Gourdon: what to do and see near Grasse
- Cedric KTORZA
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Gourdon, a hilltop village near Grasse, is an unmissable getaway. Discover what to do and see around this “balcony of the French Riviera”, with ideas for walks, visits and practical advice, all starting from the Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey on the Route Napoléon.
In short
Magnificent panorama, typical alleyways and local crafts in one of the most beautiful villages in the region
Major walks: Chemin du Paradis, plateau de Cavillore, Gorges du Loup
Perfumes and museums in Grasse, the world capital of perfume (UNESCO intangible heritage since 2018)
Ideal base: Le Relais Impérial, between the sea and the Pre-Alps, for an off-road day
Practical advice: best seasons, access, equipment, route ideas
Why choose Gourdon for a stay near Grasse?
A spectacular panorama of the French Riviera
Perched on a rocky spur, Gourdon overlooks the Mediterranean and the Prealps of the French Riviera. The viewpoints accessible from the village, or after a short walk, offer breathtaking vistas of the Riviera and the hinterland. The village lies at the heart of the Prealps of the French Riviera Regional Natural Park , a protected playground for hikers and nature lovers.
A village full of character and craftsmanship
Gourdon charms visitors with its stone alleyways, art studios, and shops selling local products. Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages" of France, it perfectly embodies the aesthetic of Provençal hilltop villages. To plan your visit, consult the French Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages of France .
Local tip: Arrive in the morning to enjoy the village before the crowds arrive and the ideal light on the coast.
Things to do in and around Gourdon
Strolling through the alleyways and viewpoints
Stroll around the main square and take the alleyways leading to superb viewpoints.
Locate the artisans (glass, perfumes, confectionery) and local produce shops.
Enjoy the terraces for a break with a sea view on a clear day.
To place Gourdon in its geographical context, consult the dedicated page of Côte d'Azur France, the official website of the destination .
Iconic hikes: Paradise Trail and Cavillore Plateau
Chemin du Paradis: an ancient mule track carved into the rock, winding its way down below the village. Mineral panorama, spectacular passages and a limestone atmosphere.
Cavillore Plateau: loop on an airy plateau, with 360° views of the sea, the Loup and the Pre-Alps; Mediterranean flora and typical dolines.
Find descriptions, maps and safety instructions on the official portal of the Department 06 RandOxygène .
Nature and rivers: Gorges du Loup and waterfalls
Just a few kilometers from Gourdon, the Gorges du Loup offer emerald pools, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs. In warm weather, stick to the designated viewpoints and marked trails rather than the slippery riverbanks. For an overview of scenic spots and ideas for stops, see Côte d'Azur France .
Perfumes and museums in Grasse, the world capital of perfume
Extend your day with an olfactory immersion in Grasse:
International Perfume Museum (MIP): unique collections dedicated to the art and industry of perfume, from antiquity to the present day. Information and tickets on the Grasse Museums website.
Major perfume houses: free guided tours and introductory workshops (depending on the period), for example at Fragonard – Perfume Museums .
The perfume-making skills in the Grasse region have been listed as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage since 2018, a label that recognizes a living and local art; learn more via UNESCO .
Route ideas from Le Relais Impérial
Located in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, on the legendary Route Napoléon , the Relais Impérial is a strategic starting point between sea and mountains for exploring Gourdon, Grasse and the Pre-Alps.
Recommended routes from the hotel
Itinerary | Morning | Noon | Afternoon | For whom | Useful link |
“Balcony of the Azure” | Village of Gourdon (narrow streets, viewpoints) | Gourmet break in the village | Gorges du Loup viewpoints | Families, photo | |
“Paths & Views” | Cavillore Plateau (loop) | Panoramic picnic lunch | Path to Paradise (round trip) | Hikers | |
“Perfumes & stone” | MIP in Grasse | Lunch in Grasse | A stroll in Gourdon at sunset | Culture, flâneurs | Museums of Grasse |
“Wolf Freshness” | Gorges du Loup (viewpoints) | Break by the water | Return via the viewpoints of Gourdon | Summer, nature |
Practical tips for a successful visit
When to go
Spring and autumn: mild temperatures, clear light and blooming flowers; this is the most comfortable time for walking.
