Between Mexico and Grasse in search of a rare and extinct plant. This is the investigation that Frédéric Badie has embarked on through the writing of "As Long as Bees Dance", a novel that he will present this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. during a conference at the International Museum of Perfumery.

"An investigation that takes the reader from the world of plants to that of ingredient processing. A way of opening up the world of perfumery to the public. It allows me to evoke the history of the Payan Bertrand company and the Proal family, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and whose great-grandfather left Barcelonnette in Mexico. Also to talk about perfumery over the last 30 years with the arrival of multinationals," explains the man who has been working for the family company Payan, Bertrand for 22 years as a nose and developer of 100% natural ingredients. In Grasse, "we live off the transformation of plants, so it is important to preserve the balance of the ecosystem."

In two weeks, Frédéric Badie and his company will launch the "Pure signature" brand, a range of 100% natural perfumes and cosmetics with ingredients made in Grasse.

Like a showcase for Grasse society, at a time when, more and more, perfumery and its customers are looking for this anchoring in a terroir that the family business has owned for 160 years.

Another presentation is that of a concept, created by Frédéric Badie: "Pure machine" or how to offer the general public (and niche perfumers) access to sixty 100% natural ingredients developed by Payan Bertrand so that they can make their own perfume.

 Know +: International Museum of Perfumery, 2, Bd du Jeude-ballon in Grasse. Free conference on registration: [email protected] or 04.97.05.58.20.