At l'Atelier du Savon, we are committed to celebrating Provence with all the beautiful stories that make it up. Do you know the Viscountess of Savigny de Moncorps? In the 19th century, this generous and visionary woman for her time breathed new life into the village of Seillans, whose economic activity was at its lowest. She first embarked on flower cultivation, then continued with the creation of a modern factory, "les Parfumeries de Seillans," which would prosper through the ages, with fascinating anecdotes... Charmed and transported by the story of the woman known as "The Perfumer of Seillans," we decided to share this unique story with you.
The Viscountess of Savigny de Moncorps, Jeanne by her first name, married the Marquis de Rostaing, originally from Seillans, on May 11, 1874. She became the Marquise de Rostaing; her husband's family owned the Château de Neïsson estate. She happily discovered the lifestyle and tranquility of the Var countryside. Between her property in the perched village of Seillans and her secondary residence in Saint-Raphaël, she met great personalities such as Queen Victoria of England, Princess Clémentine of Belgium, Guy de Maupassant, and Alphonse Karr. At the time, the local economy was struggling: frosts and diseases had destroyed what had made the village strong: vineyards, olive trees, silkworms... The adventure began in 1881 with enormous earthworks: 7 hectares were cleared, the soil was turned, sifted, and fertilized with manure. A year later, an open-air irrigation network using the "le Neïsson" stream was set up. Her ingenuity was even noted by the Ministry of Agriculture of the time, which awarded Jeanne a special prize. Flowers were then planted: 140,000 jasmine plants, 45,000 violet clumps, 10,000 rose bushes, geraniums, mint, lavender, and irises... The Marquise ordered the best equipment, met the most qualified engineers, and visited the most sophisticated factories in the vicinity.
In 1883, Jeanne was present for the first harvest and would always be. The first harvest in the flower fields was sold to the Chiris company, still well-known today in the world of Grasse perfumery. Subsequent harvests yielded very well, the product range expanded (perfumes, rice powder, soaps, creams, etc.), and the buildings were enlarged to allow for the processing of flowers in addition to harvesting. The Marquis de Rostaing died on August 6, 1885; Jeanne was widowed, but the "les Parfumeries de Seillans" company continued to operate and adapt to technological advancements.
Jeanne married Viscount René de Savigny de Moncorps on June 18, 1888. She knew how to share her knowledge and implement new techniques. The company experienced a real boom, thanks in particular to an innovative commercial approach implemented by the viscountess: use of railways for deliveries, advertising, universal exhibitions...
Notably the one in 1889 where Jeanne traveled to promote "Les parfumeries de Seillans". She won a bronze medal in her category. This would not be the last, as she received the three grades (Knight, Officer, and Commander of Agricultural Merit), thanks to her innovative irrigation system, and she was also awarded several other medals at international exhibitions.
Beyond the success story of this company, the inhabitants of Seillans mostly remember Jeanne's altruistic personality: when the mayor of the commune decided to create an electric plant using the waters of the stream present on the land of the Seillans Perfumeries, an agreement was made in 1902 for the Savigny spouses to provide free lighting to the entire village. On August 2, 1914, the First World War broke out. Jeanne had transformed an old cloth factory in the Foulon district, which belonged to the Marquis de Rostaing's family, to expand the perfumery. She had the equipment planned for the factory dismantled and beds installed to transform the building into a war hospital where 50 soldiers were cared for for a year and a half. The story took a sad turn when on October 6, 1915, the Viscount de Savigny de Moncorps died. Alone, she could no longer take care of her small war hospital and then became a Major Nurse at the military hospital in Boulouris until 1919. For her altruistic conduct during the war, Jeanne received the "Reconnaissance de la Nation Française" medal in 1921. However, she did not receive any compensation from the State. The factory having operated slowly during the war, she found herself without resources. She then sold her company "Les Parfumeries de Seillans" to her friend Eugène Feigel and ceded her houses and lands to his family. She spent the rest of her life helping the inhabitants of Seillans, as her values were focused on respect, patriotism, and concern for people. She died on December 12, 1932, in Seillans, leaving an unforgettable memory of her passage in the village. Les Parfumeries de Seillans were bought several times before definitively closing their doors in July 2010.
This fascinating story is told in detail - with anecdotes and photos - in the book "Une vie de parfumeuse," written by Elisabeth Ducharlet (whom we warmly thank for her help) and Jean-Michel Moutard. It is available for sale in the Pays de Fayence tourist offices.
In keeping with the history written by this remarkable woman, we are proud today to be among the various companies in the Pays de Fayence whose activity revolves around fragrances, and who perpetuate this love for our region, the lifestyle it exudes, and all the symbols that make it unique.