Grasse Tourist Attractions

Grasse is the most important center of the perfume industry, not only in France but also in the whole of Europe. The material from which the perfume is extracted is provided by the large flower plantations and lavender fields of the surrounding area. In and around Grasse about 30 large firms process throughout the year several million kilograms of blossoms (orange, rose, jasmine, thyme, rosemary, mignonette, violet, etc.). For the manufacture of perfume from natural raw materials three main methods are used: the first is the old-fashioned distillation process by means of steam; the second is an extraction process in which the perfumes together with fatty deposits are extracted by using alcohol; the third is a method of solution whereby the scents are extracted by chemical means. To obtain 1kg of ethereal oil 1,000kg of orange-blossom, for example, are necessary. To obtain oil of lavendar the plants are picked (either by machine or by hand), allowed to dry for a week and then treated with steam in vats. After the mixture is cooled the particles of lavender oils, which have a lighter specific gravity, float to the top of the brew and can be removed. About 40kg of lavender plants are necessary to obtain one liter of oil of lavender.Most of the perfume factories in Grasse (e.g. Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard) have set up sales rooms and operate guided tours.

The International Perfume Museum covers the perfume industry for which France is well known. Exhibits retrace the history of perfumes, soap and cosmetics, for over 4,000 years.The International Perfume Museum is housed in the former Hugues-Aîné perfumery built in the 19th century.

The Provence Costume and Jewelry Museum is housed in the former residence of the Marchioness of Cabris, sister to Mirabeau. The rooms hold a private collection of 18th- and 19th-century Provençal costume and jewelry.Household items are also on display including tablecloths, glassware, and pottery.

There are gorges and a fortress outside of Grasse.