Nestled in the hills north of Cannes, Grasse has been home to an internationally recognised perfume industry since the 18th century. Its unique microclimate is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and the town has been recognised by the Concours des Villes et Villages Fleuris for its picturesque green spaces.
Things to do in Grasse
You can learn about Grasse’s links to fragrance at Musee International de la Parfumerie, which details the cultural history of manufacturing perfume throughout the centuries. Highlights of the museum include its collection of antique perfume bottles and the aromatic sensing points. After your visit, tour the Parfumerie Fragonard to see how fragrances are distilled and bottled.
Occupying a Neoclassical house adjacent to the Parfumerie Fragonard is Musee Provençal du Costume et du Bijou, where you’ll find dresses, skirts and bonnets dating from the 18th century. Also not to miss is Musee d’Art et d’Histoire de Provence, where paintings by Charles Nègre and Provençal faience from Marseille are on display.
A short drive west of Grasse is Domaine de la Royrie, an olive grove that was planted with olives in the 15th century by monks from the Lerins Abbey. In addition to learning how its soil is maintained, you can hear about the methods used to pick and press the olives. Tours of Domaine de la Royrie include a tasting session of the estate’s award-winning olive oils.
Getting around Grasse
Grasse is around 30 minutes’ drive from Cannes and about an hour from Nice. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is 40 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Grasse railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Grasse is ideally explored on foot.