Grasse: What to visit related to perfumes

What to see in Grasse: the must-sees of perfume, Old Grasse, and the perched villages of the Prealps of the French Riviera. Looking for things to see in Grasse in one, two, or three days? From historic perfumeries and a museum dedicated to fragrances to gardens of aromatic plants, medieval alleyways, and breathtaking panoramas, here's a clear and practical guide to help you plan your visit. Located in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, just 15 minutes from the world's perfume capital, Le Relais Impérial is an ideal base for exploring the region between the sea and the mountains.

In short

• Start with a perfumery (visit + “nose” workshop) then the International Perfume Museum.

• Stroll through Old Grasse (cathedral, squares, artisans' workshops) and climb to the viewpoints.

• Explore the perfume gardens and hilltop villages (Gourdon, Cabris, Tourrettes-sur-Loup).

• Get some fresh air in the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park (Gorges du Loup, Caussols plateau).

• Sleep peacefully and enjoy the tables of the Relais Impérial for a stress-free stay.

Around perfume: experiences not to be missed

Visiting a major perfume house

Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard generally offer guided tours of their workshops and distilleries, often free and available in several languages. This is the ideal introduction to understanding the extraction of essences (enfleurage, distillation, CO₂) and the different fragrance families. Consider booking a perfume-making workshop to leave with your own personalized eau de parfum: places fill up quickly during peak season. Note: since 2018, the perfume-making skills of the Grasse region have been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list (source: UNESCO – ICH ).

International Perfume Museum (MIP)

The MIP traces millennia of perfumery history, from ancient civilizations to contemporary creations. Collections of amphorae, iconic bottles, perfume organs, raw materials… the exhibition design allows visitors to explore the art of scent with all five senses. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit. For a detailed overview of the museum, see its dedicated Wikipedia page .

Gardens and fragrant flowers

Experience the soul of Grasse through the seasons: jasmine at the end of summer, centifolia roses in spring, tuberose and lavender in summer, and bitter orange trees in the heart of the Nice region. Educational gardens and plantations (particularly near Grasse and Mouans-Sartoux) offer insights into perfume farming and hand-harvesting, a practice still used for fashion houses. Check the day before for tour schedules, as they vary depending on the blooms and the weather.

Local tip: Book your visits for the morning to enjoy the cooler temperatures, softer light… and more pronounced scents. In the afternoon, opt for museums and the shaded alleyways of Old Grasse.

Old Grasse and panoramas

Heritage and medieval alleyways

Lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways, vaulted passages, and small squares lined with ochre facades. Don't miss Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral (sacred art and paintings by Rubens), the Town Hall, and the artisans' workshops (soap making, glassmaking, leatherwork). Take a break on the Cours, the vibrant heart of the city, for a coffee with a view of the hills.

Belvederes and viewpoints

From a terrace or a staircase, Grasse offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the hinterland. At the end of the day, head to a viewpoint for a golden sunset over the rooftops. Photographers: arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the golden hour to frame your shots without the crowds.

Day trips around Grasse from Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey

Picture-perfect hilltop villages

• Gourdon, an eagle's nest overlooking the Gorges du Loup, for the artisans' workshop and the panorama all the way to the sea.

• Cabris, an intimate balcony facing the Pre-Alps.

• Tourrettes-sur-Loup, city of violets, stone alleyways and art galleries.

• Valbonne and its square, a chic Provençal atmosphere. For more excursion ideas, consult the official Côte d'Azur inspiration website ( Cotedazurfrance.fr ).

Large format nature: Prealps of the French Riviera

Between scrubland, ridges, and forests, the trails of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park showcase remarkable biodiversity. Enjoy a family stroll in the Gorges du Loup , a hike on the Caussols plateau, or gentle caving in the Saint-Cézaire caves… Here, the air is fresher, even in summer. Check the difficulty level and required equipment before setting off.

French Riviera 30–40 minutes away

Fancy a sea/mountain contrast in the same day? Head to Cannes (Croisette, beaches), Antibes (ramparts, Picasso Museum) or Nice (Old Nice, Promenade des Anglais). Return in the evening to enjoy the tranquility at altitude and a gourmet dinner at the hotel.

