Flavors of the Grasse region: producers and specialties

Savor the flavors of the Grasse region: a closer look at local producers and regional specialties. Here you'll find out where to taste, what to buy, and how to meet the artisans who have built the gourmet reputation of this area, from the fragrant hills of Grasse to the Prealps of the French Riviera.

In short

• Essentials to taste: Nice PDO olives, Provence PGI honeys, goat cheeses from the Pre-Alps, chard tart, floral sweets.

• Where to meet artisans: weekly markets, farms and mills, food festivals and discovery workshops.

• When to come: spring for perfume plants, summer-autumn for jasmine, all year round for olive growing and beekeeping.

• Practical advice: favour labels (AOP/IGP), book visits, respect seasonality and buy directly.

• Base camp: Le Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, between sea and mountain, ideal for exploring and enjoying the local produce.

A unique terroir between the sea and the Pre-Alps

The Grasse region benefits from a mild microclimate, varied altitudes and exceptional biodiversity. This natural mosaic shapes products with a distinctive character: fine olive oils, aromatic honeys, farm cheeses, fruits and herbs of the garrigue.

Local tip: the best way to understand a terroir is to taste the same product from several producers and compare the aromatic profiles.

Fragrant plants and flower cuisine

Centifolia roses, jasmine, tuberose, violet… While perfume is often the first thing that comes to mind, these flowers also inspire the culinary world: syrups, jams, sorbets, meringues, and crystallized petals. To better understand this heritage, a visit to the International Perfume Museum in Grasse perfectly illuminates this link between botany and the art of living. (Grasse Museums)

Must-try specialties

Olives from Nice, oils and tapenades

Here, the Cailletier olive reigns supreme. Enjoy it at the table, in tapenade, or as extra virgin olive oil, with its gentle bitterness and almond notes. Look for official quality designations (PDO) and certified origin. To learn more about official labels, consult the INAO website and the Ministry of Agriculture's SIQO guide.

Honeys from Provence, lavender and garrigue

The honeys (lavender, wildflower, chestnut, heather) reflect the flora of the hinterland. The PGI "Miel de Provence" (Honey of Provence) guarantees its origin and controlled practices. Local honey houses often offer tastings and explain the practice of moving the hives to different locations following the flowering season.

Cheeses and livestock farming of the Prealps of the French Riviera

The plateaus and valleys of the Prealps of the French Riviera are home to small goat and sheep farms. Here you'll find fresh cheeses, aged lactic cheeses, tommes, and faisselles. The raw materials vary with the seasons, which influences the texture and flavor. To learn more about agropastoralism and short supply chains in the mountains, consult the Prealps of the French Riviera Regional Natural Park (PNR Préalpes d'Azur ).

Niçoise pastries and floral confectionery

Swiss chard tart (sweet and savory), sweet fougasse, candied fruit, and rose or jasmine-flavored sweets embody the region's gourmet spirit. For dessert, orange blossom sorbet or lavender ice cream are the perfect ending to a local meal.

Craft wines, beers and spirits

To accompany your meal, explore the Côtes de Provence (characterful rosés and reds) and, further east, the Bellet AOP. The artisanal microbreweries of the hinterland produce beers with herbaceous notes. To choose a food and wine pairing, consult the resources of the Provence Wine Council (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence ).

Meet the producers: markets, mills and farms

The easiest way to taste the flavors of the Grasse region, focusing on local producers and regional specialties, is to plan your stops.

Weekly and night markets

• Grasse (historic center): stalls selling fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives, honeys and herbs.

• Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey: friendly and human-sized, ideal for live exchanges.

• Designer and night markets in summer: perfect for floral confectionery and dried goods.

Check with the town hall or local tourist office for up-to-date schedules for the City of Grasse .

Visits to mills, honey farms and farms

• Olive mills: discovering the crushing process, local varieties and extraction methods.

• Honey houses: education about flowering and natural crystallization.

• Livestock farms: cheeses, yogurts, artisanal cured meats.

To identify addresses open to the public and educational farms, consult the Chamber of Agriculture of Alpes-Maritimes CA 06.

Gourmet celebrations and seasons of flavors

Throughout the year, agricultural festivals, farmers' markets, and events focused on fragrant plants punctuate local life. In spring, the centifolia rose inspires demonstrations and workshops; in the warmer months, jasmine picking attracts visitors. Themed routes also guide you along the legendary Route Napoléon .

Gourmet routes from Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey

Located on the Route Napoléon, Le Relais Impérial is an ideal starting point for gourmet star-shaped loops, between sea and mountains.

Half-day: olives, honey and panoramic views

• Early departure to an olive oil mill for an introduction to oil tasting.

• Stop at a honey farm: discovering seasonal varieties.

• Return via a viewpoint in the Pre-Alps to admire the terrain and understand the influence of the climate.

