Weekend in Provence: Route Napoléon and Grasse

Weekend in Provence: discover an authentic itinerary between the Route Napoléon and Grasse, with a charming stopover in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey. Looking for accommodation, things to see, and how to plan your short break near Grasse? Here's a clear and practical guide to making the most of two days between the sea and the Prealps, alternating between heritage sites, fragrant landscapes, and breathtaking scenery.

In short

• Ideal base in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, in a quiet location, on the legendary Route Napoléon, 15 minutes from Grasse.

• Day 1: Route Napoléon, hilltop villages and nature (Parc naturel des Préalpes d'Azur), convivial dinner at the Relais Impérial.

• Day 2: Grasse, museums and perfumeries, olfactory workshops and strolling through the old town.

• Best time: spring and early autumn for mild weather and light, summer for activity.

• Easy booking and personalized advice for a stress-free stay.

Why choose Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey as a base camp?

Located in the heart of the Grasse region, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey offers a strategic location between the coast and the mountains. You can easily access must-see sites while enjoying a peaceful and authentic village. It's the perfect base for exploring the Route Napoléon and Grasse.

The Relais Impérial, a charming hotel and restaurant, welcomes you with cozy rooms, some with a terrace or bathtub, and two additional dining options (bistro-style and wood-fired pizzeria). Discover the spirit of the establishment and its location on the Route Napoléon through Le Relais Impérial , and explore the rooms and services . For those curious, the family history reveals the soul of the place.

A haven of peace between sea and mountains, where you can truly disconnect after a day of exploration.

2-day itinerary along the Route Napoléon and in Grasse

Day 1 — Route Napoléon, hilltop villages and fresh air

• Morning: arrival and settling in at Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, on the historic N85 (officially designated "Route Napoléon" since 1932). Take the time to stroll through the village and admire the Grasse hills.

• Nature walk: head to the plateaus and forests of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park. Well-marked trails, open panoramas, and preserved biodiversity make it perfect for a 1- to 3-hour walk. Practical information and suggested routes can be found on the Préalpes d'Azur Park website .

• Lunch: simple and local. Tip: ask the hotel for the best local addresses (cheeses, olive oil, village bakeries).

• Afternoon: scenic loop to a hilltop village like Gourdon (with its remarkable viewpoint) or Cabris, then return via the Route Napoléon to enjoy views of the Prealps. Depending on your pace, add a detour to Saut du Loup (waterfalls) and the Gorges du Loup.

• Evening: dinner at the Relais Impérial. Choose between the creative bistronomic menu or the wood-fired pizzeria, on the terrace or inside, depending on the season.

Practical tip: the Route Napoléon stretches for approximately 315 km from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, but a weekend is well-suited to sections of the route between Grasse, Saint-Vallier, and the first foothills of the Alps. Don't try to do everything: focus on 2-3 quality stages.

Day 2 — Grasse, the world capital of perfume

• Morning: Leave early for Grasse (approximately 15 minutes). Start with the International Perfume Museum (MIP) to learn about the history, raw materials, and crafts of perfume. Opening hours, exhibitions, and collections can be found on the International Perfume Museum website .

• Recognized expertise: since 2018, the perfume-making skills of the Grasse region (cultivation of perfume plants, knowledge of raw materials, and the art of composition) have been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Learn more on the official UNESCO fact sheet (2018) .

• Olfactory workshop: book an introductory session at a perfume house (creation of a personalized fragrance, 1 to 2 hours). These experiences must be booked in advance, especially during peak season.

• Midday and afternoon: stroll through the old town (Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral, shaded squares, colorful facades), then take a coffee or gelato break. Continue your visit with a visit to the MIP gardens (in Mouans-Sartoux, depending on opening hours) or along a final scenic route before heading back up to Saint-Vallier.

Local tip: ask the hotel for the least busy time slots for museums and perfumeries, and the easiest parking in the city centre.

Ideas according to the season

• Spring (April–June): blooming flowers, mild temperatures, ideal light for photography. Perfect for hiking and visiting Grasse without the crowds.

• Summer (July–August): festive atmosphere, long evenings on the terrace. Opt for early morning visits and late afternoon nature outings to avoid the heat.

• Autumn (Sept.–Oct.): golden colours, harvests, often stable weather. Superb for a relaxing road trip.

