Photo : jean-louis Zimmermann / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Musée International de la Parfumerie
The International Perfume Museum (MIP) is in Grasse, in the Alpes-Maritimes, considered the cradle of traditional perfumery. Inaugurated in 1989, it traces through its collections the history of perfumes, but also of soaps, make-up and cosmetics, over four thousand years.
The route deals with the past of this craft, its present and its global dimension, with its marketing issues and emerging markets. The objects presented, bottles, instruments, documents and decorative art pieces, let you understand the evolution of uses and techniques.
The museum is extended by the Jardins du MIP, at Mouans-Sartoux, a few kilometres away. This conservatory of perfume plants of about two hectares preserves the diversity of traditional varieties: Centifolia rose, jasmine, tuberose, iris, rose geranium. The plants are grouped there by olfactory families, and guided visits by the gardeners are offered. The gardens received in 2022 the "Jardin remarquable" label.
A visit particularly suited to those curious about know-how and intangible heritage, which UNESCO recognised in 2018.
