Perfume shops in Grasse: the best addresses in 2025

Grasse perfumeries: the best addresses and experiences to enjoy in 2025. Want to (re)discover the world capital of perfume without getting lost in the options? Here is a clear and up-to-date selection of must-visit perfume houses, workshops to create your own fragrance, and practical advice for organizing your day in Grasse from Le Relais Impérial.

In short

• The three historic houses to visit: Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard (visits and workshops).

• For an immersive experience: combine an olfactory workshop + perfume museum on the same day.

• Fragrant periods: May rose (May-June), jasmine (summer); floral events to watch for.

• Book the workshops in advance, especially from April to October.

• Ideal base: a peaceful stay 15 minutes from Grasse at the Relais Impérial .

Grasse, the perfume capital: what makes it unique

A know-how registered with UNESCO

The Grasse region is renowned for its expertise in perfume making: cultivating aromatic plants, understanding raw materials, and composition. These practices were inscribed in 2018 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a testament to excellence and the living transmission of the perfumer's craft. Learn more about the inscription and its criteria on the UNESCO website .

When to come to experience Grasse at its best in the season

• Rose centifolia (also known as “May rose”): flowering and harvesting generally in May-June, with events and flower markets.

• Jasmin grandiflorum: peak in summer (often August-September).

• Key festivals: ExpoRose in spring and Jasminade in summer (exact dates to be confirmed each year). Consult the Pays de Grasse Tourism calendar for 2025 dates and event bookings.

The best perfume shops to visit in 2025

Fragonard: free guided tours and iconic collections

Fragonard offers free guided tours of its factories and museums in Grasse year-round, an excellent introduction to the perfume-making process and a chance to discover perfume organs. The boutiques allow you to explore eaux de toilette, soaps, candles, and limited editions. Tours can be booked in advance or taken on a walk-through basis, depending on availability; check the official website for up-to-date information: Fragonard – Factory & Museum Tours .

Tip: Ideal at the beginning of the day to avoid groups and better benefit from the explanations.

Molinard: the workshop to create your own perfume

Founded in 1849, Molinard is renowned for its fragrance composition workshops, accessible to both beginners and enthusiasts. Depending on the chosen option, allow approximately 45 to 120 minutes to create your own signature scent with the guidance of an expert, and leave with your personalized creation. Places fill up quickly during peak season: book now through the Molinard – Tours & Workshops page in Grasse.

Galimard: The Fragrance Studio, an immersive experience

A pioneer since 1747, Galimard offers tours of its perfumery and a "Fragrance Studio" where you create your own perfume step by step (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the chosen option). The educational approach and the wide range of notes to explore appeal to both novices and seasoned perfumers. Details and reservations: Galimard – Tour & Workshop in Grasse.

International Perfume Museum (MIP): understanding yesterday and tomorrow

Essential for contextualizing your fragrant stroll, the MIP traces the history of scents, raw materials, and olfactory landscapes. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, beautiful perfume bottles, and an educational trail, it's a must-see cultural destination. Plan your visit on the official website of the Grasse Museums – MIP .

Artisans and addresses with character

Want to broaden your exploration beyond the “big three”?

• Maison M. Micallef: a niche brand from Grasse with an artistic aesthetic; boutique and occasional events according to a schedule. Information: M. Micallef – Maison in Grasse.

• Domaine de Manon (flower cultivation for perfume): field and workshop tours available seasonally and by reservation; perfect for experiencing the scent of roses or jasmine on site. Information for 2025: Domaine de Manon.

A quick comparison of perfume experiences in Grasse (2025)

Home	Key Experiences	Reservation	Ideal for	Official link
Fragonard	Free guided tours of factories/museums, discovery of raw materials	Recommended in season	First steps, families	Fragonard Tours
Molinard	Composition workshops (approx. 45–120 min), factory tour	Highly recommended	Custom creations, gifts	Molinard Workshops
Galimard	Fragrance Studio (approx. 90 min), educational tour	Highly recommended	Olfactory immersion	Galimard Workshops
MIP (Museum)	Historical trail, temporary exhibitions, gardens	Tickets available on site/online	Knowledge, culture	Perfume Museum – MIP
Manon's Estate	Field visits (seasonal), meeting with producers	Reservations required	Nature, flower season	Manon's Estate

Recommended routes from Le Relais Impérial

Located just 15 minutes from Grasse, Le Relais Impérial is an ideal starting point for organizing your visits without the constraints of the coast.

