Grasse is known as the perfume capital of the world, but to reduce this town in the Alpes-Maritimes to its perfume factories would be to miss the point. Just 17km from Cannes and 40km from Nice, this Côte d'Azur destination offers much more than a simple olfactory visit: Provençal heritage, hilltop villages and outdoor activities in a spectacular hinterland.
Things to do in and around Grasse: visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie, create your own fragrance in the houses of Fragonard, Molinard or Galimard, stroll through the old medieval quarter, but also explore the gorges du Loup canyoning or take to the skies paragliding in Grasse from the crest of the Cheiron to Gréolières. This combination of culture, nature and adventure makes Grasse an ideal base from which to explore the Grasse region.
Who's it for? Families with children (perfume and paragliding workshops from age 6), couples on a romantic getaway, groups of friends looking for a thrill, or solo visitors with a passion for history and nature.
How much time should you allow? One day is enough for the must-sees (perfumery + old town). Allow two days to add the hilltop villages and an outdoor activity. The Grasse region can be visited all year round, with a preference for April-June and September-October when temperatures are mild and visitor numbers moderate.
Grasse owes its title as the world's perfume capital to a history that dates back to the 16th century, when local tanners began perfuming their hides. Three centuries later, the town boasted more than 30 perfume factories, supplying some of the biggest names in Paris. Today, a visit to Grasse's perfume factories is still a must, with three complementary ways to discover this world.
The Musée International de la Parfumerie and its gardens
The MIP retraces 4,000 years of the history of perfumery through unique collections: antique bottles, stills, raw materials and reconstructed workshops. Allow 1? to 2 hours for a complete visit. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions and olfactory workshops.
Just 7km from the centre, the gardens of the Musée International de la Parfumerie showcase the region's emblematic perfume plants: jasmine, May rose, tuberose and lavender. Admission is included in the museum ticket. Ideal from May to September when the flowers are in full bloom.
Practical info: open every day except Tuesday, full price €6, free on the first Sunday of the month.
Free tours of the Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard houses
Grasse's three great historic perfume factories are offering free guided tours of their factories and museums. Each has its own personality:
Fragonard The most famous, housed in a 19th-century factory. A 20-minute visit, with a large shop. Ideal for a first discovery.
Molinard A listed Provencal country house with a more intimate atmosphere. Also features a bottle museum.
Galimard The oldest (1747), in an unspoilt historic setting. Less crowded, so more time with the guides.
These tours give visitors an insight into extraction techniques (enfleurage, distillation) and a chance to smell the raw materials. Average duration: 30 to 45 minutes per house.
Creating your own perfume: workshops
The most immersive experience is the perfume creation workshop. Guided by a professional «nose», you compose your own fragrance from dozens of essences. Molinard offers the «Tarinologie» workshop (1h30, around €55) or the «Petit Parfumeur» workshop for children aged 6 and over. Galimard offers the «Studio des Fragrances» (2 hours, approx. €60). You'll leave with your own personalised bottle. This is a particularly popular activity for families and friends, and it even works on rainy days.
This is where Grasse stands out from the other cultural destinations on the Côte d'Azur. Less than 30 minutes from the city centre, the hinterland offers an exceptional playground for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Activities that are almost never mentioned in traditional tourist guides.
First paragliding flight from Gréolières
25 km from Grasse, the Gréolières is one of the most famous paragliding spots in the Alpes-Maritimes. Take-off at an altitude of 1,800 metres offers spectacular views: the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour on one side, the Mediterranean on the other.
A first paragliding experience A tandem flight lasts between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the option chosen and the aerological conditions. No experience is required: you sit comfortably in front of the qualified instructor who manages the entire flight. The activity is open to children aged 6 and over and up to a weight of around 95 kg.
What you'll experience: take-off in a few short steps, the feeling of freedom once you're in the air, the thermals that allow you to gain altitude, and the soft landing on the plain of Gréolières. Video option available for a souvenir.
Canyoning in the Gorges du Loup
The Gorges du Loup, 15km from Grasse, is the most accessible canyoning spot in the region. This activity combines water walking, jumping (optional), natural slides and abseiling down waterfalls and turquoise pools.
