Grasse x Olalla
A Friendship Rooted in Lavender,
Culture, and Community
Two Lavender Festivals, One Shared Spirit
This year, the Olalla Lavender Festival in Washington State, USA, and L’Instant Lavande in Grasse, France are joyfully coming together to celebrate a shared love of lavender, land, and community.
Although thousands of miles apart, our festivals bloom on the same summer weekend — July 19, 2026 — united by the beauty of lavender and the belief that local traditions can inspire global friendships.
This connection is made possible through the support and collaboration of La Lavanderaie de Marie, a beloved lavender garden and cultural hub nestled in the hills of Gourdon.
A Growing Cultural Friendship
What began as a shared appreciation for lavender has blossomed into a meaningful friendship between Grasse and Olalla, two communities connected by nature, creativity, heritage, and community spirit.
As sister festivals, we are proud to strengthen the cultural ties between Provence and the Pacific Northwest through storytelling, creative exchanges, and a shared celebration of lavender.
More than a partnership between festivals, this friendship celebrates the people, traditions, and values that bring our communities together across borders.
How We Are Celebrating This Year
This year, the Grasse × Olalla connection is reflected through our collaboration with Yves Terrillon, the Chef des Fleurs of Grasse and Culinary Ambassador of the Olalla Lavender Festival.
Through his passion for floral cuisine and his special festival edition featuring lavender-inspired recipes, Yves brings a taste of Provence and its rich culinary traditions to our community.
This collaboration marks another step in strengthening the friendship between Grasse and Olalla through lavender, culture, and the joy of sharing.
From Provence to the Pacific Northwest
Despite being oceans apart, the Olalla Lavender Festival and L’Instant Lavande in Grasse are united by shared values: a deep love for lavender, a commitment to biodiversity, and a desire to preserve and celebrate the cultural, ecological, and emotional richness of this extraordinary plant. Both festivals blend community, education, and artistry to honor lavender not only as a symbol of beauty, but as a living thread connecting land, tradition, and well-being. Follow the connection: #olallaxgrasse
"We are honored to be connected to the inspiring festival held in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, and to share a common weekend of lavender, joy, and celebration.”
Huguette Marsicano
Olalla Lavender Festival Organizer
Discover More About Grasse and Our Festival Connection
Meet our French festival partners, visit the Lavanderaie de Marie, learn about Galimard, and immerse yourself in the spirit of L’Instant Lavande.
Did You Know?
L’Instant Lavande Begins with the Blessing of the Lavender Rooted in Provençal tradition, L’Instant Lavande opens with the blessing of lavender — the fragrant violet-blue flower that has scented the hills of Provence for centuries. More than a plant, lavender is a living symbol of identity, heritage, and the ongoing commitment to preserving the region’s perfume plant culture. From the Alps of Haute-Provence to the Drôme, Vaucluse, and the Caussols Plateau, lavender remains the beating heart of Provence. Long live Lavender, long live Provence, and long live Grasse! See pictured of the blessing
Grasse Is Known as the World Capital of Perfume Nestled in the hills of Provence, Grasse has earned its title as the world capital of perfume — a distinction rooted in centuries of tradition, innovation, and exquisite craftsmanship. Thanks to its mild microclimate and rich biodiversity, Grasse has long been the ideal place to grow fragrant flowers like jasmine, rose, tuberose, violet, and lavender. These precious blossoms form the foundation of some of the most iconic perfumes in the world. The town’s perfume industry took root in the 18th century and blossomed into a global powerhouse. Today, over two-thirds of France’s natural aromatics are produced in the Grasse region, and nearly every major perfume house — including Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Guerlain — sources their raw materials or essences here. In fact, the legendary Chanel N°5 owes its signature floral notes to Grasse-grown jasmine and rose. The area also produces flavorings for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals — expanding its influence far beyond fragrance. With more than 60 companies and thousands of unique scents crafted each year, Grasse remains not only a historic center of perfume artistry, but also a thriving modern industry that continues to inspire the world’s greatest perfumers. Learn more
The skills related to perfume in Grasse are listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The region of Grasse has received international recognition — including by UNESCO — for its rich heritage in perfume plant cultivation, traditional extraction techniques, and the art of composing fragrances. The knowledge and practices passed down through generations are actively preserved and shared by L’Association Patrimoine Vivant du Pays de Grasse (Living Heritage Association of the Grasse Region), which unites local communities and artisans devoted to the craft. Grasse is home to some of the most iconic names in perfumery, including Galimard, Fragonard, and Molinard, as well as renowned natural ingredient producer Robertet. It’s also the site of Les Fontaines Parfumées, a creative fragrance workshop for Louis Vuitton and Dior. Surrounding the city, fields of jasmine, rose, lavender, and other fragrant blooms are cultivated specifically for high-end perfume production — among them, the lavender fields used by Chanel, continuing the legacy of scent artistry rooted in the soil of Provence. Learn more on Grasse Museum website
You Can Create Your Own Perfume in Grasse Have you ever dreamed of discovering your own signature scent — one that captures memories, emotions, and the essence of who you are? At Galimard’s renowned Studio des Fragrances, that dream becomes a reality. Guided by a professional Perfumer, you’ll embark on a sensory journey to design a fragrance that reflects your personality and story. Galimard, a historic perfume house, pioneered this experience in 1996 and remains a leader in the art of personal fragrance creation. Explore all available workshops
You Can Create your Own Private Label Perfume Bring your fragrance vision to life with the help of Galimard’s expert perfumers and in-house creative team. With them, define the spirit of your scent and develop bespoke formula proposals just for you. Once approved, your perfume is crafted in Grasse — from maceration to filtering — and available in your preferred concentration (Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, or Parfum). You may choose bulk quantities or ready-to-sell packaging, complete with your own branding. They can also assist in designing custom packaging that reflects your unique identity. With flexible minimums and a commitment to quality, Galimard offers everything you need to turn your idea into an elegant, market-ready product. Learn more
Thank You Festival Friends!