Summer: opt for morning or late afternoon, bring water and a hat, avoid the hottest hours.
Winter: often clear skies and unobstructed views; bring a windproof layer on the plateaus.
Parking and access
Parking at the village entrance: park below and then walk up the narrow streets.
Winding roads: drive carefully, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Public transport: services vary depending on the time of year; check with local tourist offices.
Equipment and safety
Shoes with notched soles for limestone trails (polished rock, sometimes slippery).
Water, sun protection, light windbreaker; reliable map or route for hikes.
Respect the markings and warnings; check the weather and risks before setting off.
Where to stay and eat near Gourdon
Looking to extend your stay in a peaceful setting between the sea and the mountains? The Relais Impérial welcomes you to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, near Grasse and Gourdon, on the Route Napoléon. The hotel offers 28 comfortable rooms, some with terraces and views of the hills. Discover the different categories and availability on the Rooms page .
For dining, enjoy the bistronomic restaurant (French cuisine and local produce) and the wood-fired pizzeria, both with terraces. Find all the services on the Services page .
Planning a getaway for two, a family vacation, or a private event? Le Relais Impérial offers adaptable spaces for your celebrations and seminars: find out more on the Events page . For any questions or custom requests, contact the team via the Contact page .
FAQ
How long does it take to visit Gourdon and its surroundings in one day?
Allow half a day to explore the village (narrow streets, shops, viewpoints) at a leisurely pace, and another half day for a short hike or a detour to the Gorges du Loup. If you'd like to add a museum visit to Grasse (such as the International Perfume Museum or a perfume house), plan extra time to enjoy the collections and workshops. Ideally, set aside a full day, arriving early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the best light.
What are the best hikes to do starting from Gourdon?
Two classic routes: the Chemin du Paradis (an old mule track with panoramic views over the Loup Valley) and the Cavillore Plateau (a scenic loop with sea and mountain views). Depending on your fitness level, choose a shorter loop returning via the village or a more challenging traverse. Check the trail markings, weather forecast, and trail conditions before setting off. Detailed information and safety recommendations are available on the RandOxygène portal .
Can we visit perfumeries and museums on the same day as Gourdon?
Yes. A popular combination is to visit the International Perfume Museum in Grasse in the morning, then head up to Gourdon in the afternoon for a stroll and the views. Major perfume houses (e.g., Fragonard ) regularly offer guided tours; check the schedule according to the season. Grasse's perfume-making expertise was recognized by UNESCO in 2018, making the experience all the more unique for understanding the local culture.
Where can I park in Gourdon and are there any access restrictions?
Parking is available at the village entrance; access to the narrow streets is then on foot. During peak season and weekends, these parking areas can fill up quickly; arrive early or travel at off-peak times. The streets are narrow and sometimes cobbled: all-terrain strollers are recommended. Check locally with the tourist offices for any temporary restrictions (events, roadworks).
Is the Relais Impérial a good starting point for exploring Gourdon and Grasse?
Absolutely. Located in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, the Relais Impérial enjoys a central position on the Route Napoléon, between the sea and the Prealps. You can easily reach Gourdon, the Gorges du Loup, and the museums of Grasse, while enjoying the peace and quiet in the evening. With its 28 rooms, two restaurants (a bistro and a wood-fired pizzeria), and terraces, the hotel is a comfortable base for exploring the Grasse region.
Key points to remember
Gourdon offers a concentrated dose of authenticity: spectacular views, narrow streets and craftsmanship
Must-sees: Paradise Trail, Cavillore Plateau, Wolf Gorges
Grasse is the perfect way to round off the day with its museums and perfumeries.
Best times: spring and autumn; in summer, morning/late afternoon is best.
Ideal base: the Relais Impérial, between sea and mountains, on the Route Napoléon
Ready to plan? Visit the Relais Impérial website , explore the Rooms and contact the team for a tailor-made stay via the Contact page .
