10 Fabulous Things To Do in Grasse On the French Riviera

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, remember to add Grasse to your list. I was lucky enough to visit a couple of years ago and loved it. Known worldwide as the perfume capital, it’s perfectly positioned to explore the lavender fields and the beaches of the Mediterranean.

Hidden away in the hills, it takes you on a journey through time, from a 13th-century palace to 18th-century mansions. Beautiful old streets are filled with alleyways to wander down and plenty to discover. Make your own perfume, take part in the rose or jasmine festival, or simply enjoy soaking up the history. 

Where is Grasse?

Grasse is in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France on the French Riviera. It is about 15 kilometers inland from Cannes and is bordered by Provence’s famous lavender fields.

A Quick History of Grasse

Grasse is the world’s perfume capital, but before the perfume came leather. It started in the Middle Ages, when the economy was heavily centered around the tanning industry, which involved processing animal hides to produce leather. This process was incredibly smelly and produced horrible odors due to using substances like lye and the natural stench of decomposing animal materials.

By the 16th century, Grasse had become well-known across Europe for its high-quality leather products, particularly gloves. Jean de Galimard, a local tanner, began infusing gloves with local botanicals. He used a technique known as maceration, which used animal fat to capture the scent of flowers and make a pommade, which he then rubbed on leather gloves to sweeten their smell.

When Catherine de Medici (wife of Henri II in the 16th century) visited Grasse, he presented her with a pair of these scented leather gloves. She was delighted with them as they masked the unpleasant smell traditionally associated with tanned leather. Her acceptance and use of these gloves boosted their popularity, leading to widespread demand among the nobility and helping pivot Grasse’s industry from tanning to perfumery.

The abundant local flora used in perfume’s raw materials made the town ideal for this new industry to flourish. Rising leather taxes accelerated this shift, making the perfume sector more economically attractive. As the leather industry declined, local craftspeople pivoted to making fragrances exclusively. 

By the 18th century, the focus had entirely shifted towards perfumery. Aromatic plants like lavender, myrtle, rose, jasmine, and orange blossoms grew abundantly in Grasse’s mild Mediterranean climate. The famous Rose de Grasse and Jasmine are the base for many perfumes.

Grasse’s perfumeries, such as Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard, are masters in the art of perfume-making using traditional techniques like enfleurage​. By the 19th century, they’d developed more complex and refined scents, and their reputation grew globally as leaders in fragrance production. In 2018, Grasse became a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.

The Flower Festivals in Grasse

Grasse hosts two flower festivals celebrating its perfume heritage: the Rose Festival in May and the Jasmine Festival in August.

The Rose Festival

The Rose Festival, known as Expo Rose, takes place in May. During this event, Grasse transforms into a floral spectacle, with thousands of roses displayed throughout the town. Various floral arrangements, competitions, and exhibitions highlight the artistry and creativity of local florists and gardeners​.

The Jasmine Festival

The Jasmine Festival, or Fête du Jasmin, is held at the beginning of August and has been a tradition since 1946. The streets are filled with the scent of jasmine, and various activities include parades with flower-covered floats, musical performances, and a “battle of the flowers,” in which flowers and jasmine-scented water are sprayed at the audience. 

10 Fabulous Things to Do in Grasse

No 1 Musée International de la Parfumerie

The Musée International de la Parfumerie in Grasse, established in 1989 and renovated in 2008, is the only museum globally dedicated entirely to the craft of perfumery. The exhibitions follow a chronological path through the history of perfumery, from antiquity to contemporary times. I loved seeing all the ancient perfume bottles lined up.

💰 Entry Cost: Admission is set at €6, with reduced rates available for specific groups.

📍 Address: 2 Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon

🌐 Website: For tickets and opening hours

No 2 Fragonard Perfume Factory

The Fragonard Perfume Factory was established in 1926 by Eugène Fuchs. He named the factory in honor of the famous Grasse-born painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The 18th-century building, originally used as a tannery, was transformed into a perfume factory at the start of the 20th century​.

A free guided tour includes insights into traditional perfume making, from processing raw materials to packaging the final product. The tour showcases a variety of historical machinery used in perfume production and offers a peek into the techniques and working conditions of the past​.

