Domaine de la Rose — Growing Lancôme’s Legacy in Grasse

Scent is an essential part of the history of Lancôme. In 1935, inspired by his own blooming garden, Armand Petitjean launched Lancôme as a fragrance house that would one day grow into the leading luxury fragrance and beauty brand in the world. Continuing to grow our roots in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, is thus a natural evolution for Lancôme.

So, close your eyes for a moment and let your other senses embark on a journey. First, listen to the sounds. The breeze gently passes through the nearby trees, rustling their leaves. Birds chirp in the distance, and bees busily buzz about collecting pollen. Now, take a deep breath through your nose and imagine the smell of spring scents. It’s the month of May and the breeze carries the scent of newly blooming lavender, jasmine, and rose through the air. Now open your eyes and see the colors around you: pinks, purples, and more mixed with the dense foliage of the rolling hills of the South of France. You are here, on the sunbathed terraces of Grasse. Bienvenue to Domaine de la Rose by Lancôme. Lancôme is pleased to extend the invitation to our new estate so close to our hearts and our heritage. Pass through the gates and join us here to discover all this place has to offer…

Here in Grasse, between the sea and mountains of Provence, you are in the perfume capital of the world. Over hundreds of years Grasse and its surroundings have come to earn this title thanks to an ideal local climate lending itself to the growth of flowers of exceptional quality. An endless variety of plants and flowers flourish here, and through French savoir faire methods of extracting their scents have allowed them to be exported throughout the world, earning Grasse its global renown as the perfume capital of the world.

Lancôme has long been present in the region of Provence. In the not far off fields of the Plateau de Valensole, Lancôme cultivates its signature rose used in its Absolue luxury skincare range, not just for its beautiful fragrance, but also for its benefits for skin. But here on these 5 hectares in Grasse, it is the Centifolia rose that takes center stage, along with the jasmine, and lavender found in Lancôme’s many perfumes. The Centifolia rose that Grasse is known for, also sometimes called the Rose of May, is harvested each year in May at the height of spring. It takes 800 kilograms of rose petals to make just 1 kilogram of Rose Absolute. These roses have long been the symbol of Lancôme and those grown here in the south of France will be woven into many of the brands beloved eau de parfum and eau de toilette…

The newly acquired Domaine de la Rose by Lancôme is comprised of 4 hectares of organically farmed fields, centuries-old terraces, and even a distillery. This land is perfectly positioned for our flowers to flourish. With this new acquisition, Lancôme wishes to contribute to the preservation and protection of the fragrance’s savoir-faire around the cultivation of perfume plants in Grasse and to pursue the farming of a variety of species of roses and other fragrance flowers, in a sustainable and organic way. Lancôme’s production here is certified by the EU as Organic Agriculture under the ECOCERT certification. This engagement promises a way of cultivating for the protection of the climate and environment, conserving soil fertility, preserving biodiversity, and respecting natural cycles and animal welfare, without the use of chemicals, synthetic products, or GMOs. Lancôme is also proud to contribute to the international promotion of the unique treasures of the Grasse region, which have been classified as an intangible cultural heritage site by the UNESCO.

Domaine de la Rose is a poetic progression in our quest to continue cultivating beautiful perfume scents and skincare from the finest natural ingredients. This acquisition is truly a new home for the Lancôme, for its emblematic rose, at once an homage to our past and a bright outlook on the future. We are pleased to share the news of Domaine de la Rose with you.