What is Grasse famous for, you ask? Grasse is the esteemed perfume capital of the world, and perfume is one of the most extravagant things France is known for. You can be sure there’s plenty to do in this area of the Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera - full of history, charm, and style - everything from museums to surprising bits of nature and adventure. With so many things to do, great places to stay, and top Airbnb vacation rentals to rent, this gorgeous French town awaits you. Read on to discover the best things to do in Grasse, France.
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Where to stay in Grasse, France
Grasse, France, has always been regarded as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. Its rich history is deeply rooted in the perfume industry for which it is known for. However, Grasse has so much more in store for its visitors. Aside from museums and perfumeries, it also prides itself on its lush nature, adventure parks, creameries, and distilleries. If you are planning a tour, you’d want your lodging to be as perfect as this charming town. Luckily, there are a handful of rentals that can give you the best Grasse experience. There are hotel rooms for the practical traveler or a couple on honeymoon. There are also romantic studio apartments for those who seek privacy while they explore the city. For families out on their grand vacation, there are spacious and fully furnished homes you could stay in as you discover the timeless beauty and charm of Grasse.
Here are our top recommendations on where to stay:
1. Tour a parfumerie
A trip to this town won’t be complete without touring a parfumerie. There are three “parfumeries” in Grasse - Fragonard, Molinard, and the oldest one, Galimard, which dates back to 1747. You don’t have to be interested in perfume to check these places out; visitors can enjoy learning about how perfume is made and spend time smelling all the different blends. They have free guided tours and gift shops and Fragonard is a popular site to visit because of its attached museum with a lot of perfume history. At Molinard, you can also learn how to make your own simple perfume.
Fragonard Perfume Factory
Address: 23 boulevard Fragonard, 06130, Grasse, France
Website: Fragonard Perfume Factory
2. Walk the 300 stone steps
Walking around Grasse is sure to be enchanting enough, but these 300 stone steps look absolutely magical, surrounded by all the greenery. Up or down, the stone streets and colorful buildings of Grasse are yours to explore. Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy is a popular Grasse attraction. This gorgeous cathedral also houses a few paintings by Ruben and one by Fragonard.
Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy
Address: 8 Place du petit Puy, 06130, Grasse, France
3. Wander the lavender fields
Grasse is located in the area of Provence known for its fields of sweet-smelling lavender. According to the Provence website, all you have to do is follow the lavender roads, outlined on the website’s map and you’ll drive past the beautiful lavender fields. You can stop at the lavender museum and a few distilleries and farms may give you a guided tour.
Another popular spot is the Senanque Abbey, which has been a Cistercian monastery since 1148 and is still home to Cistercian monks. Be sure to visit their site and read through the rules for visiting - they are welcome to visitors, and even have a bookstore, but out of respect for the monks, there are some special requirements, such as silence, no professional photography or video (family and amateur is allowed), and certain clothing is not allowed.
Website: Lavender in Provence
Senanque Abbey
Address: Notre-Dame de Senanque Abbey, Gordes F-84220, France
Website: Senanque Abbey Website Provence Lavender, Senanque Abbey
Grasse Tour Guide
Patricia Aveline
My name is Patricia Bollinger and my family is French. I have always had a passion for art and history and I chose to study them when I went to university. I have been a licensed tour guide for the last 30 years and I work in French, English and Italian. My passion and also as part of my work I travel a lot. For this reason, I have a good idea of visitors expectations. Naturally I want to share... Read more
Tours by Patricia
4. Visit a museum
As mentioned, there is a museum attached to the Parfumerie Fragonard, but there are plenty more in Grasse, as well. There’s the Musée International de la Parfumerie (International Museum of Perfumery), the Musée du Bijou et du Costume Provencal (Museum of Provencal Clothing and Jewelry), and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence (Museum of Art and History of Provence). Not to be confused with the Musée Fragonard, attached to the factory, there’s also Villa Fragonard, the Fragonard Villa-Museum that houses the artwork of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a 17th-century artist who was born in Grasse (and yes, the parfumerie is named after him.) Here you can learn about his art, his descendants, and the artist himself.
