Discover the Exquisite Jasmine Cultivated by Chanel in Grasse

Chanel has cultivated its own fields of jasmine in the enchanting region of Grasse, where over 200 species of this delicate flower thrive. Among them, the luxurious Jasminum grandiflorum, known as ‘big-flowered jasmine’ or ‘Grasse jasmine’, flourishes exceptionally well due to the area’s unique micro-climate. This special variety is not only beautiful but also integral to Chanel’s fragrance legacy, particularly in the iconic N°5 perfume that defines the essence of femininity.

Chanel eloquently states, “Grasse jasmine, the original flower chosen by Mademoiselle, boasts sensual notes that serve as the signature of N°5. Each jasmine flower features five long, chalk-white petals and has been cultivated using traditional techniques for generations within the CHANEL fields in Grasse. This night-blooming flower awakens at sunset, releasing its smooth and intoxicating scent into the air. Its ethereal quality showcases purity and finesse in the skilled hands of CHANEL’s perfumers. Truly, it represents the quintessence of femininity and elegance, embodying the spirit of CHANEL.”

“Initiated by the visionary Jacques Polge, the collaboration between the esteemed House of CHANEL and the Mul family took root in 1987. At that time, jasmine production in Grasse was facing a significant downturn, raising concerns about the future availability of this precious ingredient for our formulations,” he recalls. This marked the beginning of a profound partnership built on trust and mutual respect. Bonds of friendship were established, ensuring the preservation of this rare heritage and achieving meticulous control over the entire process from flower to fragrance. “During that period, the industry showed little interest in replanting jasmine, prompting us to conduct thorough scientific research to identify a viable rootstock. By managing all aspects of production—from cultivation to extraction—we ensured both the quality and quantity of jasmine necessary for CHANEL fragrances,” Polge elaborates. This remarkable collaboration guarantees the olfactory richness and the supply of flowers essential for CHANEL’s celebrated scents.

The exceptional quality of Chanel’s Grasse Jasmine is attributed to their meticulous attention to detail throughout each phase of cultivation. As Olivier Polge, CHANEL In-House Perfumeur Creator, describes it:

“Our journey starts at our facility in Grasse. This location serves not only as a production and processing hub for flowers but also as a specialized laboratory where we conduct tests, comparisons, and invest the necessary time to continually refine the olfactory outcomes of each harvest. The raw essences are carefully crafted and polished to evolve into the distinctive CHANEL essences.”

Join us as we explore each fragrant step detailed by Chanel…

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