The cradle of perfumery, Grasse, and the fascinating region of Provence are closely tied to each other with the threads of the rich history of the French atelier, Dior. It was in 1950 that the fashion legend Christian Dior, cognoscente of flowers, bought the Château de la Colle Noire as his holiday home. But the aim backing the purchase of this castle was beyond merely holidaying; it was bought with the hope to bloom flowers around the estate’s 50 hectares that would aid in the brand’s perfume making.
But unfortunately, the property was sold soon after the founder’s death in 1957. Better late than never, the brand realised their founder’s dream and bought the house back in 2013. The estate had since been under renovation, until this year when the brand decided to shift its fragrance division to this Southern beauty.
Dior has roped in renowned perfumer François Demachy to setup a creative laboratory at the Grasse city centre situated within the Fontaines Parfumées site. It will also partner with local nurseries that produce flowers worthy of being used in perfume making.
Drawing inspiration from the magnificent castle, François Demachy has created the La Colle Noire scent, a contemporary rose perfume that will be part of Dior’s La Collection Privée fragrance range. It is made using the Rose de Mai of Absolute that gives it a woody yet musky fragrance.
Here’s a sneak peek at this majestic estate in this video by the brand that will possibly compel you to yearn for a relaxed French summer break.