Tourist city of the Côte d'Azur par excellence, Grasse charms more than 2 million tourists every year who come to get lost in the small streets of the city. Its flowers and especially its perfume factories have made the reputation of the city. Visiting Grasse is also a must if you are browsing the Napoleon road. Staying there is recommended if you want to soak up the flavors and scents of the world capital of perfume.
In this article we will see what to do and see in Grasse but also or sleep in what is one of the most beautiful towns on the French Riviera.
What to see and what to do in Grasse?
- Historic center of Grasse
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Puy
- Jardival – The Plant Garden
- International Perfume Museum
- Provencal Museum of Costume and Jewelry
- Villa – Jean-Honoré Fragonard Museum
- Museum of Art and History of Provence
- Fragonard Perfumery
- Galimard Perfumery
- Molinard perfumery
- Which district to choose to stay in Grasse?
- The most beautiful accommodations in Grasse
- Sleep in the historic center of Grasse
Practical advice for visiting Grasse?
- Getting to Grasse?
- How long does it take to visit Grasse?
- When to visit Grasse?
- Which perfumery to visit in Grasse?
My opinion on my visit to Grasse
What to see and what to do in Grasse?
Let's start our article with things to see and do in Grasse. Even if the city is relatively large, most of the things to do in Grasse will be located not far from the historic heart of the city.
Opt for a guided tour of Grasse and its regionDiscover the beauties of the Côte-d'Azur thanks to a guided tour in a small group.
Visit Grasse and its most emblematic perfumery, visit Valbonne and Gourdon, two magnificent villages in the region. Learn more
Historic center of Grasse
Our visit to Grasse begins with its most beautiful face, its historic centre. Grasse is often referred to as "one of the most beautiful towns on the Côte d'Azur", and it is by visiting its historic center that all of this takes on its meaning.
Grasse is relatively large so make no mistake, the historic center of the city is located on the heights, where the view of the surroundings is absolutely beautiful.
The town, typical of the south of France, has small narrow streets lined with old houses with colorful facades. The historic center of Grasse can be visited, of course, on foot. At the bend in a small street, you will inevitably come across a pretty little square like Place aux Aires, shaded and surrounded by small cafes and restaurants.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Puy
If you go down a little from the heights of the historic center, towards the south towards the Place de la Poissonnerie, you will come across the Notre-Dame Du Puy de Grasse cathedral.
A cathedral built at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Go take a look and contemplate its pretty stained glass windows.
Not far from the cathedral, you cannot miss the episcopal palace and the Town Hall.
Jardival – The Plant Garden
While strolling through the historic center of Grasse, go to the Cours Honore-Cresp square, not far from the Jean-Honoré Fragonard villa and the Fragonard perfumery, which we will discuss below.
This is where the Jardin des Plantes de Grasse is located. A recently renovated space, free, which will be an ideal place for a short walk and above all, for a photo shoot. The botanical garden offers you a spectacular view of the city surroundings.
International Perfume Museum
Let's now move on to the various museums in the city of Grasse, starting with the most famous and emblematic, the MIP, the International Museum of Perfumery.
What better place than Grasse to set up this unique museum dedicated to perfumery.
Created in 1989, the International Museum of Perfumery presents the history of the great perfume houses that have made the reputation of the city of Grasse.
The museum, divided into 5 parts, makes you discover over time the evolution of perfumery in the world and teaches you more about the manufacture of perfumes.
In season, the museum is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m. Admission is €4 for an adult, €2 for a student and free for children under 18.
Provencal Museum of Costume and Jewelry
Initiated by the Fragonard perfumery, the very recent Provencal museum of costume and jewelery took place in the former residence of the Marquise de Cabris. A time used as a revolutionary court, the building now houses an important collection of clothing and jewelry from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
Museum of Art and History of Provence
Located in the historic center of Grasse, not far from the famous rue Jean Ossola, the Museum of Art and History of Provence has settled in a sublime private mansion. It houses beautiful collections dedicated to daily life in the region since prehistoric times.
A second part is devoted to Fine Arts from the XNUMXth century to the XNUMXth century. There are objects of all kinds, ceramics, paintings, furniture retracing part of the history of Provence.
The museum has the particularity of being installed in a private mansion which has not undergone any modification in the distribution of rooms. You will be able to immerse yourself in life in Grasse at the time.
Villa – Jean-Honoré Fragonard Museum
This villa, located at the entrance to the historic center of Grasse, houses the works (frescoes and paintings) of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a famous painter born in Grasse in 1732, but also those of his son, Alexandre Evariste and his grandson. son Theophile.
You will be able to contemplate many paintings, some famous. The garden of the villa is also worth a look.
The Villa is only open during school vacation periods.
Fragonard Perfumery
In addition to the historic center and the museums, it is indeed the perfumeries that have made the reputation of the city and which contribute to its popularity.
The most famous perfumery in Grasse is undoubtedly the Fragonard perfumery.
You cannot miss this one. Located right next to the Jardin des Plantes, between the Museum of Art and History of Provence and the Villa Jean-Honoré Fragonard, the Fragonard Museum-Boutique is a place that I advise you to visit.
The museum-shop offers free guided tours of their factory. Lasting about 30 to 40 minutes, this guided tour will teach you more about the making of different perfumes, eau de parfum or eau de toilette.
