Perfume Museum in Grasse: opening hours, prices and advice

Perfume Museum in Grasse: opening hours, prices, and essential tips. Planning a visit to the world capital of perfume and looking for reliable information on museums, prices, and the best time to go? Here's a clear and practical guide to organizing your fragrant day from Le Relais Impérial (15 minutes from Grasse).

In short

• The main museum in Grasse is the International Perfume Museum (MIP), complemented by the MIP Gardens.

• Visits to perfume factories (Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard) are generally free and ideal as a complement.

• Check opening hours and prices on the official pages, which vary depending on the season (link below).

• Allow 1.5–2 hours for the MIP; allow more if you add an olfactory workshop.

• From Le Relais Impérial, easily reach Grasse via the Route Napoléon for a half-day or full day.

Which "perfume museum" should I visit in Grasse?

The International Perfume Museum (MIP)

An iconic institution in Grasse, the International Perfume Museum (MIP) traces the global history of perfume, from raw materials to iconic bottles, through an educational and sensory approach to its exhibits. It is the leading public resource for understanding Grasse's olfactory heritage, inscribed by UNESCO in 2018 as part of its perfume-making expertise. For opening hours, admission fees, and current exhibitions, please visit the official MIP website: International Perfume Museum – Grasse Museums. For more information on the UNESCO inscription: UNESCO – Perfume-making expertise in the Grasse region (2018) .

The MIP Gardens (Mouans-Sartoux)

An open-air annex, the MIP Gardens showcase the fragrant plants (centifolia rose, grandiflorum jasmine, tuberose, orange blossom, lavender) historically cultivated for the Grasse perfume industry. The experience complements the museum, especially in spring and summer. Practical information and schedule: MIP Gardens – Grasse Museums.

Factory visits – perfumes: Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard

Several historic houses open their doors for free guided tours of their workshops and laboratories, often with (paid) creative workshops to compose your own eau de parfum:

• Fragonard: Factory Visit – Grasse

• Molinard: Tours and workshops – Grasse

• Galimard: Tours and workshops – Grasse

These private tours perfectly complement the discovery of the MIP: one sheds light on the history and heritage, the other shows current practices and offers a participatory experience.

Opening hours and prices: the essential information you need to know

MIP: schedules, prices, tickets

• Opening hours: vary depending on the season and public holidays (often extended in summer). Always check the museum's "Practical Information" page: MIP – Official Information.

• Prices: displayed and updated on the Grasse Museums website. Discounts and free admission are available depending on age, status and certain special dates (see the current price list).

• Visit duration: allow 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy the permanent and temporary collections.

Tip: Book your time slot in high season and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful visit.

MIP Gardens: Seasonality and Weather

The gardens have specific opening and flowering periods (roses in spring, jasmine in summer). Opening hours differ from those of the International Museum of Fine Arts (MIP) and vary according to the season. Refer to the up-to-date information: MIP Gardens – Information. Allow 45 to 75 minutes for the visit, longer if you are a photographer or botanist at heart.

Perfume factories: free tours and workshops

• Guided tours: free and regular, with frequent departures (French/English, sometimes other languages).

• "Nose for a day" workshops: by reservation, duration and prices indicated on each site: Fragonard , Molinard, Galimard.

• Duration: 30 to 60 minutes for the visit; 1 to 2 hours for a workshop.

Compare the perfume experiences in Grasse

Experience	Or	Indicative price	Average duration	For whom?	Official link
International Perfume Museum (MIP)	Historic center of Grasse	See current rates	1h30–2h	Curious, passionate, families	MIP – Museums of Grasse
MIP Gardens	Mouans-Sartoux	See current rates	45–75 min	Plant lover, photo	MIP Gardens
Factory tour – Fragonard	Grasse	Free visit (workshop fee applies)	30–60 min	Quick discovery	Fragonard – Grasse
Factory tour – Molinard	Grasse	Free visit (workshop fee applies)	30–60 min	Practical and fun	Molinard – Grasse
Factory tour – Galimard	Grasse	Free visit (workshop fee applies)	30–60 min	Sensory experience	Galimard – Grasse

Note: Opening hours and prices vary throughout the year (high season, public holidays, events). To avoid disappointment, always check the official links before your visit.

