometers from Cannes, Grasse is a breath of fresh (nice smelling) air – this is where the Mediterranean climate meets exquisite fragrances and breathtaking nature. Like out of a fairytale. Grasse’s perfume industry includes over 60 perfume companies and production that employs more than 3500 people. And if that’s not impressing – more than the 2/3rds natural aromas for the perfume and food industry are produced in Grasse!

Choosing Grasse for your trip gives you the opportunity to enjoy numerous museums, to be part of free-guided group tours or take isolating walks in the small town’s streets; lets you be part of the very real fairytale-like perfume world soaked in exquisite and alluring scents. By visiting, you will have the privilege to peek in the “perfume kitchen”, to take part in many game-like events and attractions, such as “odorama” (“Guess what this smells like!”), and even create your own perfume!
You can also pay a visit to the three distilleries Grasse houses there. Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard (their names even rhyme) are always open and give you the opportunity to “get in deep” in the perfume world. There you can get acquainted with traditional techniques (if you choose to visit the museum) and contemporary methods used in perfume production (if you prefer their factories).

Teeming with places to visit, we haven’t even mentioned one of the most famous museums yet – “Musée International de la Parfumerie”, or International Perfume Museum. MIP is a true feast for the senses and delight to the mind and soul. The museum will fascinate you with its amazing perfume images, rich history, culture, and art. The museum was opened back in 1918 and with its almost 100 years of history, it has become a pillar in French culture. It retraces the 3000 years of perfume history with its exceptional setting – from the traditional techniques and gathering the flowers to creating the perfume composition and its (often) amazing bottle and package.
You are now probably becoming aware that a week won’t be enough to visit all the breathtaking places in Grasse. But if you can, choose the beginning of August for the time of your trip, even if it’s for a few days. Then the Jasmine Festival takes place in Grasse. It is one of the most famous events in the towns and it gathers together perfume fans and many different professionals from the perfume industry. If you have decided to sink in the history of perfumes, don’t miss this festival as it will inevitably give you unforgettable memories.

If you go to France and do not visit Paris, it would be a complete waste! The French capital is not one of the most preferred destinations by accident. While everyone knows that the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Champs-Élysées… are a must, Paris also has a few hidden gems in its sleeve. Musee du Parfum in Paris is located in an impressive 19th century mansion (yes, you read that right). It is going to take your breath away as you travel back in time and witness an amazing collection of perfume bottles, exhibits and extracts. While in Paris be sure to take also Détour des sens which includes a visit to a number of different Parisian perfumeries.

The world’ largest scent archive is based in Versailles and houses an unbelievable, magical collection of countless rare masterpieces from the perfume world. This includes numerous personalized fragrances worn by historical figures such as Napoleon, Elizabeth of Poland. Founded in 1990, it stores more than 3 000 perfumes from the past and present. Its name comes from the Greek osme (scent) and French bibliotheque (library). The Osmotheque is a pure heaven not only for every perfume enthusiast, but also for every person who wants to enrich his life and bring delight to your mind, senses and soul.

Next on our list is France’s beautiful neighbor – Spain. Going to Barcelona will not only give you a hell of a cultural, football or music trip but also will bring you closer to “Museo Del Parfum”. The museum was opened in 1960s and houses and incredible and extensive collection of over 5000 artifacts from the perfume world. This is a must-visit for every perfume lover, as you will feel immersed in all the world of perfumes has to offer.

Located in the Town of Roses – Kazanlak, Bulgaria, the Museum of Roses is one of its kind. The first exhibition in the museum is displayed in 1967 and since then it has moved to a new modern building in the Rosarium Park (as a part of the town’s famous Historical museum). It houses great collection (more than 15 000) of objects, pictures, and documents that reveal the history of Bulgarian oleaginous-roses growing. There is also a reproduction of a rose-oil depot and of the first rose-oil examination laboratory established in 1907.
A little tip: Not only Kazanlak is an amazing town, housing few of the most beautiful, famous and picturesque sights and landmarks in Bulgaria, but if you choose to visit, you will really learn all the amazing history of the Bulgarian rose. You will be left breathless by the beautiful nature, rich history and as a bonus see one of the largest and most beautiful lavender fields.

While you are planning your perfume trip or you are daydreaming about it happening, I suggest learning more about perfumes. You don’t want to go unprepared, right? A favorite book of mine is Perfumes from A to Z. It lets us sneak a peek behind the curtains of one of the most successful industries in the world and learn a great deal of interesting stuff while having fun. Go check it out.