Domaine de la Cascade Parfumée
A House of Charm & Guest Table in the Land of Perfume
The Secrets of the Domaine...
A place steeped in History, where Luxury meets Sustainability
The Domaine de la Cascade Parfumée holds countless surprises… This exceptional location boasts a rich history dating back to the 1750s. Over time, the Domaine has come to fully embody the culture of southern France, showcasing Provençal craftsmanship, with terracotta tiles and stone walls as enduring witnesses. During the renovations, our passionate hosts, Valérie & Paul, dedicated themselves to enhancing every corner of this historic bastide, instilling their values and commitment to environmental respect. The Domaine strives for near-complete energy and food autonomy, an environmental challenge successfully met with flying colors.
A Domaine with a Historic past
Witness to the History of Grasse...
The Domaine de La Cascade Parfumée is far from just a simple Provençal bastide… This enchanting site, built in 1750, embodies a rich historical heritage tied to the Grasse region, world-renowned for its perfume industry.
In the 19th century, the Domaine became the property of the Chiris family, one of the greatest dynasties in French perfumery. This affluent and influential family founded what was then the world’s largest perfume company, elevating Grasse to the status of “World Capital of Perfume,” a title now celebrated by UNESCO.
Starting in the 1910s, the bastide transitioned to become an open-air health center, welcoming young children. During World War II, it also became a refuge for 14 Jewish children through the Marcel network, saving them from deportation.
Later, the Red Cross took over the Domaine, transforming it into a children’s home for youth in difficulty, either placed under administrative or judicial protection. This space was designed to offer them a safe and nurturing environment.
After the departure of the Red Cross, the Domaine fell into neglect, gradually overtaken by brambles and vegetation. But in 2020, Valérie and Paul Roustan undertook the passionate task of restoring it. Dedicated to respecting the original materials and techniques—lime, sand, and terracotta tiles—they breathed new life into the bastide.
Today, the Domaine de La Cascade Parfumée embodies a perfect harmony between historical heritage and contemporary vision, testifying to the importance of preserving and reinventing the treasures of the past.
Passionate Hosts
Meeting Valérie & Paul
“As members of an old Grasse family, we had the desire to return to live in Grasse in a house rich in history.
The encounter with the Chiris estate was a real love at first sight, surpassing all our expectations. We then embarked on the journey of awakening this beautiful sleeping property and restoring it to its former glory.
We are delighted to share this adventure with you and hope you will appreciate the beauty of the site and our project as much as we do.”
Strong values
When Luxury Rhymes with Quality & Eco-Responsibility
At the Domaine de la Cascade Parfumée, we aspire to revive simple and authentic practices, deeply rooted in history yet resonating as a true novelty in the modern world. These values, both sustainable and respectful of the environment, form the foundation of our daily commitment. We strive to find the perfect balance between technology, home automation, and the preservation of our environment and its natural assets.
Construction and Materials
Bio-based materials & promotion of local craftsmanship
Eco-friendly insulation using wood and cork wool, with a chimney featuring a warm air distribution channel throughout the bastide,
Heated and cooling ceilings using water from the on-site spring and a heat pump system.
Furniture and decorative items are stored, repaired, restored, and repurposed when needed before being used.
Energy Management
98% LED lightbulbs. Automatic lighting in common areas.
Minimization of light pollution to preserve nocturnal fauna.
Efficient thermal insulation and double glazing.
Maintenance of large trees in the garden for natural shade.
Kitchen Garden and Cuisine
Organic kitchen garden certified by Ecocert at the Domaine de la Cascade Parfumée. No pesticides used.
Surplus vegetables are transformed (tomato purée, ratatouille, jams, etc.).
Wherever possible, we avoid freezing our preparations by favoring preservation in jars (sterilized containers, dehydration, conservation in brine or oil) to reduce electricity consumption.
Engaged Partners
Washed linen sheets by Laurence Caroy and made in France.
Fromagerie de Valbonne – for cheeses made with organic goat’s milk.
Sainte-Luce farm – for meats, cheeses, flour, and other organic products.
Local producers supply bread and vegetables.
Water Management
Natural water source on the Domaine, used for sanitary water and for heating the bastide.
Free cooling – building cooling by circulating spring water through ceiling tubings.
Gardens irrigated with water from the spring; pools and fountains filled with the spring water.
On-site wastewater treatment using a vertical reed bed filter system (gravel basins and reed plants act as an ecological filter).
Waste Management
General waste is brought to recycling centers.
Wood is cut and reused for heating.
Compost: By spring 2024, 20 tons of compost will be used to prepare soil for market gardening.
Glass containers are reused for effective on-site recycling.
Upcoming Developments
Utilize solar energy for maximum self-sufficiency, including solar heating for the pools.
Install a greenhouse with humidification powered by spring water.
Plant fruit trees and aromatic plants to improve biodiversity and avoid monoculture.
Recovery of methane released by compost.
Install beehives on the property and create a welcoming habitat for birds on-site.
Domaine de la Cascade Parfumée
81 rue Jeanne Jugan, 06130 Grasse, France
+ 33 4 22 48 04 04
contact@cascadeparfumee.fr
