Grasse

The world-renowned capital of perfume, Grasse sits on hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean and offers historic perfumeries where visitors can learn the art of fragrance creation. The Medieval Old Town and jasmine-scented surroundings create an immersive sensory experience.

Things to do

• Fragonard Perfumery Tour — Visit one of Grasse's oldest perfume houses to learn fragrance-blending techniques and create your own custom scent in the historic laboratory.
• Musée International de la Parfumerie — Explore the world's most comprehensive perfume museum housing ancient Roman vessels, vintage bottles, and the history of fragrance across 4,000 years.
• Medieval Old Town Wandering — Navigate narrow cobblestone streets, Renaissance facades, and hidden passageways of Vieux Grasse while discovering local artisan shops and viewpoints overlooking the Esterel Mountains.
• Jasmine Field Visits — Tour the surrounding countryside during August-September bloom season to see the jasmine fields that supply the perfume industry and experience the intoxicating floral landscape.
• Galimard Perfumery Workshop — Participate in hands-on perfume creation sessions at this 18th-century perfumery where you'll blend essential oils with guidance from master perfumers.
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy — Visit this 12th-century Gothic cathedral in the Old Town featuring Renaissance artwork and a peaceful interior that contrasts with the bustling perfume shops outside.

Food to try

• Pan Bagnat — A Provençal sandwich of crusty bread filled with tomatoes, olives, eggs, and anchovies pressed together to meld the flavors—a perfect handheld lunch while exploring the town.
• Fougasse aux Fleurs — A sweet and savory Provençal flatbread studded with candied fruit and aromatic flowers that bridges Grasse's perfume heritage with local pastry traditions.
• Jasmine-Infused Honey — Local artisans create floral honey by infusing the region's famous jasmine blooms, producing a delicate sweetener that captures the essence of the surrounding fields.
• Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée — A traditional French onion soup served throughout Provence, warming and umami-rich, found in family-run bistros throughout Grasse's medieval streets.
• Bouillabaisse — The iconic Provençal fish stew from nearby Mediterranean ports appears on menus in Grasse, combining local catch with saffron, fennel, and Rouille-topped bread.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress for Narrow Streets — Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the Old Town's cobblestone alleys are steep, uneven, and often slippery—even sandals with thick soles are challenging.
• Visit Perfumeries Early Morning — Arrive at major perfumeries before 10 AM to avoid tour crowds and secure spots in hands-on workshops, which fill quickly during peak season.
• Respect Fragrance Etiquette — When visiting multiple perfumeries in one day, perfumers recommend sniffing coffee beans between stops to reset your olfactory senses for accurate scent appreciation.
• Learn Basic French Phrases — While tourism is established, English is less common in smaller shops and family-run restaurants, so mastering polite French greetings enhances the local experience.