Vallarius-Golfe Juan, located between Cannes and Antibes, is famous for growing orange blossoms.
An oil, called Neroli, is made from these flowers and used both in perfumery and, diluted, in confectionery.
In the heart of the French Riviera, Vallauris-Golfe Juan is a town of ceramic tradition, as can be seen from the many artisans, museums, works, and, above all, the arrival of Picasso who marked the town and its penchant for this discipline.
But Vallauris-Golfe Juan’s economy is also based on agriculture. Since the 1800s, thanks to the climate and its geographical location, Vallarius-Golfe Juan has developed the culture of orange blossom. Thanks to it, products such as orange wine, bitter orange marmalade, orange blossom water, and more can be created. From orange blossoms, an essential oil called Neroli is made and used both, diluted, in confectionery and perfumery. In fact, Neroli is used by the Maison Chanel in the composition of great perfumes, such as Chanel N° 5, one of the world’s best-known perfumes.
Like many other places where characteristic products are produced, Vallauris-Golfe Juan also holds a festival. In fact, the Orange Blossom Festival is held in mid-May, during the flower-picking period. The festivities begin with a parade of peasants in traditional dress and proceed with performances, lunches, dances, competitions and demonstrations.