
Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
The world centre of perfume in the heart of the French Riviera
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.
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.
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.
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.
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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.
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.
The medieval church of Notre-Dame du Puy was raised to cathedral status in 1244, when the bishop transferred from Antibes to Grasse.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy the calm waters and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in one of the small old city streets in Grasse, this small wine-bar has a nice atmosphere and a rustic decor.
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.
Restaurant, with 1 Michelin star, overlooking the countryside surrounding Grasse, serves fine cuisine which is full of the fresh flavours of Provence.
Every Wednesday there is an Antiques Market in the centre of Grasse on the terraces of the Cours Honoré Cresp.
The number one mountain bike event in the world, there are a large number of courses on offer, from those especially tailored for children and families, to relay races or tough long trials, and even a triathlon.
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
Annually in February, in the Palais des Festivals, over 170,000 enthusiasts come together for the three day Games Festival.
Fans of Napoleonic history won't want to miss this re-enactment of the landing of Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On 1 March, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
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.
Leaves daily throughout the summer months from the Cours Honoré Cresp plaza (across from the Palais des Congrès and main tourist office).
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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.
Try these tree top adventures, all with various levels of difficulty and with plenty of adrenalin pumping fun!
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
In 1513, Louis XII stopped the buildint of homes near the wall to retain its defensive character. However, many small hamlets were built along its walls to house the growing population.
Escape the town of Grasse an climb up to 895m to gain an amazing view point over the town and the Siagne basin.
Hike up to the watch tower at 301m, used for the protection against forest fires in the summer months. The route runs mostly on trails in the Peygros Forest where the abundance of Pine allowed the 18th century villagers to fund the construction of the Parish Church of Auribeau.
Walk amongst wild Mimosa which lights up the hillside and remains a symbol of the French Riviera. It is the only flower that brings its brilliant colours to the middle of winter. Not only visible in winter, its scent travels the valley on a hot summers day.
The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.
Nestled in the large forested valleys just a short drive from Cannes lie amazing trails. These protected trails sit in an area that combine large orange and red rock towers, clear rivers, multiple species of wildlife and fragrant Mediterranean scents, all together resulting in a breathtaking place to be.
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.
Waterskiing, wakeboarding and towables, Furious Nautisme have it all !
Airxkite offers full courses on kite surfing, including theory and practical. All Airxkite classes in the water take place between April to November.
A great way to have fun, these watersports cater for all levels of experience - making it the perfect activity for a warm summer day.
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.
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!
2.2 km from the Croisette and 1.9 km from the Palais des Festivals, in a secure and closed residence, located in the gardens of the prestigious Villa Rothschild, a luxurious villa entirely renovated, at the foot of the Croix des Gardes.
In the town of Mandelieu, 3km from the sea, magnificent residence of character located on a plot of 5000m².
In Cannes, 300 m from the sea, 3 km from the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette, beautiful charming villa located on a plot of 3000 m2 in a very quiet green setting.
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.
On the heights of Mandelieu la Napoule, beautiful new villa with a panoramic sea view located on a plot of 1700m ² in terraces.
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.
Located on the heights of Mandelieu, 9km from Cannes and the famous Croisette, this magnificent fully renovated villa is ideal for relaxing during a peaceful vacation. Situated on a fenced plot of 2800m², it offers a panoramic sea view over the Lérins Islands and the Cannes basin.
1.8 km from the Croisette and 1.3 km from the Palais des Festivals, luxurious villa tastefully renovated in 2021 located on a garden of 600 m².
In the town of Le Cannet, 3.5 km from the Palais des Festivals, small residence with shared garden and swimming pool with steps (13 m x 5 m - depth 100/180 cm), deckchairs.
In the town of Le Tignet, 9 km from Grasse and 20 km from the beaches of Cannes, in a quiet area surrounded by greenery, beautiful villa set in grounds of 3,000 m.
2.2 km from the Croisette and 1.9 km from the Palais des Festivals, in a secure and closed residence, located in the gardens of the prestigious Villa Rothschild, a luxurious villa entirely renovated, at the foot of the Croix des Gardes.
Air-conditioned 3-room apartment (mobile) of 80m² on the 1st floor: Living / dining room with TV, DVD Internet.
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.
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.
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
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.
Effortlessly elegant and full of charm, this authentic Provençal mas offers a peaceful escape for romantic getaways and family retreats alike.
Set in a historic 18th-century bastide, the four-star Hôtel de Mougins offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Provence. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and filled with Provençal charm, it’s the perfect base for unwinding and exploring the Côte d’Azur.
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.
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
For Cannes and the surrounding areas, Loisirs Animations offers excursions by minibus or coach to help you discover the stunning Provence surroundings. They also offer transfers from Nice airport in their comfortable minibuses that seat up to eight passengers.
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.
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.
150 vehicles at your disposal for taxi services regionally and across the whole of France 24/7.
Ideally located close to shops, this superb five-room detached house has been tastefully renovated throughout and boasts breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and the sea.
La Bergerie des Amandines is a charming property steeped in history, bathed in light and ideally south-facing.
Exceptional property with outbuildings and a century-old olive grove.
Art Deco artist’s villa with panoramic views - Rothschild District, Grasse
Gorgeous villa boasting panoramic sea views.
Find out all about what is happening in Cannes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Perhaps the best known of all the events is the highly glamorous Cannes Film Festival – certainly worth a day trip to the city just to see which celebrities you can spot. There are also markets, international fairs and plenty of cultural and musical festivals.
See allUpcoming Events