Itinerary in Grasse: what to visit in 1 weekend

Grasse what to visit: follow this 48-hour itinerary between perfumes, hilltop villages and nature, with an ideal base 15 minutes from the centre.

The world's perfume capital is perfectly explored in a weekend. Here's a clear day-by-day itinerary to discover the perfume factories and museums, the historic center, the aromatic gardens, and the landscapes of the Prealps of the French Riviera, without stress. Bonus: weather-dependent alternatives, seasonal tips, and practical addresses to make the most of your stay.

In short

• Day 1: Perfume shops and historic center (MIP, cathedral, narrow streets, viewpoints)

• Day 2: Perfume plant gardens, cave, hilltop villages (Gourdon), panoramic views

• Recommended base: Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, 15 minutes away, convenient and quiet

• Book perfume workshops/tours in advance, arrive early for the market

• Rain/sun options, family ideas and parking deals included

Why sleep 15 minutes from Grasse?

Staying just above Grasse, on the Route Napoléon, allows you to avoid the traffic of the coastal towns while enjoying quick access to sightseeing. In Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Le Relais Impérial serves as a peaceful base camp between the sea and the mountains, ideal for exploring the Grasse region and the Prealps.

You'll find cozy rooms with a view to relax in after your excursions, as well as on-site restaurants (bistronomic and wood-fired pizzeria) for dinner without having to drive. The hotel also hosts your special occasions (seminars, birthdays, weddings) thanks to its adaptable event spaces .

Timing tip: On summer weekends, leave early (9am) for popular sites, then reserve the afternoon for shaded alleyways, gardens or cool caves.

Day 1 — Perfumes and the historic heart of Grasse

Morning (9:30–12:30): Perfumeries and Perfume Museum

Start with a free visit to a factory-museum (Fragonard, Molinard, or Galimard) to discover the distillation, enfleurage, and blending of essences. Then, visit the International Perfume Museum (MIP), a world-renowned institution covering five centuries of olfactory creation. The MIP offers immersive collections and occasional workshops: check the opening hours and current exhibitions on the Grasse Museums website . Book perfume creation workshops several days in advance during peak season.

Lunchtime (12:30–2:00): Market and terraces

Have lunch in the historic center around Place aux Aires. Depending on the day, stroll through the Provençal market: herbs, flowers, cheeses, and olive oil offer a glimpse into the local produce of the French Riviera. For a quick and local snack, try socca, pissaladière, or stuffed Niçoise vegetables. Looking for a panoramic view? Head up to Cours Honoré-Cresp for a breathtaking view overlooking the Bay of Angels on a clear day.

Afternoon (2–5:30 pm): Old Town, Cathedral and Museums

Wander through the medieval alleyways, vaulted passages, and elegant townhouses steeped in history. Visit Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral (featuring works by Rubens) and then the Museum of Art and History of Provence to gain insight into life in bygone days. Take in the view from every vantage point: ramparts, small squares, and staircases offer stunning photo opportunities overlooking the hills and the azure sky. If you're traveling with family, plan a break for ice cream or lemonade in a shady café.

Evening (6–9:30 pm): Sunset and peaceful dinner

At sunset, head to a natural viewpoint (the Roquevignon plateau or the upper esplanade) for a golden light over Grasse. For dinner, choose a quiet table in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey: seasonal cuisine or wood-fired pizza at the Relais Impérial . It's a 15-minute drive via the D6085 (Route Napoléon), an easy and scenic route.

Day 2 — Nature, scents and hilltop villages

Morning (9:30–11:30): Perfume Plant Gardens

Visit the Gardens of the International Perfume Museum (JMIP) in Mouans-Sartoux: rose gardens, jasmine, tuberose, and orange trees tell the story of plant cycles and the seasons of perfumery. The botanical trails are ideal for smelling, touching, and learning as a family; find out more about nature workshops on the Grasse Museums website . Spring and early summer offer the greatest floral diversity.

Nature option (11:45 am–1 pm): Cool cave at Baume Obscure

When the weather gets really hot, head to the Souterroscope at the Baume Obscure Cave (in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey): an underground gallery, stalactites, and illuminated displays offer a refreshing escape at 13–15°C all year round. Reservations are recommended on weekends and school holidays: information, opening hours, and routes are available on the official Baume Obscure website .

Lunch (1–2 pm): Lunch with a view

Have a picnic in the shade of the pine trees or lunch on a terrace in a hilltop village. For panoramic views, head to Gourdon, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”: cobbled streets, artisans and breathtaking views from the Mercantour mountains to the Mediterranean.

