Domaine de la Rose de Lancôme

Antoine Leclef, a passionate agricultural engineer, landscape architect, and garden architect, has made it his mission to protect the natural and cultural legacy of perfume plants in his hometown of Grasse. As part of his commitment, he ensures that the Domaine de la Rose of Lancôme is well-maintained to preserve its beauty and biodiversity.

What makes Domaine de la Rose a haven of biodiversity?

The Domaine de la Rose is a unique 15-acre site certified by Ecocert, promoting biodiversity through organic polyculture farming methods. This sustainable approach is employed to cultivate around ten perfume plants, including the iconic Centifolia Rose, jasmine, iris, tuberose, and lavender. The estate has been meticulously restored and managed to foster and sustain the rich flora and fauna present on the land. According to the biodiversity inventories conducted in 2021 by the French environmental nonprofit LPO (Ligue de protection des oiseaux, meaning League for the Protection of Birds), the estate harbors over 250 species of flora and fauna. The data collected was added to the Atlas de la Biodiversité de Grasse database, which showcases the natural heritage of the region.

How is plant care changing today?

Adopting sustainable practices is crucial as the environment is undergoing significant changes. Extreme weather conditions, including droughts, lack of cold winters, and heatwaves, are affecting plant growth and health, necessitating the use of locally adapted species. To ensure the sustainability and diversity of plants, we need to employ regenerative agriculture and work with nature to identify the best practices. We study everything, including species, roots, stems, leaves, soil, and symbioses, to overcome the challenges of the future.

For you what makes this place unique?

I grew up near the Domaine de la Rose, surrounded by cypress, olive, and fruit trees. Being back at the estate now feels like revisiting my childhood, with its dry-stone walls, the scent of damp earth after a rain, and the delicate fragrance of jasmine at dawn.

Working with the land requires adaptation to its unique properties, and a humble approach. We cannot control everything, but we can guide the plants towards their optimal development. At the Domaine de la Rose, our work is precise and meticulous. We prune each plant manually, considering its individual needs. We carry on a tradition of work and know-how that dates to the 17th century when the perfumery industry took root in Grasse. This savoir-faire has been listed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage in 2018. As a native of the region, I am thrilled and proud to contribute to the preservation of this legacy.