Things to do in Grasse

Things to do in  Grasse

Greener on the other side

Perched in the forested hills north of Cannes, Grasse is the de facto capital of the French perfume industry. Three world-acclaimed perfumers—Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard—call this French Riviera town home, and the streets are dotted with perfumeries, perfume museums, and fragrance shops. Perfume is top of the agenda for day-trippers, whether peeking into the workshops, admiring the showrooms, or purchasing all manner of scent-infused products. However, driving up to the nearby mountain plateaus—where fields of wild lavender, rose, and jasmine bloom through the summer—is another of the top things to do in Grasse.

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Top 3 attractions in Grasse

#1

Grasse Fragonard Perfumery (Parfumerie Fragonard)

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As important to French culture as Paris and paté, the art of perfume is on display at the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse, one of the oldest-running perfumeries in France. Dating to 1926 and featuring plenty of artifacts from the original distillery, the historic factory functions as a modern artisanal perfume factory deeply rooted in tradition.More
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#2

International Perfume Museum (Musée International de la Parfumerie)

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Housed in the former Hugues-Aîné perfumery, the International Museum of Perfume in Grasse takes a deep dive into the world of perfume with fun interactive touches. It’s a great place to learn about the history of perfume making, in France and around the world.More
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#3

Gorges du Loup

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Steep cliffs, waterfalls, and the turquoise hue of the Loup River make Gorges du Loup one of the most popular natural escapes from the French Riviera. The area is a hub for hikers, rock climbers, and outdoor adventurers.More
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Top activities in Grasse

Classical Perfume Workshop in Grasse

Classical Perfume Workshop in Grasse

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79
From
$83.43
Private tour by private car: Grasse, Cannes, Antibes

Private tour by private car: Grasse, Cannes, Antibes

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2
From
$483.02
per group
Perfume workshop for children in Grasse

Perfume workshop for children in Grasse

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4
From
$35.13
Bar des fragrances Grasse

Bar des fragrances Grasse

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32
From
$38.42
Tastes & Scents of the Azureen hinterland

Tastes & Scents of the Azureen hinterland

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$625.74
Prestige Perfume Workshop (Private) in Grasse

Prestige Perfume Workshop (Private) in Grasse

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13
From
$218.46
Perfume Making Class and Guided Visit of Fragonard in GRASSE

Perfume Making Class and Guided Visit of Fragonard in GRASSE

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10
From
$31.84
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All about Grasse

When to visit

Grasse is famed for its fields of wild lavender, jasmine, and rose, and you should plan your trip when these flowers are in full bloom. The best time to see the lavender fields is between the end of June and mid-August, while jasmine season kicks off with the Fête du Jasmin (Jasmine Festival) the first weekend in August and runs to October. To see the roses, you’ll want to visit between May and mid-June, with the annual rose festival, ExpoRose, held in May.

Getting around

Two of Grasse’s main perfumeries are easily reachable on foot from the old town. Fragonard—housed in an atmospheric, old-world yellow factory—is the most central, at the entrance to the old town. Mollinard, built by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower-acclaim, is about a 12-minute walk south of Fragonard. Gallimard, one of the oldest perfumeries in Europe, is further away; to reach it, you’ll need to rent a car or book a tour that goes there.

Traveler tips

Perfumed out? Head to the Grotto of Saint-Cézaire, whose stalactite and stalagmite-encrusted caves are a 15-minute drive from the old town. Located 131 feet (40 meters) underground, it was discovered by accident in 1890 by a farmer digging his field. Be sure to bring warm layers.

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Tours
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People Also Ask

Is Grasse worth visiting?

Yes, Grasse is certainly worth visiting. Not only is it exceptionally pretty, but it’s the world capital of perfume and home to three major perfume factories. Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard parfumeries all run workshops along with their factory tours, so that visitors can create their own unique scent. If it’s true that smells evoke memories, then Grasse is surely unforgettable.

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What is there to do in Grasse?

Inhale deeply—Grasse is the town of perfume. It’s often described as the perfume capital of the world, and there’s a wealth of fragrant activities on offer, including visiting the Perfume Museum and Perfume Factories, and the opportunity to make your own fragrances. The perfume industry was born here in the 17th century.

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Where is Grasse?

Grasse is in Southern France, between the Alpes-Maritimes and the coast. A 30-minute drive south takes you to either Cannes or Antibes, as well as phenomenal beaches. Grasse isn’t at the seaside, but it offers the perfect combination of sea and mountains. The nearest mainline train station is in Cannes.

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What is there to do near Grasse?

Grasse has spectacular natural scenery. Framed by mountains, it’s the perfect leaping-off point for day hikes; or if you’re more of a fly-and-flop traveler, then the closest beach is just a half-hour drive down the highway in Cannes. The town itself is lively with plenty of accommodation options.

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What is Grasse known for?

Grasse is known for perfume, but that wasn’t always the case—in fact, the birth of the perfume industry was in reaction to how bad the town used to smell. In the 12th century, it was home to tanners and leatherworkers—and it stank—so during the Renaissance, fields of flowers were planted around the town to cover up the stench. This gave rise to the perfume industry.

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How many days should I spend in Grasse?

We recommend two days in Grasse. It’s good to have a full day to explore the perfume museums and to take a workshop to make your own scent; but although the sensory overload is the main attraction, the old town and the cathedral shouldn’t be missed either. Make the most of being in the foothills of the mountains to stretch your legs and soak up the views.

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