Things to see in Grasse off the beaten track

What to see in Grasse: our secret tips for exploring the perfume capital away from the crowds. Discover hidden gems, nature walks, and authentic experiences in the Grasse region, plus an ideal base camp between the sea and the mountains.

Located 15 minutes away, Le Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is the perfect starting point for combining hidden heritage, fragrant scents, hiking, and gastronomy. Between canals, gorges, pre-Alpine plateaus, and fields of flowers, this is an itinerary that prioritizes tranquility, encounters, and panoramic views.

In short

• Less frequented walks: Siagne Canal, bridges and viewpoints of the Loup gorges, Calern plateau.

• Perfume experiences: gardens, fields (in season) and know-how classified by UNESCO since 2018.

• Discreet heritage: chapels, mills, medieval alleyways and intimate museums.

• Perfect base: The Imperial Relay on the Route Napoléon, for easy exploration.

• Practical advice: seasons, access, safety and good addresses for a peaceful visit.

A day trip off the beaten track

Morning: Secret alleyways and intimate museums of the old town

Start early in Grasse's old upper town: vaulted passageways, narrow staircases, and ochre facades reveal another side of the perfume capital. Step inside the discreet Provençal Costume and Jewelry Museum or visit artisan workshops for a refined and uncrowded experience. The Grasse region has been recognized by UNESCO for its "perfume-related know-how" since 2018, a guarantee of authenticity to appreciate while strolling from one small square to another. For the latest openings and small exhibitions, consult the Grasse Tourist Office.

Local tip: Aim for weekday mornings: soft lighting for photos, shopkeepers available, and almost deserted alleyways.

For a heritage and olfactory context, alternate between viewpoints (ramparts, terraced gardens) and small addresses where they talk about distillation, essences and workshop techniques.

Lunch: picnic along the Siagne Canal

At midday, head towards the Siagne Canal, this historic ribbon of water that meanders above the valley. The well-marked and, in places, shaded maintenance paths offer an accessible walk, punctuated by small hydraulic structures, tunnels, and views of the hills. Bring a basket and settle down near an aqueduct or in a clearing, respecting the tranquility of the area and private property.

The trail is suitable for families as well as curious hikers. Check trail conditions after heavy rain and bring a headlamp for the short tunnels.

Afternoon: gorges, pools and hilltop villages

Continue towards the Gorges du Loup: viewpoints, translucent pools, and powerful waterfalls create a spectacular rocky landscape. Several access points allow you to alternate between scenic viewpoints and short walks away from the most frequented areas. Extend your visit with a stop in a hilltop village (Gourdon, Bar-sur-Loup) for a delicious and scenic break.

These fragile environments are at the heart of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park: follow the signs, stay on the paths and monitor the summer weather.

End of the day: sunset at the Calern plateau

End your visit on the Calern plateau, a vast pre-Alpine karst landscape dotted with sinkholes and observatories. The golden hues of evening are breathtaking, with the Mediterranean and mountain peaks as a backdrop. The Côte d'Azur Observatory – Calern site – offers guided tours and observation evenings on set dates: check in advance and bring a light sweater, even in summer.

The return to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is easy; the altitude brings a welcome coolness after an active day.

Confidential perfume experiments

Fields of flowers (depending on the season) and field meetings

In spring, the centifolia rose – also known as the May rose – dots the countryside; in late summer and early autumn, it's jasmine's turn. Many plots are privately owned; some farms open their doors occasionally by reservation. The Grasse Tourist Office often coordinates these visits. Ask for a harvesting demonstration, discover the distillation process, and leave with a concrete understanding of the link between terroir, technique, and fragrance.

Botanical gardens and landscape interpretation

For a peaceful alternative to large houses, explore educational gardens dedicated to fragrant and aromatic plants. There, you'll learn to identify the species, their life cycles, and their uses, all while enjoying a tranquil setting. Combine this visit with a nearby stroll: olive groves, dry-stone walls, and canals tell the story of rural Grasse, a place of patience and ingenuity.

Good to know: The perfume-making skills of the Grasse region have been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2018. Details on the UNESCO website .

Hidden heritage: chapels, bridges and mills

Historic bridges over the Siagne and shaded paths

The Pont des Tuves, a stone arch spanning the Siagne River, is accessible via a challenging descent that offers beautiful pools of water in the summer. Set off early, ascend slowly, and keep an eye on the river level. Other small bridges and old mule tracks dot the valley: a perfect playground for those who enjoy half-day micro-adventures.

Chapels and sacred Provençal art

Far from the crowds, small chapels dot the hills and hamlets: discreet frescoes, nautical votive offerings, weathered doors. These quiet havens invite you to slow down and observe the surroundings: cedars, cypresses, dry stone walls, and the scents of the garrigue. Contact the tourist office for information on keys, opening hours, and local festivals.