Fragonard Villa-Museum
Address: 23 Boulevard Fragonard, 06130 Grasse
Website: Fragonard Villa-Museum Grasse Museums
5. See the Gorges du Loup
Only a half-hour drive from Grasse is a fantastic spot for nature-lovers. Full of waterfalls, rivers, and canyons, it a great place to explore, or sit back and enjoy the nature - not to mention all the great photo ops. Climb over rocks, take a swim, do some hiking, have a picnic, or try them all - this is a sight you won’t want to miss!
Gorges du Loup
Address: Gorges du Loup, Grasse, France
Website: Canyoning Guide
6. Explore the ropes at Riviera Nature
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This place goes above and beyond - literally. Rope courses and obstacle courses, up in the trees, there are courses for both kids and adults. Hooked to a harness, you can climb up, across, over, and even through the various obstacles - there are barrels, too and even zip lines! And, after a long hard day of adventure, you can relax and spend the night in a treehouse; the Perfumed Cabin offers great views of the Cote d'Azur and includes breakfast, a double bed, a deck, and a spa area. Note that the cabin is best suited for 2 people. You can reserve it for around 190 USD a night, by calling the number on their website.
Riviera Nature
Address: Préalpes d'Azur Natural Regional Park, 2001 Chemin de la Malle, 06130 Grasse, France
Website: Riviera Nature
7. Take a day trip to Chateauneuf de Grasse
This historic village near Grasse has a castle, a historic cemetery, the Notre Dame du Brusc parish church, and more. Also of interest is the Librairie Expression, an independent bookstore/coffee bar that also has games for kids, hosts events, and sells wine (even wine and books, together in a box). Bibliophiles will, of course, love this place, but if you ask me, anyone can enjoy themselves, here. Go hang out, browse and/or buy some books, grab a coffee, and explore the town. Take in the mountain views of Provence and the charm and architecture of the French Riviera.
Librairie Expression
Address: 10, Place des Pins, Pré du Lac, 06740 Chateauneuf, France
Website: Librairie Expression
8. Explore Domain de la Royrie
Feed your senses as you explore Domaine de la Royrie where you can tour around a medieval and medicinal garden and olive groves. Full of history, this place allows you to see the Middle ages bungalows of farmers and features the museum of rural life. Founded by the monks of the abbey of Lerins in the early 15th century, this will definitely provide you with an insight into how it is to live in those ages. Explore more of this place by taking the guided tour, which lasts around an hour and a quarter, and should you want to purchase olive oil, books, and other local produce to take home, you may do so by going to the farm shop.
Domain de la Royrie
Address: 88 Chemin des Hautes Ribes, 06130 Grasse, France
Website: Domain de la Royrie
9. Appreciate the medieval charm of Gourdon
Having an adventure in Gourdon is like taking a trip back in time. This iconic village is a unique Grasse tourist attraction. Perched on a stunning French cliff, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline. You may explore the charmingly maintained medieval houses located around the feudal castle or discover how it feels to be in a real-life castle. Originally owned by the Counts of Provence, then passed to great noble families, the traces of history on this preserved structure are evident. Its entrance gate, cobbled inner courtyard, vaulted hallways, arrow slits, gargoyles, and fireplace, will undeniably tell you its age. Take some time to have a sensory experience by visiting its Italian and apothecary’s garden to know more about the medicinal plants used in the Middle Ages. Should you want to buy perfumes, soaps, and craft glassware as a souvenir, you may visit the nearby craft shop.
10. Fete Du Jasmin
Still wondering what to see in Grasse? More than just a sight to see, Fete Du Jasmin is an experience. Locals celebrate this event every August. It is an annual flower festival that marks the beginning of the jasmine harvest. Since perfume making is the leading industry in Grasse, and jasmine is one of the raw materials in making perfumes, locals celebrate the start of the abundance of this flower in the year. Take part in this event by dancing with the locals, walking in their parades, or watching their fireworks display. You may also see other events like ‘Battle of the Flowers and watch their search for “Miss Jasmine”. Moreover, you may bring home some of this fragrant flower by visiting the flower stalls around.
