Catherine de’ Medici brought Florentine perfumers to France in 1533, essentially founding the French perfume industry. Florence did it first.
Plan this experience →Workshops: Lorenzo Villoresi (Via de’ Bardi 14, €180–250/2h, private perfume creation with the master perfumer), Aquaflor (Borgo Santa Croce, €120–180/1.5h), Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (€100–150/experience — the pharmacy has been operating since 1612). What you do: learn the nose pyramid (top/heart/base notes), smell 30–50 essences, compose your own fragrance, bottle it (50ml). Take home: your custom perfume + the formula (for reorders). SMN visit: even without a workshop, the farmacia of Santa Maria Novella (free entry) is one of Florence’s most extraordinary spaces — frescoed halls selling soaps, potions, and perfumes since the 17th century.