L'AIR DE GRASSE by Fragonard

Some fragrance launches become traditions, and Fragonard's Flower of the Year is one I always look forward to. Introduced in 2010, the collection offers perfume lovers the opportunity to discover a different floral fragrance each year, often celebrating flowers that rarely receive the attention they deserve. However, 2026 marks an important occasion for the French perfume house, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. To commemorate this, Fragonard has departed from its single-flower approach and introduced L'Air de Grasse, a fragrance celebrating an entire bouquet and the town where the company's story began

Fragonard is one of the three famous perfume houses based in Grasse, alongside Molinard and Galimard, and has become an essential destination for visitors to this historic perfume-making town. Founded in 1926, the company has developed from its traditional roots into an internationally recognised fragrance house, successfully combining its heritage with contemporary creations. Still run by the Costa family, Fragonard has established a reputation for producing beautifully crafted fragrances at accessible prices. Its Belle de Nuit perfume, first introduced in 1946, remains one of the company's most recognisable creations. A century of perfumery is certainly worth celebrating, especially for a business that remains so closely connected to its birthplace.

The Flower of the Year collection began in 2010 with Mimosa, introducing an affordable series of limited-edition fragrances that quickly became a favourite with Fragonard's customers. Under the guidance of the Costa sisters, the collection has continued to showcase different flowers while maintaining the quality and individuality that have made it so popular. Mimosa was followed by Fleur d'Oranger, Violette, Muguet, Pois des Senteurs, Jasmine, Iris, Pivoine, Verveine, Lavender, Magnolia, Fleur de la Passion, Eglantine, Narcisse, Lilas and last year's Fleur de Citronnier. For 2026, however, the tradition takes an interesting turn with L'Air de Grasse, celebrating the floral heritage of an entire town.

Grasse has been at the heart of perfumery for centuries, with its surrounding countryside proving ideal for some of the industry's most treasured flowers. Rose, jasmine, orange blossom and tuberose have contributed to the town's reputation, and Fragonard celebrates its centenary with a fragrance inspired by this heritage. The task of creating L'Air de Grasse was given to Karine Dubreuil-Sereni, who was born in Grasse and drew upon childhood memories of flowering gardens and fragrant hillsides. Having created previous editions in the series, she brings a continuity to this anniversary composition.

L'Air de Grasse opens with a glorious burst of juicy mandarin and tart blackcurrant, but is accompanied by the delicate freshness of freesia. As the fragrance begins to unfurl, a beautiful bouquet of rose, peony and jasmine takes centre stage, with lily of the valley adding a green freshness that provides a touch of airiness. It's easy to imagine wandering through a sun-drenched garden, surrounded by flowers in full bloom, and that is exactly what we were promised. The gentle powderiness of iris introduces a softer character, to L'Air de Grasse, while patchouli adds an earthy warmth that perfectly complements the floral notes. A final, comforting layer of musk brings everything together, creating a wonderfully romantic impression of Grasse in the summer sunshine.

L'Air de Grasse is available from the Fragonard website at fragonard.com priced at €23 for 50ml, and is also available as a soap and a diffuser. [Sample provided by Fragonard]