Visiting Grasse: itinerary and must-see perfumeries
- Cedric KTORZA
- Nov 26, 2025
- 6 min read
Set your sights on an unforgettable visit to Grasse. Discover a clear itinerary, must-see perfumeries and all the practical advice you need to plan your getaway from Le Relais Impérial, just 15 minutes from the world capital of perfume.
In short
Optimized one-day itinerary: old town, MIP, perfume workshops and panoramic views
Focus on three historic houses: Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard (visits and workshops)
Practical advice: when to go, how to get around, where to park
Ideal base: Le Relais Impérial, between Route Napoléon and Pays Grassois
Official resources and useful links for booking and checking schedules
Why choose Grasse (and start from the Relais Impérial)?
The world capital of perfume, Grasse combines ancestral know-how, medieval streets, and views of the Mediterranean. Since 2018, the perfume-making skills of the Grasse region have been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, an international recognition of its olfactory expertise ( official source ).
Located on the Route Napoléon, a 15-minute drive away, Le Relais Impérial, a charming hotel in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, is an ideal starting point: peaceful, with views of the hills, easy parking, and a gentle return after the hustle and bustle of the old town. As an added bonus, there's a bistro-style restaurant and a wood-fired pizzeria to enjoy a delicious meal before or after your journey.
Ideal day trip itinerary in Grasse
Morning: stroll through Old Grasse and discovery of the MIP
Start with the pastel-colored alleyways of the historic center: shaded squares, staircases, arcades, fountains, and shuttered facades. Pass by Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral (a listed historical monument) and admire its understated Provençal architecture (see heritage information sheet ).
Continue your visit at the International Perfume Museum (MIP) to discover the odyssey of fragrances, from raw materials to bottles. The permanent exhibition illuminates the uses and professions of perfume, with an elegant sensory journey. Check opening hours and programs on the Grasse Museums – MIP website .
Tip: Book your tickets and tours in advance during peak season to avoid waiting.
Lunch: gourmet break and scenic views
For lunch, choose a terrace in the old town or, if you're staying at the hotel, return to enjoy refined bistro-style cuisine or a wood-fired pizza before heading back to the workshops. For a quick break, head to the streets near Cours Honoré-Cresp and the panoramic views of the Bay of Cannes.
Afternoon: perfumeries and "nose" workshops
Grasse is the realm of historic perfume houses. Many offer free guided tours of their workshops and introductions to perfume composition. Plan your visit in advance:
Fragonard: discovery trail and introductory workshops. Information and bookings on Fragonard – Visit .
Molinard: "Perfume creation" workshops in various formats. Details on Molinard – The Workshops.
Galimard: Perfumery tours and olfactory experiences. See Galimard – Guided Tours.
Prices and durations vary depending on the package and the season; consult the official websites for up-to-date conditions.
Late afternoon: panoramic views and fragrant shopping
Finish with a view of the Mediterranean (from the Cours esplanade or the balcony gardens), then do some shopping: toiletries, soaps, candles, or local products (flowers, citrus fruits, olives). For event ideas, maps, and guided tours, consult the Pays de Grasse Tourist Office .
Recommended route from Le Relais Impérial
Title of the painting: A day in Grasse starting from the Relais Impérial
Approximate time | Stage | Details | Useful link |
09:00 | Departure from the hotel | Route Napoléon towards Grasse (≈15 min) | |
09:30 | Old Grasse | Alleyways, small squares, cathedral | |
10:30 | MIP | International Perfume Museum | |
12:30 | Lunch | Old town or return to the hotel | |
14:00 | Perfume workshop | Fragonard/Molinard/Galimard | Fragonard • Molinard • Galimard |
16:30 | Panoramas | Cours Honoré-Cresp, perfumed shopping | |
18:00 | Back | Relaxation and dinner at the hotel |
Must-visit perfumeries: which one to choose?