Afternoon (2–5 pm): Gorges du Loup and crafts

Head down to the Gorges du Loup for waterfalls and fresh air. Stop at a local confectionery or honey farm to sample candied fruit, crystallized flowers, and mountain honeys. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the narrow bridges, limestone cliffs, and turquoise pools. At the end of the loop, enjoy a leisurely return along the Route Napoléon to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.

Evening (5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.): Relaxation and local flavors

Back at the hotel, settle in on the terrace for a Provençal aperitif, then enjoy a leisurely dinner at the restaurant or pizzeria . Want to extend your stay? Check room availability and current offers via the secure booking platform .

Ideas according to the season and events

• May: ExpoRose transforms Grasse into a giant garden; parades, exhibitions and scents everywhere in the city.

• Summer (July–August): musical evenings, night markets, Jasmine Festival in early August with entertainment and traditions.

• Autumn: harvests (late flowers, olives), mild weather, quieter museums.

• Winter: quiet alleyways, cozy museums and workshops, Christmas markets in the Grasse region.

Consult the updated events calendar on the Pays de Grasse Tourist Office website .

Practical tips to optimize your visit

Getting around and parking

Access is easy via the D6085 (Route Napoléon). In Grasse, choose parking lots at the city entrances and then explore the historic center on foot (narrow streets). Consider using local shuttles and the TER regional train from Cannes if you prefer not to drive. During peak season, arrive before 10:00 AM to find parking and start with the most popular sites.

Book perfumeries and workshops

The factory museums often offer free visits without an appointment, but the "budding perfumers" workshops fill up quickly on weekends. Book 3–7 days in advance during the summer and holidays. Check opening hours directly on the websites of the perfume houses and the Grasse Museums . Allow 1 hour per visit, 2 hours if you're attending a workshop.

Where to sleep and who to contact

Sleeping overlooking Grasse offers tranquility, easy parking, and quick access to the Prealps. Discover the history of the house and its hostesses on the Family History page , choose your room category , and then finalize your booking in just a few clicks with our online reservation system . Have a question? The team is happy to answer it via the Contact page .

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Grasse for a weekend?

From May to June, the blooms (centifolia roses, early jasmine) enhance gardens and workshops. September and October offer mild weather, superb colors, and fewer crowds. July and August are lively (festivals, night markets) but busier: book workshops and restaurants in advance and opt for mornings. In winter, you can enjoy quieter museums and often lower prices, with sunny hikes as soon as the mistral wind clears the skies.

What are the absolute must-sees in Grasse in one day if I'm short on time?

Focus on three must-sees: a perfume factory-museum (1 hour), the International Perfume Museum (1.5 hours), and the historic center (cathedral, narrow streets, viewpoints, 2 hours). Add a Provençal lunch around the Place aux Aires and a panoramic view from the Cours Honoré-Cresp. If you love plants, replace a museum with the MIP Gardens (1–1.5 hours). Book your visits early to avoid waiting, especially in summer and on weekends.

Where to make your own perfume in Grasse?

Several perfume houses (Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard) offer workshops to create your own eau de parfum, guided by a perfumer. Allow 60 to 120 minutes depending on the workshop, and leave with your personalized bottle. Book in advance, especially during peak season, and arrive 10 minutes early. The International Perfume Museum and its gardens also host occasional olfactory workshops: check the schedules on the Grasse Museums website .

What to do around Grasse with children?

Opt for a fun and nature-filled mix: a short visit to a perfumery (with captivating demonstrations), the MIP Gardens to smell and identify plants, and the Baume Obscure cave for an underground adventure at a stable temperature. Add a gourmet stop (artisanal sweets, ice cream) and a short, shaded hike along a canal or to a viewpoint. Allow 60–90 minutes for each activity to keep younger children engaged.

How to avoid the crowds in Grasse during the summer?

Two key factors: timing and the order of your visits. Arrive before 10 a.m. for the perfume shops and the International Perfume Museum (MIP), save the shaded alleyways for the afternoon, and the gardens for the end of the day. Choose a quiet base 15 minutes away to allow for early morning travel and easy parking. Book workshops and restaurants 3–7 days in advance and target temporary exhibitions for the very early morning. In case of extreme heat, prioritize caves and gorges.

Key points to remember

• A weekend in Grasse is a winning combination: perfumes and heritage, gardens and panoramas.

• Base yourself in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey for quick access and peaceful evenings.

• Book perfume workshops and restaurants in advance, especially in summer.

• Alternate between indoor and outdoor visits depending on the weather for a smooth pace.

• Check the events calendar to select ExpoRose and Jasmine Festival.

• Ready to plan your stay? Explore the Relais Impérial website and book the room that suits you.