Just 17km north of Cannes and the Mediterranean lies Grasse, famous for being one of France’s most important centres of perfume production. With its distinctive orange roofs rising up the slopes of the Pre-Alps, Grasse and the surrounding region also produce some of France’s most highly prized flowers, including jasmine, lavender, Centifolia rose, mimosa, orange blossom and violets.
The town of Grasse and its suburbs sprawl over a wide area of the hill and valley, but the old town is a tiny area, densely packed into its hillside perch. Explore its steep cobbled stairways and roads on foot to get the best feel for the town.
The tourist office is housed in Grasse’s old casino on the uphill side of the central gardens.
The famous Grasse Perfumeries
There are more than 40 perfumeries in Grasses but only three are open to the public. Follow your nose along Rue Jean Ossola to the archway at the beginning of Rue Tracastel where you’ll find several of the perfumeries. You can’t miss them; the air around the alley entrance is saturated with aromas. They each have free tours in English which can be arranged on the spot. During a tour you’ll be taken through every stage of perfume production, from extraction and distillation, to the work of the ‘noses’. At the end, you’ll be sprayed with a few of the house scents, invited to purchase as many as you like, and leave reeking!
- Fragonard – 20 Blvd Fragonard, old town. The most convenient perfumery if you’re on foot.
- Molinard – 60 Blvd Victor Hugo (the continuation of Cours Honore Cresp). Housed in a turreted, Provencal style villa surrounded by immaculate lawns and a blaze of flowers.
- Galimard – 73 Route de Cannes. Way out of town near Fragonard’s factory. Not a feasible option without wheels.
Activities in Grasse
While many people visit Grasse for the perfume, its location perched on the hillside with views down to the Med means that it is an excellent base for a whole range of activities, including mountain biking and hiking.
Grasse Travel Info
Book a hotel
Grasse Tourist Office
www.grasse-riviera.com
Cours Honoré-Cresp, Grasse
Tel: 04.93.36.66.66