Private Perfume Workshop in Molinard

Molinard is a renowned perfumery that was founded in 1849 in Grasse, France – the perfume capital of the world. The company has been passed down five generations and remains a family-run business to this day. Molinard is also one of the oldest perfumeries of its kind in France. Having earned the nation’s highest distinction as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (“Living Heritage Company”), recognizing its rare and ancient savoir-faire, Maison Molinard continues to reinvent itself each passing day, forging a legacy through its passion for perfume.

Perched between the mountains and the sea, Grasse enjoys an extraordinary geographic position and climate, creating unique soils that are perfect for growing perfume flowers. When Molinard first began they produced floral waters and Eau de Cologne which they sold in its small shop in the center of Grasse. In 1900, the company moved into an old perfume factory with a distillery structure designed by Gustave Eiffel. This perfume factory is still home to Molinard today and is open for guests to visit its museum and boutique.

Perhaps the most exciting and unique experience at Molinard is their exclusive private perfume workshop, La Villa du Parfumeur. The workshops in Grasse are held in the bastide, beside the museum. This perfume making class lasts two hours and is led by a Molinard representative and fragrance expert. The session begins with learning the basics of creating a perfume – top, heart, and base notes. You then have ninety scents to explore and select from. Once you’ve finalized your preferred scents, you then mix the scents according to precise measurements suggested by the workshop guide. Finally, your custom perfume is bottled and ready to wear!

If you’ve booked a villa with A.M.A Selections, our team can privatize this one-of-a-kind sensory experience for you and your guests which includes a glass of champagne and a selection of sweets. In addition, should you want to re-order your perfume, Molinard is able to reproduce your formula precisely and deliver your very own fragrance.  

Photos by Zoya Stafienko for A.M.A Selections. All images ©A.M.A Selections