Fragrance house

Rancé 1795

Founded in Grasse in 1795, Rancé began when François Rancé, from a family of perfumed-glove makers, established a perfume laboratory after the success of his gloves. In the early nineteenth century, the house became associated with Napoleon Bonaparte and the imperial court. François Charles Rancé formulated L’Impératrice and L’Eau Impériale for Napoleon and Joséphine, while Jean Rancé dedicated fragrances including Hélène and François Charles to Napoleon’s children. François Alexandre Rancé expanded the business into pomades and body products, and the house records recognition at the 1855 Paris Exposition. In 1902, Alexandre Rancé moved the family company from Grasse to Italy. During the 1930s, Rancé produced face powder, lipstick, brilliantine, and perfumed calendars. Jeanne-Sandra Rancé later created fragrances, gender-neutral colognes, and body products. Rancé 1795 is described in 2026 as an independent family business in its seventh generation. The Collection Impériale is centered on the house’s Napoleon-linked heritage, including Le Vainqueur.