• Winter: clear skies, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and quiet roads. A cozy getaway with gourmet dinners.

Where to sleep and eat well

At the Relais Impérial, the 28 rooms are available in five categories to suit all tastes: terrace with a view, relaxing bathtub, and warm atmosphere. Check room availability and services (itinerary advice, on-site dining, pleasant terraces).

For your meals, alternate between the bistro-style restaurant (local produce, creative recipes) and the wood-fired pizzeria (generous pizzas and grilled meats). Ideal after a day on the Route Napoléon or in Grasse.

Practical tips for a successful weekend

• Access: Nice Côte d'Azur is the nearest airport. A car remains the most flexible way to get around; regional buses (ZOU!) connect Grasse and the hinterland, with frequencies varying according to the season.

• Driving: winding but well-maintained roads; allow comfortable travel times to enjoy the views.

• Reservations: perfume workshops, museums during peak hours and restaurants on weekends should be booked in advance, especially in summer.

• Equipment: lightweight walking shoes, hat, water, windbreaker for the plateaus. In winter, warm clothing for the evenings.

• Local information: the Tourist Office offers up-to-date maps and ideas; consult the Parc des Préalpes d'Azur website for open trails and recommendations.

Need personalized advice or special attention (allergies, specific room, romantic surprise)? Write to us via the contact page .

Culture and know-how surrounding perfume

Grasse is a world-renowned center for the cultivation of the centifolia rose, grandiflorum jasmine, and tuberose. Historic houses offer tours and workshops to explain extraction, maceration, and enfleurage techniques. UNESCO World Heritage status (2018) recognizes these practices and encourages their transmission. The International Museum of Grasse (MIP) and its educational gardens, detailed on museesdegrasse.com , perfectly complement a stroll through the narrow streets.

Extend the getaway

If you have an extra day: - Verdon (Castellane, pre-gorges): spectacular drive, lakes and viewpoints. - Villages of art and history: Valbonne, Mougins, Biot. - Half-day trip to the French Riviera: Cannes (Croisette, Lérins Islands) before returning to the tranquility of Saint-Vallier.

Looking to organize a birthday party, an intimate wedding or a team meeting in a setting with character? Discover our event spaces .

FAQ

Where to stay for a weekend in Provence near Grasse?

To enjoy both the Route Napoléon and Grasse, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is an excellent compromise: peaceful, central, and authentic. The Relais Impérial offers 28 rooms, two restaurants, and terraces for relaxing between sightseeing. Its location on the N85 makes it easy to explore the hilltop villages and Grasse (approximately 15 minutes away). Check room availability and don't hesitate to ask the team for personalized itinerary advice.

What to do in Grasse in one day?

Start with the International Perfume Museum for the basics, then follow up with a workshop at a perfume house (reservations recommended). Stroll through the old town (cathedral, small squares, ancient gates), take a coffee break, then explore the MIP gardens. Depending on the weather, finish with a viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Cannes or a short walk to the Gorges du Loup. Practical information and exhibitions can be found at museesdegrasse.com .

When is the best time to travel the Route Napoléon?

Spring and early autumn offer the best combination: clear roads, pleasant temperatures, and golden light. Summer is appealing with its long days but attracts more people to certain sections and sites. In winter, traffic flows smoothly and the landscapes are very clear, but expect cool evenings in the higher elevations. Avoid overloading your route: for a weekend, focus on 2–3 key stages between Grasse and the Prealps.

How to get to Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey without a car?

From Nice Airport, there are train and bus connections to Grasse, followed by regional buses (ZOU!) serving the surrounding countryside. Frequency varies depending on the day and season; plan your connections and check the timetable the day before. Once there, you can walk or combine buses with occasional ride-hailing services for certain stages. To optimize your journeys and arrival times, contact the hotel for advice via the contact page .

Key points to remember

• Ideal base camp: Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, on the Route Napoléon, a stone's throw from Grasse.

• A balanced program: nature, hilltop villages, museums and perfume workshops.

• Best times: spring and autumn for a gentle pace and sublime colours.

• On-site services: two complementary restaurants and comfortable rooms, including terraces.

• Personalized advice: the team guides you according to your desires and the season.

Ready to experience your getaway between sea and mountains? Browse Le Relais Impérial and remember to book your stay to guarantee the best availability.