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2000s: The fragrance of Florence has many different layers, notes and possibilities…
The Artisan’s Star
What you need to know before your trail
Elio Barati’s perfumery shop in Florence has a mosaic star above its door.
Elio in his shop can be part of the artisanal world he loves, but he does have one regret. When he was younger, he created a full-fledged perfume of jasmine, iris, and cypress at the renowned Ecole des Parfumeurs in Grasse but nothing ever came of it
Elio’s daughter Romina now has her father’s unrealized talent, a precise and intuitive sense of smell. She’s also inherited his unbridled ambition and an insatiable wonder for the world. Modern-day Florence is not what the old city used to be nor does it have the same opportunities. Romina tells her father she has no intention of running the family business Elio fights to hold on to the Florence he cherishes. He must make the changes he wants to see and try to banish the regrets of the past.
Travel Guide
A tale of two fragrant cities
Florence
The city where the fragrance shop stands and where the perfumier is determined to capture the magic of Grasse and the fragrance of his youth.
“The irises are everywhere now, on his dresser, in the windowsills, in the markets, in the fields, in his mother’s garden. Soon the contests will start and his flowers will be among the contenders.”
“Sofie stirs, the Chanel No 5 leaping from the nape of her neck, from her pillowcase.”
Grasse
Grasse is a town known for its long-established perfume industry. The Musée International de la Parfumerie, is visited by thousands of visitors every year as it marks the heritage and frgrancy of the town. Large perfumeries like Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard offer tours. Grasse Cathedral in the old town, contains many paintings, including some by Rubens.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: The Artisan’s Star
Author/Guide: Gabriella Contestabile Destination: Florence, Grasse Departure Time: 2000s
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