The Fragonard Perfume Museum, within the factory premises, has a fantastic collection of historical perfume-related artifacts, including ancient Egyptian blush spoons, medieval pomanders, paintings, and antique furniture​.

💰 Entry Cost: Admission is free, but for €29, you can create your own Eau de Toilette

📍 Address: 20 Boulevard Fragonard

No 3 Jean-Honoré Fragonard Villa-Museum

Set in a late-17th-century country, manor is the Jean-Honoré Fragonard Villa-Museum. The museum showcases the art of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a renowned painter native to Grasse. You can see original paintings, drawings, and personal artifacts that span several generations of the Fragonard family. 

The museum is particularly famous for displaying replicas of Fragonard’s “The Progress of Love” series, created for Madame du Barry, the mistress of King Louis XV. Additionally, the museum features an impressive trompe-l’oeil work by Fragonard’s son, Alexandre-Évariste, painted when he was just 13 years old.

💰 Entry Cost: Admission is free

📍 Address: 23 Boulevard Fragonard

🌐 Website: For opening times

No 4 Domaine de Manon

The Domaine de Manon is a family-owned agricultural estate that cultivates perfume plants such as centifolia roses and jasmine grandiflorum. The estate’s history dates back to the 1930s and has been passed down through four generations. 

They offer guided tours, and the best times to go are definitely during the blooming seasons of the roses in May and June and the jasmine from August to October. You’ll get a real insight into the estate’s cultivation processes and history, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.

I was excited to discover they are an exclusive supplier to Dior, providing flowers for some of their most famous fragrances.

💰 Tours: They only offer tours on Tuesdays from 9 am. 

📍 Address: 36, chemin du Servan

🌐 Website: For more information on price

No 5 Palais Episcopal de Grasse

The Palais Episcopal de Grasse, which now houses the Grasse City Hall, is a historical structure dating back to the medieval period. Originally constructed in the late 13th or early 14th century, this building was a significant center of ecclesiastical power. The building’s architectural composition includes a defensive tower from the early 13th century, accessed by a removable ladder. 

Over the centuries, the palace has undergone various modifications, including adding an 18th-century staircase and transformations to accommodate modern. The bishop’s chapel is now used as the city’s wedding chapel and has sculpted corbels that depict animal and human figures and even the bishop makes an appearance. A bit creepy for my liking.

💰 Entry Cost: Free

📍 Address: Place du Puy

🌐 Website: Open all year round

No 6 Cathédrale Notre Dame du Puy

The Cathédrale Notre Dame du Puy was established in the 12th century and became a cathedral in 1244 when the diocese was transferred from Antibes to Grasse. If you enjoy a quick mosey around cathedrals, it’s worth seeing. It reflects Provençal Romanesque style architecture and has been renovated numerous times over the centuries. 

In the 17th century, an exterior staircase and a Baroque-style chapel dedicated to the Saint Sacrament were added. The most impressive thing is the artwork, including three pieces by Rubens and the only religious painting by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Le Lavement des Pieds. It also features a beautiful triptych by Louis Bréa. 

📍 Address: 6 Pl. du Petit Puy

🕰️ Opening times: The cathedral is open to the public, with specific visiting hours throughout the year.

No 7 Petit Train de Grasse

If you want an easy way to see the town, the petit train de Grasse is a great option. Many French towns have these; they are a fun way to get around and see everything, especially if you’re short on time. They have audio guides in multiple languages, and you’ll have fabulous views of the valley and the Mediterranean Sea.

It operates with varying seasonal schedules, running more frequently during the summer months, every day from July through August, and less frequently in the off-season.

💰 Entry Cost: Under 3’s go free, and group rates are available

📍 Address: Cours Honoré Cresp

🌐 Website: Visit the official website for prices and times

No 8 Explore the Old Town

Grasse is a town you need to walk around; although there are a few steep spots, it is on a hill, after all. It offers a journey back in time, winding through narrow medieval streets full of character. Various artisan boutiques showcase local crafts of Provence, from handcrafted jewelry to traditional fabrics, offering unique souvenirs and insights into regional artistic traditions.

