Grasse also boasts the early medieval Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral and the International Perfume Museum.

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Mr. Ellena was literally born into the business, growing up near the French perfume capital, Grasse.

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But Grasse, a medieval Provencal town with cobblestone streets, is still considered the perfume capital of the world.

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And not far from here is the hometown of Admiral de Grasse, who helped Americans secure our independence.

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Early in his scientific career he landed a research post in Nice, close to the great perfume center of Grasse.

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There are several fragrance shops nearby, including Molinard, which has been selling scents from nearby Grasse, the birthplace of perfume, since 1849.

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At Le Domaine de Manon, outside of the Grasse city limits, tours of flower fields are given during the harvest, which is generally May for roses and August through mid-October for jasmine.

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