Following the European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) 2024 Annual Meeting in Grasse, board member Laure Moutet led attendees to a bus to travel to her home village of Callian for a guided tour as well as a visit to the rose fields of Mas Ricardenque which is located at the foot of the town.
In the late 1800s, Callian became one of the flower production centers for Grasse, cultivating Rose, Jasmin, and Tuberose as well as also mint and violet leaves.
The visit began with an exploration of the streets of Callian under the direction of Nelly Maillard-Guillon, former curator of the Musee Leger (footage below). Picturesque moments were abundant as we weaved up and down cobbled streets.
The Mayor of Callian alongside EFEO board member and tour guide Laure Moutet.Jenna Troyli
Maillard-Guillon then led attendees back onto the bus for the short ride to the plantation of Mas Ricardenque, whose history is said to date back to Napoleon, run by the Guignon family. The tour group was welcomed by Pascal Guignon, his wife Corrine, and their daughter Lauriane (a trained perfumer). Before the crowd was dispersed into the rose field, the mayor of Callian emphasized that the production of roses in Callian is not only intended for a beautiful aesthetic but is inherent to the balance of the region's economy and the preservation of green spaces.
The group was then led by Pascal and Lauriane into the fields for a tour, followed by a tasting of the local produce, rosé from the estate, cheese and charcuterie from local farms.
Be sure to follow Perfumer & Flavorist+ on LinkedIn and Instagram (@perfumer_flavorist) to see photos and videos from our travels! Thank you again to the wonderful team behind the EFEO and Laure Moutet for her thoughtful tour.
