Grasse: what to do, where to sleep and where to eat in 2025

Grasse: What to do, where to sleep and where to eat in 2025?

The world capital of perfume, Grasse captivates visitors with its heritage, its expertise, and its landscapes nestled between the sea and the Prealps. Here is a clear and up-to-date guide to help you plan your 2025 stay, with activity ideas, recommended places to eat and stay, and an ideal base just 15 minutes from the historic center: Le Relais Impérial, a charming hotel and restaurant on the Route Napoléon.

In short

• Must-sees: perfume museums, historic houses (Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard), old town and panoramic views.

• Perfect base: Le Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, quiet and central for exploring between Grasse, Gorges du Loup and the French Riviera.

• To experience in 2025: ExpoRose (May) and Jasmine Festival (August), fragrant traditions listed by UNESCO.

• Practical advice: come by car or regional train, bring comfortable shoes for the sloping alleyways.

• Where to eat: bistronomy and wood fire at Le Relais, plus a selection of addresses in the centre of Grasse.

Why choose Grasse in 2025?

Grasse combines authenticity and creativity. Its perfume-making expertise has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2018, a guarantee of uniqueness and living transmission (UNESCO – Perfume-making expertise ). In 2025, enjoy a city on a human scale, floral events, olfactory workshops, and quick access to the Prealps of the French Riviera.

Between the frenzy of the coast and the tranquility of the hinterland, it's the perfect balance for a 2 to 4 day getaway, or a longer stay if you like to alternate between culture, nature and gastronomy.

Things to do in Grasse and the surrounding area

Perfume essentials

• Visit the International Perfume Museum to understand the history, raw materials and techniques of Grasse perfumery. Grasse Museums – MIP .

• Discover the historic houses and their workshops: free guided tours, perfume creation workshops (by reservation).

• Fragonard – Factories and museums in Grasse

• Molinard – Factory and workshop tour

• Galimard – Tours and workshops

• Participating in major events:

• ExpoRose (usually in May). Program and dates to be verified with the Pays de Grasse Tourisme tourist office .

• Jasmine Festival (usually in August), festive and fragrant atmosphere.

Tip: book your olfactory workshops in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy ideal light in the old town afterwards.

Old town, heritage and views

Stroll through the medieval streets, from the square in front of Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral to the shaded squares of Place aux Aires. Look for viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean and the Bay of Cannes. The pastel facades and artisan shops offer delightful shopping breaks.

For a complete immersion, consult the urban routes offered by the Pays de Grasse Tourisme tourist office , useful for locating museums, private mansions and fountains.

Nature, panoramas and wide open spaces

In less than 30 minutes, you go from the scent of jasmine to the limestone landscapes of the Pre-Alps:

• Gorges du Loup: waterfalls, bridges, swimming in summer (depending on conditions), spectacular canyons. Information and access via the PNR Préalpes d'Azur natural park.

• The hilltop village of Gourdon and the Chemin du Paradis: magnificent views of the Esterel mountains and the sea.

• Calern Plateau (Côte d'Azur Observatory): lunar landscapes, memorable sunsets.

• Walks on the legendary Route Napoléon and getaways to the French Riviera with the Côte d'Azur France regional office .

Bring water, a hat and suitable shoes; check trail conditions and weather with the tourist offices and the Regional Natural Park.

Suggested itineraries (1 to 3 days)

• Day 1: MIP + a perfume house in the morning, lunch on a terrace, walk in the old town, viewpoint at sunset.

• 2 days: Day 1 perfume + city; Day 2 nature: Gourdon, Gorges du Loup and Calern plateau.

• 3 days: Add Cannes or Antibes for a change of scenery, or an advanced perfume workshop.

Where to stay near Grasse: the address that changes everything

Just 15 minutes from the center of Grasse, Le Relais Impérial is a charming hotel and restaurant nestled in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, on the Route Napoléon. Calm, authentic, and welcoming, it's an excellent base between the sea and the mountains.

Between perfume and panoramas, Le Relais Impérial offers the rare balance: the energy of the French Riviera, the serenity of the Pre-Alps.

Rooms: comfort and views of the hills

The hotel offers 28 rooms in 5 categories, each with a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Some rooms have a terrace overlooking the Grasse hills; others feature a bathtub, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing. To view the categories and choose your perfect room, visit the Rooms page .

Useful services for travelers

Wi-Fi, attentive service, personalized route advice between Provence and the coast: everything is designed for a seamless stay. Find amenities and opening hours on the Services page .

Private and professional events

The Relais Impérial offers adaptable spaces for seminars, weddings, birthdays, or team meetings, with customized support. For inquiries, please visit the Events section .

Book directly

To guarantee the best choice and flexible conditions, book in a few clicks via the secure booking platform or contact the team from the Contact page .