1 day “Essentials”

• Morning: Discovery workshop at Molinard or Galimard (advance booking required).

• Lunch: historic center of Grasse.

• Afternoon: Free guided tour at Fragonard + MIP to complete the overview.

• Evening: Return to calm and bistronomic dinner or wood-fired pizzeria at the Relais Impérial.

2 days “Know-how and nature”

• Day 1: Visit Fragonard + MIP; stroll through the alleys and perfume shops.

• Day 2 (season): Outing to Domaine de Manon for fragrant flowers; afternoon composition workshop to leave with your creation.

Tip: check schedules and availability the day before (official websites), especially from May to September.

Practical tips for a successful visit

• Booking: workshops fill up quickly in high season; plan 1 to 3 weeks in advance depending on the period.

• Duration: allow 2 to 4 hours for a visit + a workshop; a full day if you add the museum.

• Sensitive skin: test on a patch to smell before application; ask for alternatives if you are sensitive to certain allergens.

• Shopping: most stores offer delivery; convenient for avoiding transporting bottles by plane.

• Flowering season: follow the Pays de Grasse Tourisme agenda for ExpoRose and the Jasminade.

• Logistics: leave early, and on weekends, park on the outskirts of the old town.

Where to stay near Grasse for a gentle exploration

The Relais Impérial welcomes you to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, on the Route Napoléon, between the sea and the Prealps. Enjoy an authentic atmosphere, tranquility, and sunny terraces to extend your olfactory discoveries over a delicious dinner.

• Discover the categories and views overlooking the hills: Cozy and family rooms

• Dining in: bistronomy and wood-fired pizzeria, available through the hotel services

• Private or professional events near Grasse: Event spaces

• Book your stay directly: Access the booking platform

• Have a question? Contact the team

FAQ

Which perfumery should I choose in Grasse for a first introductory workshop?

For a first-timer, Molinard and Galimard are excellent options: they offer structured learning formats, step-by-step guidance, and a wide selection of musical notes for composition. Molinard offers several session lengths, which is convenient if you have a tight schedule; Galimard focuses on a continuous immersion of approximately 90 minutes. If you're unsure, start with a free guided tour at Fragonard to refine your tastes, then book an afternoon workshop. Always check availability and languages offered on their official websites.

Are there an entrance fee for visits to the perfume factories in Grasse?

Guided factory tours at Fragonard are advertised as free year-round (subject to schedule and visitor numbers; see official website). Composition workshops at Molinard and Galimard are fee-based, with prices varying according to duration and format. The International Perfume Museum also requires an admission fee; tickets are available on-site and online. As prices and conditions may change, please check the official websites before visiting to avoid any surprises.

How much time should I allow to discover Grasse through the lens of perfume?

At a comfortable pace, allow half a day for a factory tour and a short workshop. For a complete experience (Fragonard + workshop at Molinard or Galimard + MIP), plan for a full day. If you'd like to see fields of fragrant flowers in season (rose or jasmine) and stroll through the historic center, two days are ideal. Add extra time for parking, lunch breaks, and shopping, especially between May and October.

Is it possible to create a personalized perfume and take home your composition?

Yes. The workshops at Molinard and Galimard allow you to create your own fragrance with the guidance of an expert, and then leave with your creation in a personalized bottle. Some houses keep your formula for future re-releases; others offer engraving or format options. The details (duration, volume, personalization) vary depending on the workshop chosen: consult the up-to-date descriptions on the official websites before booking.

When is the best time to smell the roses and jasmine in Grasse?

The centifolia rose is generally harvested in May and June, a perfect time for field visits and floral events. Grandiflorum jasmine is harvested primarily in summer (often August and September). The exact dates depend on the annual weather. To plan your outing at the best time, consult the Pays de Grasse Tourism calendar and announcements from producers such as Domaine de Manon.

Key points to remember

• Grasse offers free visits, tailor-made workshops and a leading museum.

• Book the workshops during the season and combine them with the MIP for a balanced day.

• Aim for May-June (rose) or late summer (jasmine) for a sensory journey to the top.

• Stay in a peaceful location 15 minutes away at the Relais Impérial , to explore without stress.

• Consider shops for scented gifts and delivery services for traveling light.

• Ready to plan your fragrant getaway? Check our rooms and availability or book directly through the online platform .