The town lies in the hills above Cannes and offers a fresher climate than the balmy coastal towns. A little bit scruffy in places, it does have some wonderful grand mansions in the centre and around the outskirts.
Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes
The world centre of perfume in the heart of the French Riviera
Blessed with a mild winter climate and a perfect setting on the southern slopes of Montagne de Doublier, Grasse has attracted visitors for centuries. In the early 19th century Pauline Borghese, Napoleon's favourite sister, spent a winter there. Queen Victoria was so taken by Grasse, its climate and surroundings, that she returned several times to winter at the Rothschild's villa. Today, the town has a substantial population of expatriates: the many villas and apartment complexes on the hill sides are witness to the fact.
Its prime location (only 15km from Cannes, 40km from Nice) is not the only attraction of Grasse. What makes the tourists arrive in droves is the scent of flowers, concentrated and powerful - Grasse is the perfume capital of the world. When you approach the town, you'll soon become aware of that fact. Billboards invite you to a free tour of one of the major perfume factories: Fragonard, Galimard or Molinard. These tours are worthwhile and educational about the intricacies of perfume making. They're not a tourist trap, even though at the end the guides will steer you to the factory store where you can buy fragrances, soaps and other local products.
Beyond its perfume connection, Grasse presents a charming old town with winding streets and surprisingly quiet squares and alleys. When in the main streets of the old town and its string of shops, you'll find yourself transported into the scented world. It's impossible to avoid the displays of dried flower petals (create your own mix), soaps, eau de toilette, and other items of fragrance. Indulge yourself in the richness of scent. If it begins to overwhelm you, find your escape to the Mediterranean sea, or the quiet of a Provençal village, just a few miles to the north or west of this perfume centre of the world.
It has an authentic old medieval centre which you can wander around with the help of a free walking map available from the tourist office. You'll find plenty of cafes and restaurants (Place aux Aires), gift shops, and of course, perfume shops.
Events in Grasse
Every Wednesday there is an Antiques Market in the centre of Grasse on the terraces of the Cours Honoré Cresp.
Events in Grasse
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Grasse
The history of perfume making in Grasse is fascinating.
From the Middle Ages the town was known for its tanneries, glove-making in particular. Then, in the 16th century, scented gloves became highly fashionable in a smelly world and Grasse was eager to follow the trend. Blessed with a surrounding countryside full of flowers, the town and its tanneries quickly became the foremost producer of these fragrant gloves. While the fashion of scented gloves faded away, the attraction to fragrance remained. The tanneries became the perfume houses which remain today.
One thing has changed, however. The flower-growing countryside around Grasse has disappeared for the most part, to make way for villas and apartments. Ingredients that are essential for the fragrances, rose petals, jasmine, or lily-of-the-valley, are now imported from countries such as Turkey.
Sights & Attractions in Grasse
One of the best natural sights to visit in the area is the Gorges du Loup. A beautiful area that is great for walking, hiking or just a Sunday drive along the road.
There are many perfume factories and producers but perhaps one of the best to visit is the Parfumerier Fragonard which is one of the oldest and hosts a great museum about the history of perfume.
If you're a history buff or art lover then you must not miss a trip to the Cathedral in Grasse, with a simple interior yet rich history this building also houses works of art by some of the great masters of painting including Rubens. Follow the signs to the Notre Dame du Puy cathedral, stemming from the 11th century, but completely renovated in the 17th.
Explore the history of Eastern Provence in this small museum. The Musee d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence give you a real flavour of life in Provence through the ages. Entry is free.
Sights in Grasse
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Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Guided tours & perfume workshops
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
Perfume museum in one of the oldest parfumerie's in Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
Bringing together collections devoted to the history & art of eastern Provence
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
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Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy, Grasse
Romanesque cathedral built in the 12th century
The medieval church of Notre-Dame du Puy was raised to cathedral status in 1244, when the bishop transferred from Antibes to Grasse.
Beaches in Grasse
Beaches in Cannes
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Plage des Rochers Beach, Cannes - La Bocca
Strip of sand beach in the quieter area of Cannes la Bocca
This series of soft sand beaches just west of Cannes have some beautiful red rocky outcrops providing some good snorkelling opportunities and a gorgeous view across the Bay of Cannes to the Esterel Mountains.
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Plage du Midi Beach
Sandy beach, with good access close to centre of Cannes
This long and thin stretch of white sand beach runs the length of the Boulevard du Midi from the parking at the Vieux Port towards Cannes la Bocca.
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Plage du Casino Beach, Cannes La Croisette
Popular free public beaches in the main hotel district of Cannes
Clean and well maintained but free to use. No umbrellas, chairs or sun loungers are provided but you can pick your spot to lay down your towel for the day.
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Plage Mace Beach, Cannes La Croisette
Public municipal beach within main hotel district of Cannes
Enjoy the calm waters and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach area.
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Plage Zamenhof Beach, Port Canto
One of only two municipal run beaches along the Cannes coast
Shallow waters, sandy beach and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach club. There are two municipal run beaches along the Croisette, Plage Zamenhof to the east and Plage Mace to the west.
