Grasse Old Town Nice
Grasse Old Town: the world's perfume capital, a charming medieval maze filled with fragrant history and artisan perfumeries.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flowers, pleasant weather
Grasse Old Town Nice
Best Time
Blooming flowers, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Grasse Old Town: the world's perfume capital, a charming medieval maze filled with fragrant history and artisan perfumeries.
"A charming, fragrant escape nestled in the hills of the French Riviera!"
👃 Perfume Workshop Fun
Book a 'make your own perfume' session at Galimard or Molinard for a personalized scent!
🛍️ Explore Local Boutiques
Beyond the big names, discover unique scents in smaller, independent shops in the market area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fragonard Perfumery
Grasse
Discover the art of perfume making with free tours and a chance to buy unique fragrances.

International Perfumery Museum
Grasse Old Town
Delve into the history and evolution of perfume in this fascinating museum.

Winding Medieval Streets
Grasse Old Town
Get lost in the charming, narrow alleys filled with colorful buildings and artisan shops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Fragrance
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👃 Perfume Workshop Fun
Book a 'make your own perfume' session at Galimard or Molinard for a personalized scent!
🛍️ Explore Local Boutiques
Beyond the big names, discover unique scents in smaller, independent shops in the market area.
Going to Grasse! Any must see’s?
⛪ Admire Notre-Dame-du-Puy
Visit the beautiful 12th-century cathedral for its stunning architecture and art.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The old town has many cobblestone streets and inclines, so wear comfy shoes!
Visiting Grasse / French riviera)
Tips
from all over the internet
👃 Perfume Workshop Fun
Book a 'make your own perfume' session at Galimard or Molinard for a personalized scent!
🛍️ Explore Local Boutiques
Beyond the big names, discover unique scents in smaller, independent shops in the market area.
⛪ Admire Notre-Dame-du-Puy
Visit the beautiful 12th-century cathedral for its stunning architecture and art.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The old town has many cobblestone streets and inclines, so wear comfy shoes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grasse Old Town is celebrated for its charming, fragrant atmosphere and rich perfume heritage. Visitors adore the winding medieval streets, the opportunity to visit historic perfumeries, and the unique scent experiences. Some note that certain shops may be closed in winter, and the hilly terrain requires comfortable footwear.
"A place like this charms me a lot! Very cozy town. Many shops but not all are open during winter but definitely still beautiful place to see with lots of character. We will definitely be back here as we love this town"
A Gentle Supportive Soul
"Grasse Old Town in France is a charming, fragrant escape nestled in the hills of the French Riviera! 🌸🏰 Known as the world’s perfume capital, its narrow, winding streets are lined with colorful buildings, quaint shops, and artisan perfumeries. The air is filled with the scent of lavender, roses, and jasmine, making every stroll feel magical.
Explore historic landmarks like the 12th-century Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral or visit a perfume museum to learn about the town’s rich heritage. With its laid-back vibe and stunning views, Grasse Old Town is a must-see for those seeking beauty and history. #GrasseOldTown #PerfumeCapital 🇫🇷🌿"
Oscar Munoz
"Au fur et à mesure que l'on se perd dans les ruelles de la ville et que l'on s'éloigne des établissements Fragonard,l'atmosphère change on passe des senteurs provençale à une odeur beaucoup plus âcre...
C'est bien dommage car on voit que la ville fait des efforts sur le bâtit et la voirie."
Jean Pierre Mortier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Grasse Old Town from Nice is by train to Grasse station, followed by a short bus ride or walk. Buses also run directly from Nice.
Yes, Grasse Old Town is very walkable, but be prepared for steep, narrow, and cobblestone streets. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Driving into the heart of Grasse Old Town can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's often recommended to park in designated lots outside the old town and walk in.
Wandering through the medieval streets is the best way to experience Grasse Old Town. Consider a guided tour to learn about its rich history and perfume heritage.
Due to its historic nature with cobblestones and steep inclines, Grasse Old Town can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs. Some areas may be difficult to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While some tours, especially specialized workshops, might require advance booking, general tours at major perfumeries like Fragonard are often free and can be joined on arrival. It's wise to check their websites.
Opening hours can vary, especially for smaller shops and boutiques which may close for lunch or during winter. Major perfumeries and the museum generally have set hours, but it's best to check their official websites.
Grasse Old Town is a public area, so there is no entrance fee to wander its streets. However, specific attractions like museums or perfume workshops will have their own admission fees.
Yes, exploring the charming streets, visiting the exterior of the Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral, and taking free tours at perfumeries like Fragonard are all free activities.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of peak tourist season. This will allow for a more relaxed and immersive experience.
🎫 👃 Perfume Experiences
The most famous are Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard. Fragonard offers excellent free tours and has a museum. Molinard and Galimard are known for their 'make your own perfume' workshops.
Absolutely! Galimard and Molinard offer workshops where you can create your own custom fragrance with the guidance of a perfumer. This is a popular and memorable experience.
A factory tour typically explains the history and production process of perfumes, often with a demonstration. A workshop is hands-on, allowing you to create your own scent.
Yes, many perfume workshops are family-friendly and can be a fun activity for children, allowing them to explore scents in a creative way.
Perfume-making workshops can range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the package and the depth of the experience. Some offer shorter introductory sessions.
📸 📸 Photography
The narrow, winding cobblestone streets, colorful buildings with flower-laden balconies, and charming squares offer endless photo opportunities. Don't miss the views from higher vantage points.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the buildings still make for great shots.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful when photographing people or inside private establishments like shops or churches.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the narrow streets. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone!
Look for viewpoints on the outskirts of the old town or from higher streets that offer sweeping vistas of the terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Provençal landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While navigating the old town's cobblestone streets and inclines can be a bit challenging with strollers, the overall charm and the sensory experience of the perfumes make it a memorable outing. Pack comfortable shoes for everyone and be prepared for a delightful exploration of scents and history.
🌸 Perfume Enthusiasts
Don't miss the International Perfumery Museum to delve deep into the historical and technical aspects of perfumery. Understanding the provenance of Grasse's raw materials, like local jasmine and roses, adds another layer to appreciating the fragrances produced here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Business of Perfume in Grasse
While the large perfumeries offer accessible tours, many travelers recommend exploring the smaller, independent boutiques scattered throughout the old town. These hidden gems often provide more artisanal and unique fragrance creations. The International Perfumery Museum in Grasse is a must-visit for anyone interested in the deep history and intricate process of perfume making, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day.
It's important to note that while the perfumeries in the old town are charming, some of the actual industrial production facilities are located further out. However, the experience within Grasse itself provides a comprehensive and delightful immersion into the world of fragrance.
Exploring Grasse Old Town's Charm
Key landmarks include the 12th-century Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral, which boasts impressive artwork, including paintings by Rubens. The town's architecture reflects its long history, with elements dating back centuries. Despite some shops being closed during off-season, the inherent beauty and character of the old town remain, making it a worthwhile visit any time of year.
Many visitors find the atmosphere of Grasse Old Town to be incredibly cozy and authentic, especially when compared to more tourist-heavy destinations. The scent of lavender, roses, and jasmine often fills the air, enhancing the sensory experience of exploring this unique French gem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit