Grasse, Perfume Landmark of France
Just a short distance from Cannes on the Riviera lies the town of Grasse. Grasse has been known as a perfume capital since the 19th century. In fact, as you stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town, you might just smell something floral in the air!
A Bit of History
Centuries before the expansion of the perfume industry, back in the Middle Ages, leather tanning was a primary industry in the town. That meant the air didn’t smell as good as it does today! The practice of selling leather gloves and other leather products that were scented with perfume married the two trades. As tanneries died out after the 17th century, perfume continued as the landmark for which Grasse is known around the world.
Grasse is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to the gentle year-round climate, mountains and forests (and wildflowers from which perfume is made) surrounding the town, and of course, its picturesque Provence charm. It is known as a city of art and history.
Grasse Today
Perfume is the central industry and a big employer in Grasse. There are about 70 perfumers in Grasse, with names such as Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard, among many others. Along with that are farms that supply the flowers and other industries that contribute to the creation of perfumes. Companies such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès source their ingredients from Grasse. Other companies have offices there.
Several perfume houses open their doors to visitors with stores and tours that demonstrate how perfumes are made. If you visit, one of the best things to do is tour a perfume factory. Some factories, such as Galimard, offer workshops where tourists create a scent of their own! (Be sure to book this in advance, since they are very popular!) Another perfume-related activity is visiting the International Perfume Museum and its gardens.
Other Activities in Grasse
Grasse is home to other interesting museums unrelated to perfume. Visit the Provence Art and History Museum to go deeper into Provence’s history and see the styles of art from the region.
Of course, you’ll want to stroll through the Old Town’s narrow streets filled with shops, eateries, and galleries. The main street is Rue Jean Ossola.
Though we associate the name Fragonard with perfume, Jean-Honore Fragonard was a painter, and his works are displayed at the Jean-Honore Fragonard Villa-Museum, housed in a gracious 17th century home.
Notre Dame de Puy is a 12th-century cathedral in the Old Town. Be sure to go inside, as it is more impressive than the exterior. There are three paintings by the Belgian artist Peter Paul Rubens.
Since Grasse is a town filled with flowers, why not visit one of its gardens…The Fort France Gardens, the Villa Noailles Gardens, and the Princess Pauline Gardens.
Annual festivals based on flowers! (You can imagine how good that smells!) In spring, there is the ExpoRose Event, with fountains, squares, and streets decorated with roses. In August there is the Jasmine Festival, including music and street entertainment.
Not far away from Grasse is the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park, where you can hike and enjoy nature. And of course, the beach is nearby as well! (Sounds like an ideal place to visit, doesn’t it?)
Also nearby is the town of St. Paul-de-Vence, a memorable village known for some of its famous visitors!
Tips for Visiting the Region
Getting to Grasse is an easy drive from Nice or Cannes. If you’re visiting the region, check out the Côte D’Azur France Pass www.pass-cotedazurfrance.com/ for activities and a transportation pass, Pass Sud Azure, good for 3, 7, or 14 days. The Suz Azure is an all-in-one pass for visiting the Cote d’Azur and Monaco area, with unlimited access to trains, trams, and buses. Click here for more information. /
Last but not least…
Did You Know…
A professional perfumer is called a nez, which means nose?
It’s true. Easy to see why.
That’s all for now!