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Le Moure Rouge Plage Beach, Gazagnaire
Free public beach with a local feel along the eastern coast
A long and narrow stretch of sand on Cannes' eastern most beach and coastal area. Quiet and relaxed, this beach is a favourite with locals as there are no large hotels nearby.
Dining in Grasse
Grasse is abundant with good restaurants and pretty pavement cafes. Provencal food dominates, but there is quite a wide range of cuisines to be found in the old town of Grasse, even Asian if that takes your fancy. If Michelin star elegance, refined Provencal food and a stunning terrace is what you seek, head to Le Bastide St-Antoine, while La Licorne is known for providing excellent food for a reasonable price and La Malouine is the place to head for delicious crepes. There are also some award-winning restaurants to be found in the nearby little villages; such as Au Fil du Temps in Magagnosc.
Restaurants in Grasse
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Michelin-starred Provençal retreat with creative cuisine and panoramic sea views
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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L'Oustel des Vins Winebar, Grasse
Wine tasting and gourmet dishes in the world's capital of perfume
Located in one of the small old city streets in Grasse, this small wine-bar has a nice atmosphere and a rustic decor.
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Cafe du Cycliste, Grasse
Located in Chateauneuf de Grasse, just 10 minutes from Grasse
The decor of the cafe is great, relaxed and refined with lots of bike parts decorations. Salma, JB, Stephen and Jenny will welcome you at the Cafe du Cycliste serving fresh, delicious dishes cooked with local ingredients.
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Au Fil du Temps Restaurant
Creative, seasonal dining experience with stunning sea views near Grasse
Tucked away in the hilltop village of Magagnosc, just ten minutes from Grasse, Au Fil du Temps is a delightful address for food lovers seeking creativity, quality and a touch of elegance on the French Riviera.
Nightlife in Grasse
Bars & Clubs in Grasse
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Warm Up Bowling
State of the art bowling alley for those rainy day activities
If you fancy a different and fun night out in Cannes, then head to Cannes Bowling in Cannes La Boca. There are 16 alleys and over 2,500m² of pure bowling entertainment.
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L'Enoteca Restaurant
Elegant wine bar and restaurant serving sophisticated food
With an authentic French feel you will find yourself sitting in this cellar bar surrounded by wine, cheese, paintings by local artists, hanging hams and good food!
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Cotton Jazz Club
Restaurant and piano bar all rolled into one great jazz club
Nestled in the narrow streets of Cannes oldest district, Le Suquet, this jazz bar hosts some great musicians.
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Caffe Roma
At the heart of the city, opposite the Palais des Festivals
The Cafe Roma has been an institution of Cannes for the past 25 years. Its chic and relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a pre or after dinner drink or an afternoon coffee and snack.
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Cafe Agnelli Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Chic and hip bar, cafe and restaurant in central Cannes
A fun, hip and affordable option open for lunch and dinner. With chic decor and lots of outdoor tables, this place really buzzes in the summer.
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Things to do in Grasse
Fragonard, Galimard, Molinard are three historic perfume-makers which open their doors to run tours. You can also make your own perfume at the Galinard or Molinard workshops, or visit the flower fields that are used to make the fragrances, including those that go into making the famous Chanel no5.
You could take a guided walking tour or ride Le Petit Train to learn the town's proud history and marvel at the gorgeous villas and medieval buildings.
Just out of town, why not test out your high-ropes skills and head to the Riviera Nature Adventure Park, ziplining through the trees and enjoying the spectacular views, or explore some of the limestone caves in the surrounding hills with a spelunking club. You can also join the long range hiking path GR4 as it runs from alpine villages down to the Mediterranean, or visit the truly stunning cliffs and waterfalls of Gorges du Loup.
Things To Do in Grasse
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Fun Kart, Le Bar-sur-Loup
Karting for children, adults & groups - open throughout the year
Located 30 minutes from Nice, Cannes and Antibes in a natural setting of 8 hectares, this karting set offers 3 circuits with a separate one for children, giving visitors the chance to race each other using high-tech go-karts.
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Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
17th century hunting estate offering a technical 18-hole golf course
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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Riviera Nature, Adventure Park, Grasse
Tree top adventure park with numerous challenges & zip lines!
Try these tree top adventures, all with various levels of difficulty and with plenty of adrenalin pumping fun!
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Tourist Train
Explore this historical Old Town of Grasse by train
Leaves daily throughout the summer months from the Cours Honoré Cresp plaza (across from the Palais des Congrès and main tourist office).
Watersports in Grasse
Watersports in Grasse
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Pierre de Coubertin Swimming Pool
Public indoor swimming pool close to the airport & sports stadium
This public swimming pool is located in Cannes La Boca. It has two pools, one is a 25 metre pool with a depth of 3.4 metres, the other is a smaller pool of 12 metres.
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Furious Nautisme Watersports
A great team offering a variety of water sports courses
Waterskiing, wakeboarding and towables, Furious Nautisme have it all !
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Airxkite Kitesurf, Cannes la Bocca
Learn how to kite surf or stand up paddle board in the Bay of Cannes
Airxkite offers full courses on kite surfing, including theory and practical. All Airxkite classes in the water take place between April to November.
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Wakeboarding, Water skiing & Wakesurfing
10 & 15 min sessions for all abilities
A great way to have fun, these watersports cater for all levels of experience - making it the perfect activity for a warm summer day.