Fete Du Jasmin
Address: Grasse, France
Website: Fete Du Jasmin
Takes place: Sat 1 Aug - Sun 2 Aug, 2020
11. Go on a side-trip to Cannes
Take a side-trip from Grasse and explore Cannes, where you will appreciate both nature and heritage. Cannes has a lot to offer, some of the best things to do here include visiting Haute Ville. You will have a panoramic view of the whole city surrounded by the blue sea. Visit the old Vieux Port where fishing boats and pleasure boats are side by side or walk along Croisette, which is one of the most famous promenades in the world. If you are into street shopping, then you may proceed to Rue (street) Meynadier where you will see varieties of shops offering items of every sort.
12. Tee off at Golf de Saint Donat
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The 18-hole course is a beautiful par 71, while its 9-hole, par 3 is perfect for both novice and expert players to practice their short-game. Landscaped by Robert Trent Jones, it is lush and well-designed. With its beautifully maintained fields and challenging courses, golfers would definitely enjoy a round or two (or more.) It is located just seven kilometers (four miles) from the heart of Grasse and even offers bar and restaurant services on-site. For golf lessons, you can even visit the pro shop in the vicinity.
Golf de Saint Donat
Address: 270 Route de Cannes, 06130 Grasse, France
Website: Golf de Saint Donat
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
13. Indulge in the finest drinks at Champagne Cristian Senez
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
With roots dating back to 1973, Champagne Cristian Senez boasts a wide selection of quality wines and exemplary wine tasting experiences. Those who would like to experience the vineyard and wine culture of France should definitely drop by. Champagne Cristian Senez has been in the business for nearly half a century and has been continuously providing locals and tourists alike with the perfect glass of wine paired with a one-of-a-kind experience tailored to each guest’s wants and needs. So if you’re curious and are interested to learn more about wines, Champagne Cristian Senez is only a short drive away. It is located in Fontette, France, and is about 15 minutes from Grasse.
Champagne Cristian Senez
Address: 6 Gr Grande Rue, 10360 Fontette, France
Website: Champagne Cristian Senez
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm (closed on Sun)
14. Stop by La Nouvelle Cremerie
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you love cheese and anything dairy, then you should definitely visit La Nouvelle Cremerie, Chateauneuf de Grasse. They offer a wide selection of artisanal dairy products. The shop offers French and Italian cheeses, yogurts, and even butter, as well as fresh eggs. Owned by a lovely couple Pierre and Marie, the shop is a local favorite and is consistently attracting tourists. You’re guaranteed freshness when you purchase from La Nouvelle Cremerie- more so, buying from them means you’re supporting the small local businesses in the area.
La Nouvelle Cremerie
Address: 40 Place des Pins, 06740 Châteauneuf-Grasse, France
Website: La Nouvelle Cremerie
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 8:30am - 12:30pm, 3:30pm - 7:30pm (closed on Mon & Sun)
15. Practice your swing at Golf de la Grande Bastide
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This contemporary golf course is another popular place to visit in Grasse. It was designed by Cabell Robinson and boasts stunning views of Grasse as well as Opio, Châteauneuf de Grasse. Golfers will surely enjoy this 18-hole course, with its beautiful landscape and fields that are suitable for both beginners and professional players. Golf de la Grande Bastide is centrally located, in the heart of Châteauneuf de Grasse, and is but a short drive to Cannes. Its ideal location and proximity to hotels make it the choice golf course for those seeking to have a holiday while enjoying golf in Grasse.
Golf de la Grande Bastide
Address: 761 Chemin des Picholines, 06740 Châteauneuf-Grasse, France
Website: Golf de la Grande Bastide
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Immerse yourself in Grasse
As you can see, there’s definitely no shortage of things to do in and around Grasse, and it’s easy to immerse yourself in the culture. And, if you happen to be there during the rose festival, even better! Explore the town’s museums, streets, art, and nature. Relax or go on an excursion. A trip to Grasse is the ultimate getaway - and one to remember.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Grasse, France
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