Things To Do
in Grasse
Grasse is a hilltop town in the Provence-Alpes-Cassion region renowned as the perfume capital of the world. Its old town threads narrow lanes, sunlit squares, and hidden courtyards around a grand cathedral and fragrant alleyways. Perched above the Côte d'Azur, Grasse offers cooler air, panoramic hillside views, and a scent-filled atmosphere that lingers long after you leave.
The town preserves centuries of perfume-making craft in its factories, museums, and ateliers, making scent as much a part of daily life as coffee and bread.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day wandering through Grasse’s charming old town, admiring the colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the Place aux Aires and the nearby cafés for a delightful French breakfast. The fresh morning air and peaceful ambiance make it perfect for photography and soaking in the local culture.
Head to the International Perfume Museum to learn about Grasse’s rich history as the perfume capital of the world. Afterward, visit a local flower market to see the beautiful blooms that inspire many fragrances. Enjoy lunch at a quaint bistro serving traditional Provençal dishes.
Take a gentle stroll along the hillside overlooking the town as the sun sets, capturing the golden hour light on the terracotta roofs. Have dinner at a cozy restaurant overlooking the valley, savoring Mediterranean flavors paired with local wines. End your evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets.
Begin your day visiting the iconic Fragonard perfume factory for a guided tour that reveals the art of scent creation. Participate in a workshop to create your own personalized fragrance to take home. Enjoy a mid-morning coffee at the factory’s boutique café surrounded by fragrant aromas.
Explore the Molinard or Galimard perfume factories, comparing different approaches to traditional perfumery. Dive deeper into flower extraction techniques and the history of essential oils. Grab a light lunch at a nearby café, sampling regional specialties like socca or ratatouille.
Spend your evening relaxing at a scenic park or garden, breathing in the fragrant air that inspired centuries of perfumers. Dine al fresco under the stars, enjoying freshly prepared seafood and local dishes. Soak in the tranquil atmosphere of a small town evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥖Baguette and snacks | $1-4 |
| ☕️Cup of coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-9 |
| 🧀Cheese plate or charcuterie | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich perfume heritage and fragrant landscape
- Charming old town with scenic viewpoints
- Proximity to the Riviera and easy day trips to the coast
- Peak season can be crowded and parking challenging
- Hilly terrain with steep streets in the old town
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger cities
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est…?" - Where is…?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Grasse
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow, sun-dappled streets with ochre stone walls and hanging jasmine create painterly scenes at every corner.
Historic exterior and meticulously landscaped courtyards that echo the town’s fragrant heritage.
A Gothic-tinged facade with a clock tower, stunning in morning light and golden hour glow.
Terraced gardens providing sweeping views over the olive groves and hills toward the coast.
Food in Grasse
Grasse Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A vegetable-packed Provençal stew featuring zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and herbs, often served as a light main or side.
Must-Try!
Chicken braised with olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, a hearty regional classic.
Orange-blossom cookies that echo the area’s fragrant traditions—a sweet finish to any meal.
Garlic mayonnaise served with vegetables or seafood, a staple in shared Provençal dining.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market offering local produce, herbs, flowers, and seasonal specialties; a great place to sample regional bites.
Seasonal stalls in the old town featuring fresh herbs, honey, olive oil samples, and small Provencal pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say bonjour or bonsoir when entering shops. Use polite phrases like s’il vous plaît and merci; a courteous approach is valued.
Casual but neat attire is standard for day-to-day visits; modest dress in religious sites and local shrines.
Evening strolls and long meals are common; respect quiet hours in residential areas and cafés after late dinners.
Safety
Tipping in Grasse
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills (service compris); additional tips of 5–10% are appreciated for good service in cafes and smaller eateries.
Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; cash is handy for markets and small vendors; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make wandering the old town especially pleasant; lavender fields begin to appear in the surrounding hills.
Warm to hot days; plan early mornings or late afternoons for outdoor activities and market strolls; seaside breezes help, and peak perfume production can be felt in the air.
Pleasant hiking weather and harvest celebrations; wine and lavender-based products are readily available at local markets.
Cooler evenings with festive lights in the old town; fewer crowds and comfortable strolls along lantern-lit lanes.
Grasse at Night
Hiking in Grasse
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hillside trails with panoramic viewpoints over the Côte d’Azur and fragrant lavender fields in bloom during late spring and summer.
Rugged canyon trails and shaded paths along the Loup river; a dramatic setting for more challenging hikes.
Forest trails along the Siagne valley offering cooler shade, streams, and easy to moderate day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Grasse by plane.
Major international gateway serving the Riviera; roughly 40–60 minutes by car to Grasse depending on traffic.
Smaller regional airport convenient for domestic and charter flights; about 50–70 minutes from Grasse by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and retirees who have lived in the area for generations, often with strong ties to perfumery and agriculture.
Tourists and seasonal residents who contribute to the lively market and local culture in warmer months.
People who work in perfume, tourism, and surrounding towns, commuting to the coast for work or services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local clubs and community leagues are active throughout the year.
A classic Provençal pastime; public parks and squares host friendly games.
Hilly terrain around Grasse offers scenic routes for riders and runners.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Grasse.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Provencal dishes can be adapted; look for ratatouille, grilled vegetables, olive-oil-based dishes, and fresh salads. Ask for no meat or choose seafood options if pescatarian.