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Plongee Club de Cannes Diving School
Exploring the mysteries of the deep by diving or snorkelling
Offering divers the chance to explore some of the beautiful underwater areas around Cannes. You will dive the pristine beauty of these relatively untouched, idyllic dive sites.
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SWZ Team Ski & Wake Zone
Hire a variety of water sports equipment right in the heart of Cannes
With all their years of experience in water sports you can be assured that you are in safe hands whichever one you choose to try!
Holiday Rentals in Grasse
Holiday Rentals in Grasse
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Hsud0057 Villa
4 bedroom Villa in Mougins. Sleeps 8
Holiday rentals Mougins: 9 km from the Palais de Festivals and the Croisette, in the municipality of Mougins, beautiful villa located on a plot of 1700m² in the heart of a residential area.
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Hsud0039 Villa
5 bedroom Villa in Mougins. Sleeps 11 (max. 8 adults)
Located in Mougins, this magnificent villa has been fully renovated to a very high standard.
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Hsud0032 Villa
4 bedroom Villa in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Sleeps 8
On the heights of Mandelieu la Napoule, beautiful new villa with a panoramic sea view located on a plot of 1700m ² in terraces.
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Hsud0065 Villa, Grasse
3 bedroom Villa in Grasse. Sleeps 6
Situated in the commune of Grasse, 20 km from Cannes and its beaches, in a quiet area, charming villa set in 3,500 m² of wooded grounds.
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Hsud0429 Apartment
2 bedroom Apartment in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Sleeps 4
3 rooms apartment of 70 m² air conditioned on the 3rd floor
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Hsud0207 Apartment
3 bedroom Apartment in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Sleeps 6
6km from Cannes, luxurious estate situated on the hills of Mandelieu.
Hotels in Grasse
With plenty of fine hotels you'll be spoilt for choice in this beautiful location. From five star luxury to small boutique hotels and lovely guest houses, there is something to suit everyone and every occasion.
Hotels in Grasse
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Charming Provençal retreat with luxury suites, panoramic terrace, and Michelin-starred dining
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
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Le Cavendish Hotel
Timeless elegance and boutique charm in the heart of Cannes
A charming four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Cannes, the Cavendish blends early 20th-century elegance with modern comforts - just steps from La Croisette, Le Palais des Festivals, and the city’s best beaches and boutiques.
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Le Mas de Mougins B&B
Charming guesthouse accommodation in a traditional Provencal Mas
Set in a secluded, tranquil location surrounded by ancient oaks, olive trees, oleanders, and the sweet fragrance of jasmine, it’s easy to see why this peaceful haven was a favourite of Picasso.
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Royal Mougins Hotel
Luxurious suites with golf course views, a spa, and gourmet dining, just minutes from Cannes
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
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Chateau de la Tour Hotel
Timeless charm, sea views and refined relaxation on the edge of Cannes
Set in a peaceful 5,000 m² park filled with lavender, the four-star Château de la Tour Hotel offers a serene escape by the Mediterranean. Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Cannes, it’s just five minutes from the lively city centre and the famous film festival and congress venues.
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Cannes Villa St Barth Hotel
Luxurious rooms and suites set in exotic surroundings, offering an unforgettable stay
This modern, spacious guest house combines the comforts and facilities of a four-star hotel with the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of a high-end guest house.
How to get to Grasse
Transfers for Cannes
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Private Airport Transfers
Effortless and reliable transfers from Nice Airport to Cannes
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in Grasse
Property for Sale in Grasse
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Apartment for Sale
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 164.84m² apartment in Alpes-Maritimes
Perched on the lush hills of Grasse, the Hélios residence is set in an exceptional environment within a meticulously restored historic building. It embodies elegance, comfort, and the timeless charm of the Provençal hinterland, while offering breathtaking panoramic views over the town, the surrounding hills, and all the way to the sea.
Apartment for Sale
€1,595,000 -
Villa for Sale
4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 511m² villa in Alpes-Maritimes
La Bergerie des Amandines is a charming property steeped in history, bathed in light and ideally south-facing.
Villa for Sale
€2,600,000 -
Villa for Sale
9 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 640m² villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Charming bastide with panoramic views
Villa for Sale
€16,000,000 -
Villa for Sale
9 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 322m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Art Deco artist’s villa with panoramic views - Rothschild District, Grasse
Villa for Sale
€1,340,000 -
Villa for Sale
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 127m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
A renovated villa that's located between sea and mountains.
Villa for Sale
€520,000 -
Apartment for Sale
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 117.71m² apartment in Alpes-Maritimes
Perched on the lush hills of Grasse, the Hélios residence is set in an exceptional environment, within a historic building meticulously restored. It embodies elegance, comfort, and the timeless charm of the French Riviera’s hinterland, while offering breathtaking panoramic views over the town, surrounding hills, and all the way to the sea.
Apartment for Sale
€995,000























































