Le canyon du Loup is ideal for a first experience: 2h30 to 3h course, jumps from 2 to 8 metres (which can be bypassed), cool atmosphere welcome in summer. Accessible from age 10 for good swimmers. Equipment (neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness) is provided by the instructors.
Hiking and nature walks
The Grasse region is criss-crossed with hiking trails for all abilities: the Gorges du Loup trail (an easy 1? hour walk along the river), the Caussols plateau (a lunar landscape at an altitude of 1,100 metres), and the Côte d'Azur balcony from Gréolières, with its 360° panoramic views of the Alps and the sea.
The old quarter of Grasse is best explored on foot, walking up from the Place aux Aires to the cathedral. Allow 1? to 2 hours for a leisurely stroll, more if you like to photograph details or stop off at a terrace.
Old Grasse: medieval streets and Provencal heritage
The historic centre of Grasse has preserved its medieval layout, with narrow streets, vaulted passageways, stone staircases and ochre and pastel-coloured facades. The atmosphere is authentically Provençal, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.
Points of interest not to be missed :
Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral (12th century) houses three paintings by Rubens and a rare triptych by Louis Bréa. Free admission, cool inside in summer.
Place aux Aires, This is the lively heart of the old town, with its 18th-century fountain. This is where the Provencal market is held (every morning except Monday): flowers, fruit, cheese, olives and local produce.
The Museum of Art and History of Provence, The museum, housed in an 18th-century town house, presents everyday life in Provence through furniture, earthenware and traditional objects. Admission is free.
The Villa-Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard pays tribute to the 18th-century painter from Grasse, with copies of his major works and a reconstruction of his world. Admission is also free.
The Cours Honoré Cresp: the most beautiful viewpoint
This esplanade at the top of the old town offers an exceptional panorama of the Grasse plain, the surrounding hills and, on a clear day, the Mediterranean in the distance. It's the town's must-see photo spot.
The courtyard regularly hosts the Matinales, a Saturday morning market of local producers, with tastings and a friendly atmosphere. In August, this is the venue for the famous Jasmine Festival (Jasminade), a three-day celebration of Grasse's signature flower.
Practical tip: start your visit to the historic centre at the top (we recommend parking near the bus station) and make your way down to the perfume shops below.
Grasse and the surrounding area are ideal for family outings. From fun workshops to outdoor activities and child-friendly discoveries, here's how to organise a full family day out in Grasse.
Perfume workshops for children
Perfumery houses have developed formulas specially designed for the very young. Molinard's «Petit Parfumeur» workshop welcomes children aged 6 and over for an introductory session lasting around an hour. They discover the raw materials, learn to recognise the olfactory families and leave with their own creation.
It's an activity that works well with children aged 6 to 12: fun enough to keep their attention, educational enough for parents to enjoy too. Booking is recommended, especially during the school holidays.
Leisure parks and tree climbing
For families who want a mix of culture and fun, there are several options nearby:
Pitchoun Forest (at Mouans-Sartoux, 10 mins from Grasse): accrobranche courses suitable from age 3, with progressive levels up to adult courses. Allow half a day on site.
Valmasque Park (between Mougins and Valbonne): large natural area with easy paths, picnic areas and children's play areas. Free and ideal for a nature break.
Outdoor activities for children
Tandem paragliding accessible from the age of 6. Children generally love the experience, and are often less apprehensive than adults. Visit discovery flight of 15-20 minutes is perfectly suited to their attention span.
Canyoning Canyoning: from age 10 for the Loup canyon (discovery level). Jumps are always optional, and instructors adapt the pace to the group.
Organising a whole family day out
Typical programme for a family with children aged 6-12: morning with children's perfume workshop (1h-1h30) + walk around the old town with an ice cream break, lunch in the MIP gardens or Place aux Aires, afternoon accrobranche or paragliding experience for the more adventurous.
For families with teenagers: the paragliding + canyoning combo Over two days, you'll have some memorable experiences. It's often the strongest memory of a holiday.
