2012, will be a year full of exciting olfactory events focused on the Violet, taking place in our factories in Grasse and Eze, and at our museums in Paris.

In 2012, as part of our scented saga, the “flowers of perfumery”, we are celebrating the Violet.

The discreet, shy Violet is one of the rare plants that blooms before the end of winter. It came to be called the lovers' flower, no doubt because it was the only flower to be seen on florists' stalls or flower sellers' necks on Valentine's Day. History tells us that Joséphine de Beauharnais was wearing a bouquet of violets at her waist on the day when Bonaparte saw her for the first time, and it then became one of the symbols of the Empire.

In the Grasse region, viola odorata is grown in the shade of the olive trees at Tourrettes sur Loup. It is used to make little round bouquets, and an essence with a sharp, green smell is extracted from its leaves. It is different from the viola suavis cultivated in Toulouse, used mainly in bouquets and as pot plants. In modern perfumery, the Violet was used to create the first floral accords in association with rose or jasmine, to which it gives a powdery, sophisticated note.

• Olfactory workshops: for many years, our workshops havemet with great success, thanks to their entertaining approach, where both professionals and non-professionals get together for an olfactory construction game. Groups of 10 to 50 people are given a personalized welcome, which includes a guided tour of the factory. You can book tours on our website: www.fragonard.com
• The perfumer's organ: experience all the notes of the Violet with the perfumer's organ: violet flowers, Violet leaves and Toulouse violets.
• “Au fil des fleurs”, an exhibition at the Provençal Costume and Jewelry Museum. In the 18th century, a naturalistic movement developed, and a multitude of real or imaginary flowers, like the opulent rose and the simple Violet, were lavishly scattered over Provençal Indiennes. The peony, the sacred flower symbolizing perfection, the passiflora symbolizing passion, and the rose standing for love, each express a feeling that inspires the fabrics worn by the coquettes of Provence.
• On the occasion of the year of the violet, a very feminine, sensual eau de toilette combining fruit and flowers will complement our range of products. Orange and blackberry head notes give way to a heart note of sumptuous Violet combined with rose and jasmine, on a sensual, fruity base note of raspberry musk. It comes in various forms in a line of scented products: soaps, sets of soaps, perfumed candles, gift boxes and an entire line of home accessories.