Abstract EN:

On the eve of the french revolution, grasse was a prosperous city in comparison with other regions of france, thanks to its industries, tanneries and perfumeries. It provided work not only for its own population, but also for the people in the surrounding area and even foreigners. This affluence developed gradually over the centuries to peak in the period from 1771 to 1789, particularly in the perfume industry. But not everyone in grasse was involved with perfume-making. We can trace these individuals from birth to adulthood : some enlisted in the service of the king or the church, others learned a trade, travelled on business or engaged in commerce more easily than is generally believed. They were able to provide their daughters with dowries and buy land - even the workers. This well-being allowed most familes to take interest in such problems as pollution or abandoned children, concerns that are only a resurgence in our day of accelerated progress.