The Grasse region is home to some of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence. Less than 20 minutes from the city centre, these destinations offer exceptional panoramic views and an authentic atmosphere. Unlike the busy coastal villages, those inland have retained their Provencal character.
Listed as one of the «Most Beautiful Villages in France», Gourdon is perched at an altitude of 760 metres on a rocky spur overlooking the Gorges du Loup. The view over the valley and coastline is breathtaking, particularly at sunset.
The village can be visited in an hour: cobbled streets, medieval castle (gardens designed by Le Nôtre), Romanesque church and craft shops. Several restaurants with panoramic terraces offer lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. To find out more, see our guide visit Gourdon.
For thrill-seekers: Gourdon is also a renowned paragliding take-off site. Flying from this village offers a unique view of the gorges and the coast.
Less touristy than Gourdon, Bar-sur-Loup is well worth a visit. This medieval village is the natural gateway to the Gorges du Loup, with its confectionery workshops (violets, candied oranges) and its 15th-century church adorned with a remarkable danse macabre.
It's the ideal starting point for nature activities: hiking along the gorges, swimming in the basins of the Loup in summer, and a base for canyoning. Le Pont du Loup, A spectacular waterfall, accessible by car, is just 5 minutes away.
Cabris (10 min from Grasse): panoramic views as far as the sea, castle ruins, peaceful atmosphere. Popular with artists and writers, including Saint-Exupéry who stayed here.
Not far from Cabris, the Monts d'Azur reserve offers the chance to see European bison, Przewalski's horses and deer in a 700-hectare wilderness. A unique nature experience in the Grasse hinterland.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup (15 min): the «violet village», specialising in the cultivation of this flower since the 19th century. Narrow flower-lined streets, art galleries, violet festival in March.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence (25 min): the most famous, and therefore the busiest. Fondation Maeght (modern art), ramparts intact, but very busy in high season. Best visited early in the morning or out of season.
Suggested itinerary for a day
Combine Grasse in the morning (perfume factory + old town), lunch at Gourdon with panoramic views, then descend through the Gorges du Loup with stops at Saut du Loup and Bar-sur-Loup. For the more courageous, return via the route to Vence.
Typical two-day programme
Day 1 Grasse culture - Visit to the perfume factory + creative workshop in the morning, lunch at Place aux Aires, old town and museums in the afternoon, sunset at Cours Honoré Cresp.
Day 2 : Adventure and villages - Outdoor activity in the morning (paragliding or canyoning according to your wishes), lunch in Gourdon, exploration of the hilltop villages in the afternoon.
When should you come?
Spring (April-June) Ideal temperatures, fields of flowers, moderate visitor numbers. The best time of year.
Summer (July-August) The area is perfect for canyoning, but the perfume shops are very busy. Avoid visiting in the middle of the day.
Autumn (September-October) Exceptional light, optimal flying conditions for paragliders, grape harvests in the hinterland.
Winter cultural visits possible, paragliding depending on the weather, canyoning closed (water too cold).
Approximate budget per person
Budget (visit only): free to €6 (visits to perfume shops free, MIP €6, car parks €5-8).
Average budget (including perfume workshop): €60-80 (creative workshop €55-65 + car park + meal).
Adventure budget (including outdoor activities): €150-200 (paragliding €100-140 or canyoning €55-85 + visit + meal).
Grasse offers much more than its status as the world's perfume capital. In one day, you can combine a visit to a historic perfume factory, a stroll through the medieval streets and a panoramic view from the Cours Honoré Cresp. In two days, add an outdoor activity in the Gorges du Loup or a paragliding flight over the hinterland to turn a simple cultural visit into a memorable experience.
It's this diversity that makes the Grasse region such a special destination on the Côte d'Azur: authentic Provencal heritage, perfume-making expertise that's unique in the world, unspoilt hilltop villages and exceptional adventure terrain just 30 minutes from the beaches.
To get in on the action: book your perfume workshop directly with Fragonard, Molinard or Galimard (free for the visit, chargeable for the creation workshop). For outdoor activities, contact us to organise your first paragliding or paragliding experience. canyoning trip depending on your dates and level. We're based in Gréolières, in the heart of the Grasse region, and know every corner of it.