Recommended itineraries (1, 2 or 3 days)

Day 1: Perfume concentrate and Vieux-Grasse

• Morning: visit to a perfumery + “nose” workshop if available.

• Lunchtime: on the terrace.

• Afternoon: MIP followed by a stroll through the old town and a panoramic break.

• Evening: return and dinner at the Relais Impérial .

2 days: gardens and hilltop villages

• Day 1: Perfume tour + Vieux-Grasse.

• Day 2: perfume gardens (depending on flowering) then villages (Gourdon, Cabris, Tourrettes-sur-Loup), photo stop at the Gorges du Loup.

3 days: nature and the French Riviera

• Day 1: Grasse and museum.

• Day 2: Gentle hike in the Parc des Préalpes d'Azur, caves or Caussols plateau.

• Day 3: seaside escape to Cannes or Antibes, return to calm in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.

Practical tips for a successful visit

When to come?

Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild temperatures, beautiful light, and iconic blooms (centifolia roses in spring, jasmine in late summer). Summer is lively (events, exhibitions), but also busier and hotter in the city center; therefore, opt for visits early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and daytime excursions to higher altitudes in nature.

Getting around and parking

Grasse is easily explored on foot, but the hills are significant: comfortable shoes are essential. Several covered and open-air car parks are located near the historic centre. To arrive by train or arrange a combined rail and bus journey in the hinterland, consult the SNCF travel information website . By car, follow the Route Napoléon for a scenic drive.

Where to stay and where to eat

For a peaceful, authentic experience with easy access to local attractions, make Relais Impérial your home away from home. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with views and two dining options: a bistro-style restaurant and a wood-fired pizzeria, detailed in our on-site services . Need a dedicated space for a meeting, birthday, or intimate wedding? Discover our event options. And if your dates are already set, you can book your stay directly now . Have a logistical question? Contact us .

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Grasse and its perfume factories?

Spring and autumn are ideal: bright days, moderate crowds, and blooming flowers (centifolia roses from April to June, jasmine from August to September, depending on the year). In summer, book perfume workshops in advance and plan for early morning or after 4 p.m. to avoid the cooler temperatures. Winter remains pleasant for museums and alleyways, with a more peaceful atmosphere. Check the opening hours of perfume houses the day before, as they can vary depending on the season and holidays.

Is it possible to create your own perfume in Grasse? How do I book?

Yes, several historic perfume houses offer introductory workshops lasting approximately one to two hours, led by a perfume professional. Places are limited, especially from April to October: book online a few days to a few weeks in advance, depending on the time of year. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time to fully benefit from the olfactory briefing. Tip: avoid wearing perfume on the day of the workshop to keep your sense of smell neutral.

How long does it take to visit Grasse?

Allow one day for a "best of" itinerary (perfumery + MIP + Vieux-Grasse). Two days will allow you to add the perfume gardens and a hilltop village. With three days, you can combine nature (Gorges du Loup, Caussols) and a seaside getaway (Cannes, Antibes). Adapt the itinerary to your interests: perfume enthusiasts can spend an extra half-day exploring workshops and specialty shops.

What to do around Grasse if you are travelling as a family?

The MIP offers an accessible and fun experience, and perfumeries sometimes organize workshops adapted for younger visitors (depending on age). Outdoors, opt for a short, scenic walk (Gourdon, Cabris) or a refreshing exploration of the Saint-Cézaire caves. Finish with a wood-fired pizza and a peaceful evening in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey to recharge before another day of exploration.

Key points to remember

• Grasse, the world capital of perfume, can be discovered amidst historic houses, the MIP (International Perfume Museum) and gardens.

• Old Grasse is appealing because of its heritage, its artisans and its views of the Mediterranean.

• Nearby, hilltop villages and the Prealps of the French Riviera offer day trips to nature.

• The Relais Impérial is an ideal base, in a quiet location, 15 minutes from Grasse.

• Book workshops and tours in advance, especially in spring and summer.

• Want to extend your green getaway? Discover our offers and availability on Le Relais Impérial or book directly .