You will begin the visit with the basis of perfume making: flowers.
You will then move on to the more "technical" part, which consists of extracting the scents from them to finally obtain the famous liquid, so precious, that we find on our bathroom shelves.
The visit ends with a test to identify the different essences used to make Fragonard perfumes.
Galimard Perfumery
Like the Fragonard perfumery, the Galimard perfumery also offers guided tours of their factory. Located on the road to Grasse, below the city, the Factory-Museum invites you to learn more about the making of perfumes, their history and their marketing.
You can also go to the Galimard boutique which is located at the entrance to the historic center just above the Place du Cours Honore-Cresp.
Molinard perfumery
Slightly out of the way, the Molinard perfumery, another great perfume house, offers guided tours of the famous Bastide Molinard.
Create your own perfumeThe Molinard perfumery offers you a totally unique experience. In addition to the visit of their factory, the Molinard perfumery invites you to design, with their help, your own perfume and leave with your 50ml vial. Learn more
Where to sleep in Grasse?
Now let's move on to the practical aspect of a visit to Grasse: accommodation. Staying in Grasse can, in my opinion, be a good idea. The city is big enough and has enough things to do to imagine staying there for 2 or 3 days.
Which district to choose to stay in Grasse?
Grasse is a relatively large city. There are different options available to you when it comes to accommodation.
The historic center of Grasse
The historic center of Grasse will clearly be the neighborhood to favor for sleeping in Grasse.
The proximity to many cafes and restaurants is an undeniable plus. You will also benefit from the proximity to most of the museums and perfumeries to visit.
There are quite a few hotels in this area, but you will find many apartments for rent.
Châteauneuf-Grasse
Less than 10km from Grasse is the village of Châteauneuf-Grasse, a small village included in the list of historic sites in the Alpes-Maritimes. The surroundings of the village will also offer you a nice choice of accommodation.
Mougins
To the south of Grasse is the town of Mougins, about 12km away. Mougins and in particular the road between the two cities will offer you a wide choice of accommodation of all kinds.
If you are looking for high end accommodation, take a look at the Seventeen Hotel in Valbonne about 10 minutes from Grasse.
The most beautiful accommodations around Grasse
If you are looking for top-of-the-range accommodation in the Grasse region, here are two great addresses.
Bastide Saint Antoine – Relais & Châteaux
Just 1,6 km from the city center of Grasse, the Bastide Saint Antoine hotel, a 5-star Relais & Châteaux, offers you accommodation in a unique setting. Located in an 1th century residence, the Bastide Saint Antoine will offer you all the services expected of luxury accommodation such as a jacuzzi, a swimming pool or a restaurant with XNUMX star in the Michelin guide. Standing, Decoration, Restaurant See prices
Le Mas Candille
Located not far from Mougins, Le Mas Candille is the other luxury accommodation in the Grasse region. Set in the middle of a 4-hectare park, this hotel offers particularly spacious and luxurious rooms and suites. The establishment is equipped with two swimming pools, a gym, a sauna and jacuzzi as well as a gourmet restaurant. Setting, Decoration, Reception See prices
Sleep in the historic center of Grasse
The historic center of Grasse, or its direct surroundings, will be the best place to stay in Grasse. Here are some addresses that will surely suit you for your stay in Grasse.
App. Historic Center – Sea View
Perfectly located near the historic center, this 35m² apartment with one bedroom can accommodate 4 people. You will enjoy a nice view of the surroundings of Grasse Location, view See prices
App. Historical Center – Renovated
Located a few meters from the International Museum of Perfumery, this pretty, refurbished and fully equipped apartment with an area of 35m² can accommodate 2 people. Ideal for a short stay in the region. Location, Decoration See prices
App. Historical Center – Terrace
A beautiful 33m² apartment located in the heart of the historic center of Grasse. Recently renovated, this apartment can accommodate 4 people. It benefits from a beautiful terrace offering you a lovely view over the rooftops of Grasse. Pitch, Terrace See prices
Practical advice for visiting Grasse?
Getting to Grasse?
- By train: If you wish to come to Grasse by train from cities such as Paris, Lyon or Marseille, you will have the possibility of opting for a TGV – inOui or OuiGo – via Cannes. Once in Cannes you can reach Grasse easily by TER and at a lower price.
- By plane: The nearest airport to Grasse will be Nice airport at 40km.
How long does it take to visit Grasse?
A minimum day will be necessary to visit Grasse. The city has some museums not to be missed as well as its perfumeries. Spending a night in Grasse may also be a wise choice.When is the best time to visit Grasse?
The Grasse region enjoys a particularly mild climate. It is a city that can be visited all year round. Be careful all the same in the summer period, it can be hot in the city and the number of visitors is important.Which perfumery to visit in Grasse?
Difficult to answer this question. Fragonard remains the emblematic perfumery of Grasse. However, the Molinard perfumery offers an interesting experience of making your own perfume.My opinion on my visit to Grasse
Grasse is, as its reputation suggests, a very beautiful city. The historic center of Grasse, particularly pleasant, is a maze of small streets, each prettier than the next. Its location, on the heights, offers the historic center of Grasse magnificent views of the surroundings.
For me, the best way to visit Grasse is to get lost in its pedestrian streets. I strongly advise you to visit a perfumery, a real heritage of the Grasse region.
