Hilltop town in France known for perfume production. Home to fragrance shops, museums, and historic squares. Mediterranean views and winding streets add charm.
Grasse, a small town in the hills of the French Riviera, is known as the world's perfume capital. As you walk through its medieval streets, you'll encounter perfume museums like the International Perfume Museum and historic factories such as Fragonard. The surrounding flower fields supply the raw materials for the town's fragrance industry. In the old town, you can visit the 12th-century Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral and explore local art museums.
Exploring Perfume Museums and Factories
Three historic perfume houses - Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard - offer free guided tours of their factories. At Fragonard, you'll see how perfume is made from flower to bottle. The International Perfume Museum takes you through 3,000 years of fragrance history. For a hands-on experience, join a workshop at Molinard or Galimard to create your own scent.
Wandering the Old Town
Grasse's old town consists of narrow streets and buildings dating back centuries. The Place aux Aires, with its three-tiered fountain and arcaded buildings, serves as a central gathering spot. As you explore, you'll find small squares, colorful building facades, and hidden staircases. The 12th-century Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral houses paintings by Rubens and Fragonard in its baroque interior.
Flower Fields and Gardens
The countryside around Grasse is home to flower fields that supply the perfume industry. In May, you can see Centifolia roses blooming in pink. August brings the jasmine harvest, celebrated with the annual Jasmine Festival. Visit the International Perfume Museum's Gardens in nearby Mouans-Sartoux to see plants used in perfumery, from Mediterranean species to plants from other regions.
Local Flavors
While perfume is Grasse's main industry, the town also has local foods to try. You can taste "fassoum," zucchini flower fritters, at a café on Place aux Aires. The surrounding region produces olive oil, and you can visit olive groves like Domaine de Royrie. For dessert, try candied fruits, a local treat dating back to the 14th century.
Getting There and Around
You can reach Grasse by train from Nice or Cannes in about an hour. The train station is a 20-30 minute uphill walk from the old town, but local buses are available. If you're driving, there's a multi-story car park near the Fragonard Museum. It's best to explore the old town on foot, but be prepared for steep streets and stairs.
Day Trips from Grasse
From Grasse, you can visit several nearby attractions. The medieval village of Gourdon sits high on a cliff a short drive away. If you enjoy hiking, you can explore the Gorges du Loup, known for its waterfalls. Art enthusiasts might want to visit the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which displays modern and contemporary art.
The Perfume Industry in Grasse
Grasse has been central to perfume-making since the 16th century. The town's climate and water supply create good conditions for growing fragrant flowers like jasmine, rose, and lavender. These flowers are key ingredients in many perfumes. Today, many perfumers train in Grasse to learn to distinguish over 2,000 scents.
