Last week, I spent five days in the beautiful Côte d’Azur region of southern France, in Grasse – often referred to as the fragrance capital of the world.
I was there with The Scented Circle, a fragrance and yoga retreat, capturing everything from morning yoga and meditation sessions to brunch on the terrace, excursions, perfume workshops and dinners, as well as the beautiful surroundings and the overall feel of the retreat.
To say it was beautiful is an understatement. From the charming streets of Grasse to the gorgeous bastide where we stayed, the whole experience was a visual joy – and a dream for a photographer!
The days began with morning yoga and meditation with the lovely Amanda, followed by an incredible brunch prepared by our host, Cécile, and her team. Callie, who organised the retreat, had put together a thoughtful programme of guided tours, fragrance workshops and dinners at some fantastic local restaurants. There was a lovely balance of time together, new experiences and moments to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
Being part of the retreat meant I could photograph it in a natural, unobtrusive way. Although I was there as the photographer, I was also a guest, sharing the experience rather than observing it from the sidelines. This allowed me to capture the little in-between moments, the atmosphere, the details and the connections that make a retreat feel special, alongside the more planned activities.
This is something I love about brand photography, particularly for retreats, hotels and hospitality businesses. It's not just about showing what a place looks like, but giving people a sense of what it might feel like to be there.
If you haven't visited Grasse, I'd highly recommend adding it to your list if you're exploring the south of France. Just around 45 minutes from Nice by car, it has a character all of its own, with winding streets, beautiful views and a rich history of perfume-making. It's a place that feels both welcoming and a little magical.
I'm hoping some of that feeling comes through in the photographs – a little glimpse of a very special few days in the south of France.
