The City of Perfum Grasse, Provence, France

Ι have long held a profound affection for the town of Grasse, a sentiment nourished by myriad impressions, but chiefly because it forms the heart of certain passages in my travel novel PROVENCE, Fragrances. A quintessential Provençal town, Grasse exudes a singular charm. Nestled in the hills, it lies just a half-hour’s drive from Cannes. What drew me here? Simply everything. From the perfumeries, where, for centuries, exquisite essences have been painstakingly extracted from the petals of precious flowers, to the narrow streets lined with patrician houses, the town revealed its soul to me. I visited each perfumery in turn, absorbing the subtleties of their craft with meticulous attention.

The Molinard Perfumery in Grasse, Provence. Photograph by Barbara Athanassiadis

From these experiences, the character of Grandfather Stéphane Lemaire was born in my imagination. Through him, I was able to explore and convey the secrets of this delicate art. The history of the town seemed to whisper from every corner, lending an authentic atmosphere to the home of my heroine and allowing me to embark upon an enthusiastic chronicle of a lifetime.

And then there is the very air of Provence itself — a sensation borne of landscape and light, of calm and beauty. The surrounding hills are splendid, and the pace of life is entirely unlike that of the nearby French Riviera: simpler, slower, and devoted to quality, to tradition, and to the pleasures of unhurried living.

Grasse Old Town, Provence – charming, sun-drenched, and picturesque. Photograph by Barbara Athanassiadis

Provence, like Tuscany, holds a special place in my heart, though the landscapes differ. In both regions, it is the attention to detail that stands out — a quality that renders them unique. Visiting Biot, for instance, is a delightful experience, with its charming local crafts reminiscent of a stroll through Pienza, where artisanal mastery, particularly in the realm of gastronomy, delights both the eye and the senses

My travels are guided by a desire to experience places with intention, curiosity and a sense of calm refinement.

Discover a journey through my Books in English

My book PROVENCE, Fragrances is published in Greek.

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