Several vantage points in the old town offer breathtaking panoramas over the Côte d’Azur. There are plenty of traditional bistros and cafes, and depending on when you visit, seasonal markets offer everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts.

The main square in Grasse, Place aux Aires, is lovely and surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for something special, the nearby village of Plascassier is the former home of American author and TV chef Julia Child. If you’re a fan, it’s a must-visit as it epitomizes rural Provencal life and is exactly how you imagine her life there to be.

The statue of Admiral de Grasse

I’d never heard of François Joseph Paul de Grasse before I went to Grasse. But as you know, I love my history, and when I saw his statue, I wanted to learn more. It turns out he played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, particularly in the Battle of the Chesapeake in 1781.

The battle was crucial as it prevented the British from reinforcing their troops at Yorktown, Virginia. This blockade ultimately facilitated the surrender of British General Cornwallis, which marked a decisive turn towards American victory in the war. It was Admiral de Grasse’s strategic decisions and naval prowess during this battle that secured the French and American victory.

No 9 La Nouvelle Crémerie

If you love cheese, you absolutely have to go to La Nouvelle Crémerie in Châteauneuf-Grasse, just 4 km outside of Grasse. The Savoyard fondue is to die for. It’s a dairy with a difference tucked away in a corner of the square. 

Don’t get me started on the butter they have there. French butter is amazing anyway, but they take it to a whole other level by infusing olive oil and lemon, seaweed, and even raspberry into some of their butters. And I’ve never tasted truffle cream like it.

📍 Address: 40 Pl. des Pins, 06740 Châteauneuf-Grasse

🌐 Website: Follow on Facebook for more info

No 10 Gorges du Loup

Only 15 minutes north of Grasse is Gorges du Loup, a stunning natural attraction with breathtaking views of towering limestone cliffs and spectacular waterfalls that cascade into deep blue pools below. It’s a popular spot for relaxing walks and canyoning.

Start at La Colle-sur-Loup, progress to Pont du Loup, and eventually reach the hilltop village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, which provides magnificent views. The route back through Vence and Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also recommended for its beautiful scenery. The Gorges du Loup are particularly enjoyable during the summer, when the cool, shady gorges provide a refreshing break from the heat.

Perfume Workshops in Grasse

• Maison Molinard is one of the oldest perfumeries in Grasse and France. In a one-hour workshop, you can create your own perfume and take home your 50-ml signature scent. Click for rates and availability >>>

• If an hour just isn’t long enough, you can opt for the two-hour workshop, which includes a 90ml bottle of your signature scent. Click for rates and availability >>>

• If you’re visiting with children, this 20-minute workshop is perfect. Click for rates and availability >>>

Where to Stay in Grasse

Luxury Option

If it’s luxury you’re after, the Bastide Saint Antoine – Relais & Châteaux is my top pick. This gorgeous hotel is set within an 18th-century country house surrounded by lush gardens, with stunning views of the Provencal landscape. To top it all off, there is a Michelin-starred restaurant that uses all local produce. Click here for rates and availability >>>

Mid-range Option

Best Western PLUS Elixir Grasse is a good option for those who want a few comforts without breaking the bank. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center and is centrally located, so you can explore the town on foot. Click here for rates and availability >>>

Budget Option

For a budget-friendly option, the Hotel Panorama is conveniently located in the center, within walking distance of the town’s famous perfumeries and museums. It’s comfy without the frills, so it is perfect for exploring Grasse on a budget. Click here for rates and availability >>>

How To Get to Grasse

By Car: Driving to Grasse is quite straightforward if you’re visiting from within the French Riviera, and there is plenty of visitor parking.

By Bus: From Nice, you can take the 650 bus line, a direct route to Grasse’s bus station, which is close to the town center. 

By Train: There is a train service available from Nice to Grasse, which I used during my stay. It was very easy and cheap and took just over 40 minutes. 

Day Trip Excursions: For those not interested in navigating on their own, several day trip excursions are available that provide transportation and guided tours around Grasse and its historical sites​. The two I recommend are:

• A Day Trip Around the Provence Countryside With A Tour of a Grasse Perfumerie
• A Full Day Trip to the Lavender Fields, vineyard, and the streets of Grasse

FAQs About Grasse in the French Riviera