Fragonard House
Iconic and educational, Fragonard has designed its tours to explain each step: receiving raw materials, distillation, maceration, and blending. The introductory workshops are accessible to beginners and those simply curious. Depending on the season, tours are offered in several languages; book your slots on the Fragonard – Visit website .
Molinard Perfumery
Renowned for its "Le Petit Parfumeur" workshops and bespoke creations, Molinard emphasizes experience and personalization. Formats, durations, and age requirements vary: please check the terms and availability on the Molinard – Workshops page.
Galimard House
With a centuries-old heritage, Galimard offers guided tours and introductory workshops in fragrance creation, led by a scent consultant. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and school holidays. Up-to-date information on Galimard – Guided Tours.
Practical advice: transport, season, good habits
Getting there and getting around
By car: easy access from Route Napoléon; parking in public car parks around the historic centre (check conditions on the City's website).
By train: Grasse TER station serves the coastal line. Timetables and tickets are available on TER Sud – Gare de Grasse .
By bus: ZOU! regional network South Region , lines to Grasse and the Grasse region.
When to leave?
Spring and autumn often offer mild temperatures and beautiful light for the alleyways and terraces. In summer, plan an early start and book your tours/workshops in advance. In winter, the crowds thin out and museums remain an excellent cultural option; check opening times (which may change) on official websites.
Book and check the information
The schedules for workshops, temporary exhibitions, and guided tours change according to the season. Refer to the Grasse Tourist Office and the websites of the perfume houses for up-to-date information. For events, the Grasse Museums website is the primary source.
Where to unpack your bags: Le Relais Impérial, your peaceful base
Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Le Relais Impérial combines authenticity, serenity, and a warm welcome. After your day exploring Grasse, enjoy a terrace with a view, a relaxing bath, or a convivial dinner. For a flawless experience, discover our on-site services and come and discover our comfortable rooms .
Plan a romantic getaway, a business trip, or a family weekend with ease, or reserve private spaces for your personal and professional events . Book your stay now at the perfect time for you.
FAQ – Visiting Grasse: Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I allow for visiting Grasse?
A well-organized day is enough for a great first impression: the old town, the International Perfume Museum (MIP), and a perfumery with a workshop. If you want to delve deeper (several workshops, additional museums, panoramic viewpoints), plan for two days. Visiting times vary depending on the crowds and the season. To make the most of your itinerary, book workshop slots in advance and start with the historic center in the morning, which is quieter and more pleasant.
Which perfume shops should I visit first if I only have half a day?
Focus on a historic house with a guided tour and shop (Fragonard, Molinard, or Galimard) and combine it with a short stroll through Old Grasse. All three offer introductory workshops; choose according to available times and location. Check the guidelines (age, language, duration) on their official websites. If time is short, opt for the guided workshop tour, which is very educational and doesn't require a long commitment.
Is it possible to visit Grasse without a car?
Yes. The TER train station serves Grasse from the coast, and regional buses connect to neighboring towns. Once there, the historic center is easily explored on foot, although some streets are hilly. Check the timetables on the TER Sud – Gare de Grasse website and the ZOU! network . During peak season, plan your journeys in advance (consider waiting times and crowds) to schedule your visits to workshops.
When is the flower season in Grasse?
Flowering depends on the species and weather conditions. Generally, spring sees the blooming of many flowers emblematic of the Grasse region, while other varieties continue to flower until early summer. For information on highlights, flower markets, and themed events, consult the Grasse Tourist Office and the announcements from museums and perfume houses. They update the dates annually.
Key points to remember
Grasse is ideally explored in one day: the old town, the International Perfume Museum (MIP), and a perfumery with a workshop.
The expertise in perfume making has been recognized by UNESCO since 2018.
Book your workshops in advance and check the official schedules.
The Relais Impérial is a perfect base: quiet, quick access, restaurant and pizzeria
Spring/autumn: ideal conditions; summer: mornings are best
Ready to plan? Start by visiting the Relais Impérial website and choose your dates, then book your stay .
