Now that the Cannes Film Festival is over and stars have hopped to other Summer events in Europe, it is time to stretch alongside the French Riviera and get to know nearby charming cities.
Not far from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (30 kilometres) and 15 kilometres from Cannes, you will find Grasse, an olfactory oasis that, for centuries, has been captivating visitors with its enchanting scents and rich cultural heritage. Renowned as the perfume capital of the world (and with many museums and shops about the subject to prove it), Grasse’s history as an established perfume production centre dates back to the 17th century, when the local climate and fertile soil made it an ideal location for cultivating aromatic plants in France.
Some of those plants even have their own festival in Grasse. Over the past 50 years, Grasse hosts the ExpoRose in May. In 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, 2,800 pink umbrellas have been suspended in some of the perfume town’s narrow streets in homage to the city’s beloved roses. And two months later, the Jasmine Festival, a three-day celebration taking place during the first week of August, sees the town celebrating another flower to have dominated local perfume production over many centuries.
Here are some captivating experiences to immerse yourself in when visiting Grasse.
Fragonard Perfume Museum (Musée du Parfum Fragonard)
No visit to Grasse would be complete without discovering the secrets of perfume creation. At the iconic Fragonard Perfume Museum, situated in a charming 18th-century mansion, you can learn about the history and art of perfumery. Even better: admission to the museum, which opens from Tuesday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, is free. To find out more and plan your visit, head to the perfume museum website on: www.fragonard.com
Galimard Perfumery
One of the oldest perfume houses in Grasse, Galimard Perfumery offers a guided tour through the perfumery’s workshops where you can also see up close the craftsmanship involved in creating signature scents. The experience will also let you know more about the art of perfume blending. The tour costs €5 per person and is available from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information, visit www.galimard.com.
Museum of Art and History of Provence (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Provence)
Delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Provence region at the Museum of Art and History of Provence. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of regional art, historical artifacts, and traditional costumes. Admission to the museum costs €4 for adults, €2 for students and seniors, and is free for children under 18. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For additional details, visit www.museesdegrasse.com.
Parfumerie Molinard
Experience the legacy of perfume making at Parfumerie Molinard, a historic perfume house founded in 1849. Embark on a guided tour to discover the perfume-making process, from the selection of raw materials to the creation of signature scents. Gain insights into Molinard’s century-old expertise and explore their collection of fragrances. Entry to the factory is free, and guided tours start at €8 per person. The perfumery is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. For more information, visit www.molinard.com.
International Perfume Museum (Musée International de la Parfumerie)
Explore the fascinating world of perfumery at the International Perfume Museum, which showcases the history, art, and science behind fragrance creation. Discover the techniques employed throughout the ages, view a collection of rare perfume bottles, and gain insights into the cultural significance of perfumes. The museum also features an impressive collection of artifacts, distillation equipment, and interactive exhibits. Entry costs €6 per person, and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
TIP: Adult tickets for the International Perfume Museum are half price when you show a TER train ticket for Grasse or Mouans-Sartoux dated the same day as your visit.
For additional details, visit www.museesdegrasse.com.
Musée Provençal du Costume et du Bijou
Grasse is not only about scents. While visiting the fragrant city in the French Riviera, you can also stop by the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery is located at the gateway to the old town of Grasse in a former residence of the Marquise de Cabris. Sharing a collector’s passion with her husband, Hélène Costa had an immoderate taste for Provençal traditions. Throughout her life, she collected an impressive number of Provençal clothes and jewellery typical of her much beloved region. Her collection led to the opening in 1997 of the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery. Today the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery is home to a unique collection of clothing and jewellery from the 18th to the late 19th century, including skirts, corsets, crosses, earrings, and more. The Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewellery in Grasse opens Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 – 6:30 PM and it is free to visit. To find out more: The Provençal Museum of Costume.
Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy
Immerse yourself in Grasse’s architectural wonders with a visit to the stunning Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy. Dating back to the 11th century, this Romanesque-style cathedral showcases a remarkable blend of art and history. Marvel at its intricate stained glass windows and admire the elegant beauty of its facade. Entrance to the cathedral is free, and it is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit Grasse
To fully appreciate Grasse’s aromatic allure and explore its attractions comfortably, the best time to visit is during the spring and early summer months of April to June. The pleasant weather allows for strolls through the gardens and leisurely exploration of the town’s charming streets, while the blooming flowers enhance the olfactory experience.
Getting to Grasse
Grasse is located between Cannes and Nice and conveniently accessible by various means of transportation.
By Air: The nearest international airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), located approximately 30 kilometers from Grasse. From the airport, you can hire a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach Grasse.
By Train: Grasse has a train station that connects to the regional railway network. Trains from major cities, including Nice and Cannes, offer easy access to Grasse. Prices are very reasonable, too: a return tickets from Cannes to Grasse will cost you under €10.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, Grasse can be reached via the A8 highway. The town is well-connected by road, and there are ample parking facilities available once you get there.