Grasse is a city on the French Riviera known as the world capital of perfumes. It is here that the fragrance formulations of the best known cosmetics are produced.

Every tourist who visits Grasse appreciates the unusual atmosphere of this place. Flowers grow everywhere here, and the city smells of mimosa, jasmine, orange blossom, and roses. Its museums and perfume factories are located in the most important parts of the town. If you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting Grasse while you are on the French Riviera, the answer is definitely yes!

Why is Grasse the capital of perfumes?

Grasse is considered by some to be the world’s perfume capital. Undeniably, it is one of the most important points on the world map when it comes to the production of fragrances. It is here that we find the headquarters of three famous labels: Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard.

The history of fragrances in the city dates back to the 16th century, when there was a need to fight the odors caused by the tanning of leather. The tanning industry had been the basis of Grasse’s economy since the 12th century. Over time, the perfume industry gained in importance and completely replaced the leather tanning industry.

New fragrances are create by the so-called Noses – people who are extremely sensitive to smells. There are about 50 of them around the world, and they earn a minimum of 15 thousand Euro per month. It takes up to two years for them to create a new fragrance!

The city has such an association with the production of fragrances that it also became the venue for the last chapter of Patrick Suskind’s book, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.  A Hollywood box office movie was later shot based on this bestseller.

What’s worth seeing in Grasse?

The Old Town is relatively small, but a walk through its narrow streets is undoubtedly a pleasant attraction. Even without a detailed map, tourists will eventually find their way to the main Place aux Aires, where you can find a Provencal market (in the morning) and numerous restaurants. An impressive fountain also stands here.

The Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral, Grasse

The Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral, Grasse

The Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral is just a three-minute walk away. This beautiful Provencal church from the 13th century has an extremely austere character; the splendor known from Baroque churches is missing here. Its walls are decorated with, among others, three magnificent paintings by Rubens and Fragonard.

The world-famous singer Edith Piaf died in Grasse. The artist was buried in a cemetery in Paris, and her songs are still popular around the world today.

Just behind the cathedral there is a viewing area where you can admire the panorama of the valley that runs down towards the sea. It is also worth looking at the sign giving information about partner cities.

Among the many attractions of the city I must mention the tiny, but incredibly charming, Place de la Poissonnerie, which also lies near the cathedral. Here you can eat in a charming restaurant under a roof that is reminiscent of the times of la Belle Epoque.

Its also worth visiting:

  • The International Perfume Museum (2 bd du du Jeu de Ballon, open from 10:00 to 19:00 from April to September, 10:30 – 17:30 from October to March, but closed on Tuesdays in the winter, admission 6 euros),
  • Museum of Arts and History of Provence (2 rue Mirabeau, open as above, free admission),
  • Villa and Fragonard Museum (23 boulevard Fragonard, open as above, free admission),
  • Museum of Provence Costume and Jewelry (2 rue Jean Ossola, open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 18:00, free admission),
  • Sea Museum (23 Boulevard Fragonard, open from Monday to Friday from 14:00 – 18:00, free admission).
Fragonard Perfumerie in Grasse

Fragonard Perfumerie in Grasse

How to get to Grasse?

From Nice, you can reach Grasse by both bus or train. Bus number 500 departs from the Park Phoenix stop in Nice (near the airport), to which the T2 tram goes from the city center. The bus goes to the center of Grasse; the journey takes about 1.5 hours and a one-way ticket costs 1.50 euros. If you choose the train you will get there a little faster (1 hour and 7 minutes), but a one-way ticket costs around 10 euros.