Mills and olive-growing traditions

Olive groves shape the landscapes of the Grasse region. Mills still in operation offer tours and tastings of single-varietal olive oils. It's an opportunity to learn about the restanques, dry-stone terraces that retain water and soil, and to understand the ingenuity of the farmers who shaped the region.

Outdoors: gentle hikes, secret swims and cycling

Fun walks along the water

The Siagne Canal, the banks of the Loup River, and certain gorges offer refreshing routes, ideal in the shoulder seasons and summer. Wear non-slip shoes, respect the designated safety zones, and bring plenty of water. If a storm is forecast, do not attempt the hike: water levels rise quickly in the gorges.

Gravel riding, mountain biking and the vast pre-alpine landscapes

Above Grasse, the plateaus (Calern, Caussols, Thorenc) offer rolling tracks and narrow singletrack trails, winding between sinkholes and alpine meadows. A local map or a reliable GPS track is essential. In winter, the wind can be strong; in spring, the wildflowers are spectacular. The Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park publishes recommendations regarding the flora and fauna to be respected.

Where to stay: The Imperial Relay, an ideal base camp

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Le Relais Impérial in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey combines authenticity, tranquility, and easy access to Grasse and the Prealps. This charming hotel-restaurant, located on the Route Napoléon, offers a warm welcome and pleasant terraces, perfect for relaxing after a long day and planning the next. Discover the spirit of the establishment and its highlights on the homepage .

• Accommodation options include 28 rooms in several categories, some with a terrace or bathtub. Browse the rooms to choose the one that best suits your needs.

• On the dining front: a creative bistro celebrating local produce and a wood-fired pizzeria for convivial meals, summer or winter. Services include everything you need for a relaxing stay.

• For events: modular spaces for meetings, parties or small weddings. Learn more about event planning .

Practical advice: Book directly to benefit from the best conditions and personalized interactions with the team: book your stay .

Practical tips for visiting differently

• Seasons: May-June for the centifolia rose; late August-October for jasmine. Spring and autumn offer perfect temperatures for walking.

• Mobility: park on the outskirts of the old town of Grasse and walk there; the pre-Alpine roads are winding but magnificent.

• Nature safety: monitor the weather, avoid gorges in case of thunderstorms, take water and an offline map.

• Respect: do not pick without permission; stay on the paths; close the gates; take your rubbish with you.

• Preparation: check the opening times of workshops, gardens and chapels with the Pays de Grasse Tourist Office and official sites such as the Calern Observatory.

FAQ

When is the best time to discover Grasse off the beaten track?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal: mild temperatures for hiking, remarkable blooms, and fewer crowds. In May, centifolia roses perfume the countryside; in late summer and early autumn, jasmine takes over. Winter offers pure light and very quiet trails on the pre-Alpine plateaus, but be sure to bring warm clothing for the evenings. In summer, set off early, choose shaded routes (canals, gorges), and take swimming breaks in designated areas.

Where can I see fields of perfume flowers near Grasse without disturbing the producers?

The farms are often privately owned. Contact the Tourist Office for guided tours or open days, depending on the season. Some farms welcome visitors by appointment to explain cultivation, harvesting, and distillation. Please respect the guidelines: do not trample the fields, avoid using drones, and stay on the access roads. Educational gardens and open-air museums offer an excellent alternative for smelling, observing, and photographing without disturbing the harvesters.

Is it possible to swim in the Loup gorges and the Siagne river?

Yes, provided you respect local regulations, signage, and safety instructions. Water levels can change rapidly after storms; check before you go. Wear appropriate footwear, stay away from unsecured jumping areas, and stick to pools accessible via marked trails. Some areas are protected for wildlife: avoid using soap, take your trash with you, and keep a safe distance from fragile banks.

How much time should I allow for an alternative visit to Grasse and the Prealps of the French Riviera?

Two to three days allow you to combine the old town, perfume experiences, canal tours, gorges, and a sunset on a plateau. With four to five days, add hilltop villages, a craft workshop, and an astronomy outing in Calern. The idea is to mix short walks, encounters, and gourmet breaks, without rushing. Staying in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey makes it easy to explore Grasse, the Siagne and Loup rivers, and the plateaus, while enjoying peaceful evenings.

Key points to remember

• Grasse's hidden side: canals, gardens, gorges and plateaus far from the classic circuits.

• Living perfumes: UNESCO know-how, seasonal field visits and educational gardens.

• Preserved nature: Prealps of the French Riviera, accessible walks and sunset panoramas.

• Hidden heritage: rural chapels, mills, historic bridges and secret alleyways.

• Strategic base: The Imperial Relay on the Route Napoléon for stress-free travel.

• Ready to explore? Plan your stay and discover the spirit of the Relais Impérial or book directly to fully enjoy the Pays de Grasse.