French high-speed rail line might take a back seat due to Chanel perfume

Chanel, French, privately held company owned by Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, grandsons of Pierre Wertheimer, is heard to be spoiling the plans for a French high-speed rail line as it claims that the rail line might threaten the flowers, which are used to make its classic Chanel No 5 fragrance.

The luxury goods giant has threatened to quit Grasse, the luxury perfume capital of the world, if a TGV line is driven through the Provencal fields where it grows flowers for the perfume.

With its lavender fields and hillsides full of wild flowers, the region is one of the most mythic corners of the south of France.

The label said, "The construction of a viaduct and the regular passage of high-speed trains over these fields would force Chanel to cease supporting its artisanal activities in the region."

As reported by AFP, it said the quality of the flowers harvested around Grasse was "unique and exceptional...and indispensible for the creation of Chanel perfumes".