Where to eat: fragrance on the plate

The bistronomy of the Relais Impérial

The bistro-style restaurant showcases local produce and French cuisine, reinterpreted with precision. Ideal for a gourmet lunch before a visit to the MIP, or for a convivial dinner after a hike.

Wood-fired pizzeria

A relaxed atmosphere, delicious pizzas and generous grilled dishes, served on a pleasant terrace (depending on the season). It's the perfect spot when you're returning late from the Gorges du Loup or ExpoRose.

Please note: both restaurants have pleasant terraces, open summer and winter depending on the weather. For specific opening hours, please see the Services section or contact us .

Good places to eat in Grasse (historic center)

In the old town, you'll find Provençal bistros, contemporary restaurants, artisanal ice cream parlors, and wine bars. For an up-to-date selection and reservations for seasonal events, contact the Pays de Grasse tourist office .

Practical information for your 2025 stay

Coming to Grasse

• By plane: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport approximately 45 km away; car hire or bus/train to Grasse Nice Airport .

• By train: TER to Grasse station from Cannes, Antibes or Nice (travel times vary depending on the timetable) TER Sud – PACA .

• By car: access via the RN85 (Route Napoléon) or the A8 (Cannes/Grasse exit), then up towards the hinterland.

Moving on site

The old town is best explored on foot. For local travel, consult the Sillages urban area bus network. To explore the villages and natural sites (Gourdon, Calern, Gorges du Loup), a car remains the most flexible option.

When to come

• Spring: blooms, mild temperatures, ExpoRose.

• Summer: festive evenings, Jasmine Festival, swimming and canyoning (subject to local conditions and regulations).

• Autumn/winter: soft light, quiet museums, beautiful hikes in the PNR Préalpes d'Azur.

Map and landmarks

To help you plan your itinerary, the regional office offers maps and themed route ideas for the French Riviera .

Table — Distances and travel times from Le Relais Impérial (area code)

Travel times vary depending on the time of day and season; allow extra time.

Place	Approximate distance	Driving time (excluding traffic)
Historic center of Grasse	15 km	15–20 min
International Perfume Museum (MIP)	15 km	15–20 min
Fragonard/Molinard/Galimard factories	15–18 km	15–25 min
Gourdon & Chemin du Paradis	22 km	30–35 min
Gorges du Loup	20 km	30 min
Calern Plateau (Observatory)	12 km	20–25 min
Cannes (Croisette)	30 km	40–50 min
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport	45 km	50–65 min

FAQ — Preparing your visit to Grasse

How much time should I allow for visiting Grasse?

Allow one day for the essentials: MIP (Marseille International Perfume Museum) + a perfume house + a stroll through the old town and a sunset viewpoint. With two days, add a perfume-making workshop and a nature excursion (Gourdon, Gorges du Loup, or the Calern plateau). In three days, alternate between culture and the coast (Cannes/Antibes). Tip: book workshops and guided tours in advance during peak season through the tourist office .

Do you need to book perfume workshops in advance?

Yes, especially from April to October and during ExpoRose/Fête du Jasmin. The historic houses (Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard) offer various time slots and formats, often available online: check prices, languages, and conditions on their respective websites. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to enjoy the experience at your leisure.

Where can I stay to enjoy peace and quiet while remaining close to Grasse?

Choose a base at the gateway to the Prealps, 15 minutes from Grasse. In Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Le Relais Impérial combines quick access to the town, tranquility, terraces with views, and on-site dining (bistro-style cuisine and a wood-fired oven). Parking is easy, and you can easily explore the Route Napoléon, Gourdon, or the Calern plateau.

What are the best times for flowers and local traditions?

Spring is ideal: blooming flowers and mild temperatures, with ExpoRose usually taking place in May. In summer, the Jasmine Festival brings the city to life (often in early August). Grasse's perfume-making expertise has been recognized by UNESCO since 2018. For 2025 dates, please consult the tourist office a few weeks before your visit.

How to get here without a car and get around?

From Nice Airport, you can reach Cannes or Grasse by bus/train. Take the Nice Airport train (TER) to Grasse Sud station . Once there, the Sillages public transport network serves the main neighborhoods. For natural sites (Gourdon, Gorges du Loup, Calern), a car or taxi/private hire vehicle (VTC) is more convenient; ask at the Relais reception for advice on planning your journeys.

Key points to remember

• Grasse combines fragrant heritage, picturesque alleyways and magnificent horizons.

• In 2025, experience ExpoRose, the Jasmine Festival and unique olfactory workshops.

• Sleep peacefully 15 minutes from the centre: Le Relais Impérial , hotel-restaurant on the Route Napoléon.

• Dine in: creative bistronomy and wood-fired pizzeria with terraces.

• Easily explore the area around Gourdon, Gorges du Loup and the Calern plateau.

• Ready to plan your stay? Explore the rooms and book directly .