The Grand Exposition of Paris

Three weeks later, the rugged, sun-drenched granite hills of Corsica were replaced by the opulent, historical splendor of central Paris. Under the majestic glass-and-steel barrel vaults of the Grand Palais off the Champs-Élysées, the annual *Grand Prix des Maîtres Parfumeurs* was underway in an atmosphere of dazzling, international prestige. For two centuries, this triennial gala had served as the supreme arbiter of global luxury fragrance and botanical science. Over a…