Grasse, capital of perfume: what to visit and how to enjoy it
Perched in the hinterland above Cannes, Grasse has been the world capital of perfume for centuries. Historic houses, a dedicated museum, fields of rose and jasmine: the town is visited as much with the nose as with the eyes. Here is what to see, and how to reach it easily from the coast.
The great perfume houses
Three historic houses open their doors to visitors: Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard. You discover, free of charge, the stages of creating a perfume — from extracting raw materials to blending — guided by enthusiasts.
It is the best starting point for understanding why Grasse has reigned over this art for so long.
Creating your own perfume
Several houses offer workshops where, under the guidance of a perfumer, you compose your own bespoke fragrance and leave with your bottle. An original experience, much enjoyed as a couple or a family, to be booked ahead.
Allow one to two hours depending on the format chosen.
The International Perfume Museum
To go further, the International Perfume Museum traces centuries of the history of scents, bottles and techniques. Its collections and its garden of perfume plants make a fascinating complement to the factory visits.
The Provençal old town
Beyond perfume, Grasse is a genuine Provençal town: sloping lanes, colourful façades, small squares and the Notre-Dame-du-Puy cathedral, home to some remarkable paintings. You can wander pleasantly away from the coastal crowds.
Markets and terraces round out a visit on a human scale.
Flower fields and seasons
Grasse's soul also lies in its flowers: the May rose and jasmine, picked in early summer, feed luxury perfumery. Depending on the season, field visits and festivals (around the rose in spring, jasmine in summer) punctuate the year.
How to get there
Grasse is about thirty minutes from Cannes along the hinterland roads. Pretty but winding, these roads are best enjoyed without driving. A local chauffeur takes you from house to house with no parking worries, and can extend the trip to a neighbouring hilltop village such as Gourdon. Our local team is rated 5.0/5 from 38 Google reviews and knows these routes well.