Grasse Attractions
Grasse, at heart still an ancient little town and Sous-Préfecture of the Département of Alpes-Maritimes, lies about 18km/11mi north of Cannes. It has a sheltered situation on the slope of the Roquevignon some distance from the coast on the Route Napoléon. Even before the Côte d'Azur, Grasse was known as a winter health resort, on account of its mild climate. The town is famous as the center of the perfume industry.
The area of Grasse is rich in finds from pre- and early historical times, especially of the late Neolithic era. It is believed that the place existed in Merovingian times (fifth/sixth century A.D.). In the 12th C. Grasse gained its independence but in the 13th C. came under the control of the Dukes of Provence. It was the seat of a bishop from 1244 unti1 1790. The perfume industry, which has made Grasse world-renowned, was introduced in the 16th C. by Catherine de' Médici. The Roccoco painter Jean Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) was born in Grasse. Pauline Borghese, the sister of Napoléon Bonaparte, lived in Grasse (garden above the town, Boulevard Jeu-de-Ballon 2; from here the view extends from Nice to Cannes).
The area of Grasse is rich in finds from pre- and early historical times, especially of the late Neolithic era. It is believed that the place existed in Merovingian times (fifth/sixth century A.D.). In the 12th C. Grasse gained its independence but in the 13th C. came under the control of the Dukes of Provence. It was the seat of a bishop from 1244 unti1 1790. The perfume industry, which has made Grasse world-renowned, was introduced in the 16th C. by Catherine de' Médici. The Roccoco painter Jean Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) was born in Grasse. Pauline Borghese, the sister of Napoléon Bonaparte, lived in Grasse (garden above the town, Boulevard Jeu-de-Ballon 2; from here the view extends from Nice to Cannes).
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Perfume Industry (International Museum of Perfume)
The International Museum of Perfume is located in Grasse and provides insight and education on the processes involved in creating scents.
International Perfume Museum
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 International Perfume Museum is housed in the former Hugues-Aîné perfumery built in the 19th century.
Musée International de la Parfumerie
8 place du Cours
F-06130 Grasse
France
8 place du Cours
F-06130 Grasse
France
Hours
June 1 to June 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
July 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
October 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | ||
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | ||
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Musee Provençal du costume et du bijou
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.
Household items are also on display including tablecloths, glassware, and pottery.
Hours
February 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
November 1 to January 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence
In rue Mirabeau stands the former Hôtel de Clapiers-Cabris, a stately palace of 1771. It now houses the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence with historic furniture, ceramics and a collection devoted to the history of the town.
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de provence
2 rue Mirabeau
F-06130 Grasse
France
2 rue Mirabeau
F-06130 Grasse
France
Hours
June 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 |
| Open | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
October 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | 12:30 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
Old Town
Because of the narrow thoroughfares in the Old Town, Grasse can only be visited on foot.
A walking tour of Old Town Grasse begins at the Office du Tourisme (Tourist Office) in the Place de la Foux; not far east of here lies the Center International de Grasse, a modern congress and conference center. From the southern end of the square a double set of steps enclosing a fountain leads down into the Old Town.
A walking tour of Old Town Grasse begins at the Office du Tourisme (Tourist Office) in the Place de la Foux; not far east of here lies the Center International de Grasse, a modern congress and conference center. From the southern end of the square a double set of steps enclosing a fountain leads down into the Old Town.
Place aux Aires
The elongated Place aux Aires in Grasse is where the lively market is held every morning and also has a fountain. On the north side of the square stands the elegant Hôtel Isnard which was built by the wealthy Gerber Isnard (1781).
Place du Cours
From the Place aux Aires following the Rue Amiral de Grasse southwards to the Place du Cours, there is a pleasant view over the parts of the town lower down and into the valley.
Grasse Surroundings
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Gorges du Loup
The Gorges du Loup, created by the River Loup, features impressive rock walls and the Cascade de Courmes.
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Gourdon, France
The village of Gourdon, with fine views of Cap d'Antibes and Cap Roux, has an interesting museum, and beautiful terraces.
Cabris, France
Cabris is a picturesque village, once popular with artists, above the Grasse basin (8km/5mi west). Of interest are the ruins of the 12th C. castle, a church (1606-50) and the Chapel of Ste-Marguerite with a winged altar of about 1500. At the western edge of the village stands the 16th C. Chapel of St-Jean Baptiste.
Fayence - Festival of String Quartets, France
The Festival of String Quartets is an annual week-long festival that takes place in late October in the villages of Provence. The local churches are the settings for the nightly concerts of chamber music. The repertoires range from Mozart to Webern and the performers come from all over the world.
Villa Noailles
Laid out on the terraces of a steep hillside overlooking Grasse is the gardens of Villa Noailles. A wide variety of plants have been grown here.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
