Grasse
Grasse has been a perfume town ever since the 17th century, and today as the world's perfume capital, its reputation speaks for itself.
If you like statistics you'll be pleased to learn that the Grasse perfume and food aroma industry represents two thirds of total French production and employs 2,700 people generating a turnover of 600 million euros.
Every year some two million tourists arrive from all over the world to visit the perfume museum, perfume factories and perfume shops.
The three historic perfume manufacturers - Fragonard, Galimard, Molinard - open their doors to provide free guided tours.
You will learn all about the mysteries of how a perfume is made, from the raw materials to the perfume itself, by means of distillation and enfleurage.
You can then set off to discover a little known but nevertheless fascinating historic town.
As you leave Place des Aires, with its arcades and Louis XV fountain, walk along the beautiful streets that are so busy and cool in the summer, packed with typical boutiques and stalls.
You will become deliciously disoriented in the narrow winding streets and stairways, and you will discover a square Saracen tower, remains of the 16th century ramparts, the mayor's office housed in what was formerly the bishop's palace, the medieval houses raised in the 17th and 18th centuries, superb private mansions (Hotel de Cabris, Hotel de Ponteves, Court de Fontmichel) and magnificent 18th century villas ... as well as the Belle Epoque casino (now converted into a conference centre.
You'll also come across gurgling fountains and picturesque squares with welcoming café terraces, vaulted passageways, freshly painted red and yellow ochre housefronts.
Don't miss the Notre-Dame du Puy cathedral built in the Provençal Romanesque style in the 11th century and frequently altered since. Inside is a beautiful altar piece attributed to Louis Brea, three canvasses by Rubens and a painting by Fragonard, plus stained glass windows and statues by Baillet: pretty impressive stuff.
Cavers can descend into the depths of the Trou du Curé (60 metres underground) or explore the cave at the Saint Sauveur waterfall.
If you prefer the open air you can set off on an excursion to the Loup valley, or simply admire the panoramic view of the coast and L'Esterel from the majestic Cours Honore-Cresp, or else perhaps from the gardens of Princess Pauline, where an orientation table gives a detailed explanation of this grandiose panorama.
To have something to eat after all these visits, try some "Fassoum", a local speciality consisting of courgette flower doughnuts ... marvellous.
What to see
Design your own fragrance at the Molinard perfumery!
Museum Villa Fragonard, Perfume museum.
Museum of Art and History of Provence.
Amiral de Grasse Museum.
International Museum of Perfume.
Marine Museum.
Numerous chapels (Saint-Thomas, Provencal baroque, Saint-Michel penitent 18th/19th century, restored with exhibition hall) and rural chapels.
Leisure activities
Design your own fragrance at the Molinard perfumery!
Hiking along the GR4. Swimming pool, horse-riding, golf courses, tennis.
Excursions, visits to gardens (Princess Pauline's plants garden, Villa Noailles, town of St Jean).
Caving: numerous small cavities on the Malle plateau, including "Trou du Curé",
and the cave at the Saint-Sauveur waterfall (150 m distance), artificial underground galleries in Haut-Malbosc (500 m).
Little tourist train at Grasse. Casino. Concerts.
Jasmine festivals in August, Rose exhibition in May.
Hotels
Located near the old city centre of Grasse
Air conditioned rooms decorated in a Provencal or modern style
Restaurant - Bar - Swimming pool
In the heart of Grasse, just 2 minutes walk from the historic center
Quiet and comfortable hotel, soundproofed rooms with balcony
Public parking nearby
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Campsites.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Opio (6 km), Châteauneuf de Grasse (6 km), Peymeinade (7 km), Cabris (7 km), Valbonne (9 km) and Mougins (12 km).