After the French Revolution, Grasse experienced a historical high point of intellectualism, and a corresponding shift with the once-predominant tanning industry. As tanneries buckled beneath the weight of increasing taxes, they were supplanted by the burgeoning perfume industry. In addition to economic considerations, Grasse also boasted a great wealth of natural materials, and it wasn’t long before it was considered the world’s capital for the raw materials used in perfume making.