Full day: perfumes, markets and cheeses

• Morning in Grasse: immersion in the world of perfume plants at the Grasse Museums .

• Lunch at a market: seasonal produce, pissaladière, local cheeses.

• An afternoon spent on a goat farm: from grazing to maturing, ending with a guided tasting.

The Imperial Relais: base camp for exploring flavors

In Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, the hotel-restaurant combines authenticity and conviviality, with a menu that proudly showcases local produce. Enjoy a peaceful stay near Grasse, perfect for exploring the region.

• Learn more about the house and its setting: Le Relais Impérial

• Choose your room category and view: Our rooms

• Discover the thoughtful touches of your stay (breakfasts, terraces, etc.): Hotel services

• Organizing a gourmet event (private event, wedding, seminar): Event spaces

• Meet Marion and Alice, the heart and soul of the place: Family History

Practical tip: for workshops at producers' farms (mills, honey houses, farms), remember to book in advance and check accessibility depending on the season. The hotel staff will be happy to assist you.

Tips for a responsible and successful tasting

• Favor short supply chains and recognized labels (AOP/IGP) INAO .

• Respect seasonality: it strongly influences the aromas (cheeses, honey, herbs).

• Taste before you buy: a serious producer encourages tasting.

• Check the origin and labeling; ask about production methods.

• Bring an insulated bag for the cheeses and cold cuts.

• Contact us in advance to arrange visits, especially during harvest time.

Guidelines for buying local in the Grasse region

Product	Possible label(s)	Where to meet the producers	Ideal time	Agreement idea
Olives and olive oil	PDO (depending on the product)	Olive mills, markets	Autumn-winter (tasting of the new oils)	Country bread, grilled vegetables
Honeys (lavender, wildflower…)	PGI Honey from Provence	Honey farms, markets	Spring-summer (depending on flowering season)	Goat cheeses, herbal teas
Farmhouse cheeses (goat/sheep)	—	Farms, artisan cheesemakers	All year round (various styles)	Mild olive oil, local herbs
Floral pastries and confectionery	—	Craftsmen, markets	Spring-summer (flowers)	Tea, citrus sorbets
Herbs, infusions, aromatics	—	Plant producers, herbalists	Summer-autumn (drying)	Fish, vegetables, grilled meats

To situate the terroir and its mountain agricultural practices, also consult the resources of the PNR Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park and the Chamber of Agriculture 06 CA 06.

FAQ

What typical products from the Grasse region should I bring back as souvenirs?

Essential items include olive oil made from local varieties (such as Cailletier), candied olives, a selection of honeys (lavender, wildflower, chestnut), farm cheeses, and floral sweets (rose/jasmine jams or syrups). Add a sweet fougasse or a Swiss chard tart for a touch of Nice. Check the origin and quality labels (PDO/PGI) to support authentic and sustainable supply chains.

Where can I find farmers' markets around Grasse and Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey?

The historic center of Grasse hosts markets where fresh produce, olives, cheeses, and honeys are well represented. Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey also offers a friendly market, perfect for chatting with local artisans. Times and locations may vary depending on the season; consult the updated information from the City of Grasse and local notice boards. Arrive early to enjoy the best selection and speak with the producers.

Is it possible to visit an oil mill or a honey farm near Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey?

Yes, many mills and honey houses open their doors, especially outside of peak season. Visits offer insights into olive pressing, honey extraction, and allow you to refine your tasting skills. It's advisable to book in advance and confirm your visit times, as some establishments adjust their opening hours depending on the season. The Alpes-Maritimes Chamber of Agriculture (Chambre de Agriculture 06) lists useful contacts to help you plan your visit.

What is the best time to discover roses and jasmine in the Grasse region?

Generally, the centifolia rose blooms in spring, around May, while jasmine grandiflorum is harvested from summer until early autumn, depending on the weather. Cultural events and themed workshops are offered in Grasse to promote these skills. To delve deeper into the history of perfume plants, visit the International Perfume Museum in Grasse .

Does the Relais Impérial offer local specialties in its restaurant?

The hotel's bistro-style cuisine showcases local produce based on availability and season, while the wood-fired pizzeria offers convivial dishes. As the menu may change, it's best to check the hotel's information or ask when booking to find out about current offerings. To prepare for your stay, browse the Hotel Services and Our Rooms pages.

Key points to remember

• The Grasse region combines aromas and terroir: olives, honeys, cheeses, flower confectionery.

• Meet the producers at markets, farms, mills and honey houses.

• For a fairer tasting experience, choose products with labels (AOP/IGP) and seasonal produce.

• Plan loops from Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, on the Route Napoléon.

• The Relais Impérial is an ideal base for exploring and enjoying the cuisine between the sea and the mountains.

• Ready to plan your gourmet getaway? Book your escape from the hotel website: Le Relais Impérial or choose your dates here: Book your stay .