Practical tips for a successful visit

• Choosing the right time slot: opt for weekday mornings, especially from May to September.

• Combine intelligently: MIP in the morning, lunch, then factory visit or MIP Gardens in the afternoon.

• With children: focus on interactive areas and age-appropriate workshops; a total duration of 60–90 minutes is often sufficient.

• Accessibility: Museums publish their accessibility features on their official pages; contact them in advance for assistance.

• Prepare your sense of smell: avoid wearing a strong perfume on the big day to better enjoy the notes to be smelled.

• Local culture: Grasse's know-how has been recognized by UNESCO since 2018, a strong benchmark for understanding the importance of the territory: UNESCO – Intangible Heritage .

Getting here from Le Relais Impérial (Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey)

By car: simple and scenic

From Le Relais Impérial, follow the legendary Route Napoléon (RN85) towards Grasse: allow approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic. The historic center is located on a hill: park at the edge of town and walk to the museum through the narrow streets. To plan your route from the hotel: Le Relais Impérial – Reception .

By bus: convenient and economical

The ZOU regional network line serves Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and Grasse. Check the timetables, stops, and fares on the official website: ZOU Network – Southern Region . Allow extra time for connections and the ascent to the historic center.

Where to eat and relax

After your visit, enjoy the tranquility of the Grasse countryside. The Relais Impérial offers:

• Cozy rooms with views of the hills: Discover the rooms

• A bistro-style restaurant and a wood-fired pizzeria: Services and catering

• Spaces for private and professional events: Events

• To learn more about the house and its hostesses: Our story

• Book directly: Reserve your stay

FAQ – Perfume Museum in Grasse

How long does it take to visit the MIP in Grasse?

For a first visit, allow approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, which gives you time to explore the permanent collections, read the essential information panels, and enjoy the olfactory experiences. If a temporary exhibition is on, add 20 to 30 minutes. For families with young children, a well-planned 60–75 minute visit is often sufficient. Tip: Take a short break midway through your visit to "rest" your sense of smell and better appreciate the following scents.

Is the perfume museum free in Grasse?

The MIP is a municipal museum with an admission fee; current prices are available on the Grasse Museums website. Discounts may be available (for young people, students, groups, etc.), and free admission may be offered on certain dates. To avoid any confusion, please consult the official MIP website before your visit: Prices and Opening Hours – MIP. Factory tours (Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard) are generally free, with workshops available for an additional fee.

Is it possible to create your own perfume in Grasse?

Yes. Several perfume houses offer workshops led by expert perfumers to create a personalized eau de parfum. The duration and price vary depending on the format (individual, duo, family). Book in advance, especially during the summer and school holidays. Contact the houses directly for more information: Fragonard , Molinard, Galimard.

Do you need to book in advance to visit the MIP or the perfume factories?

For the International Perfume Museum (MIP), booking a time slot is recommended during peak season or for groups; all information is available on the official website. Perfume factories often offer walk-in guided tours, but booking is strongly advised for workshops (limited spaces). During peak season (May–September), book at least a few days in advance.

What are the best times to see fragrant flowers?

For iconic blooms: the centifolia rose flowers mainly in May, the grandiflorum jasmine in summer (July–September), and the tuberose in late summer. The MIP Gardens indicate the seasonality of the crops and related events on their website: MIP Gardens – Information. This allows you to plan your visit around the most fragrant times of the year.

Key points to remember

• The MIP is the leading public museum for understanding the history of perfume in Grasse.

• Complete your visit with the MIP Gardens and/or a factory tour for a complete sensory experience.

• Opening hours and prices vary depending on the season: always check the official pages before you go.

• From Le Relais Impérial, allow 15 minutes drive: ideal for a themed half-day.

• Book workshops and time slots during peak season to avoid waiting.

• Want to extend your experience in a peaceful setting between the sea and the mountains? Plan your stay at the Relais Impérial or contact us for personalized advice: Write to us .