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Each spring, the town of Grasse awakens to the scent of Centifolia roses. It’s a bloom so delicate that it must be picked at sunrise, and a crop so rare that the entire world’s supply for fine fragrance fits into a single, short harvest window.

But what many don’t see, or understand, is who actually grows these roses and how.

A Legacy Rooted in Bloodlines and Soil

The most renowned Centifolia roses in the world are grown on family-run farms in Grasse, some of which have been in operation for over four generations. Families like the Mul family, who famously supply key raw materials like jasmine, rose, iris, geranium, and tuberose to Chanel, didn’t stumble into this. Their relationship with the land goes back to the early 20th century, when fields were passed down rather than sold, and perfume was still largely made locally, not globally.

It was not uncommon for a son or daughter to leave school early to join the family work, and today, you’ll find grandmothers, children, and hired hands working side-by-side during harvest season. These families are not quaint symbols of tradition. They are savvy, deeply committed businesspeople and yes, they are selective about who they work with.

Can Anyone Work with Them? Not Quite.

This is where the romance of Grasse meets reality. Most of the long-standing rose growers already have multi-year exclusive contracts with major fragrance houses. If you want their Centifolia rose, you’re likely already too late.

But that’s not to say smaller or indie brands are entirely shut out. There are cooperatives and newer growers in the region who operate with more flexible terms. Some work with intermediaries like fragrance labs or brokers who can connect smaller brands to high-quality raw materials. However, expect high minimums, steep pricing, and serious vetting. These growers care about how their rose is used, and they don't want their name associated with just any product.

What It Takes to Earn Their Trust

Forget emailing them a PO. Most families still prioritize personal connection. Brands that have been able to access these materials usually do so through relationships, often initiated through fragrance houses, ingredient brokers, or by attending industry events in Grasse.

Fluency in French helps, and respect for tradition is mandatory. And more than anything, it takes patience. You’re not just buying a flower; you’re entering a tightly held ecosystem where legacy, quality, and honor still mean something.

What They’re Really Like

Many of these families are warm, proud, and welcoming once you’re in. But they’ve also watched the industry shift toward scale and speed, often at the expense of craft. That’s made some cautious.

If you do get the chance to walk their fields, expect stories about the soil, the weather, and the “old way” of doing things. Some still use copper baskets, others hand-tie the blooms in linen cloths before transport. One grower reportedly still calls each rose bush by a name passed down from her grandmother. 

This is perfume at its most human.

Why This Matters to You

When you see “Grasse rose” or “Centifolia rose from Grasse” on a fragrance label, you’re experiencing more than just a pretty floral note. You’re not just seeing prestige, you’re seeing the outcome of family legacy, protectionism, and deep-rooted standards; you’re smelling the result of centuries of care, tradition, and craftsmanship.

These roses are hand-harvested by families who have spent generations perfecting the art of growing them. They bloom for just a few short weeks each year, and each petal is picked with the kind of intention that mass-produced perfumes can’t replicate.

That’s why the scent feels different, richer and more emotional. It’s the difference between something made to sell and something made to last.