The town of Grasse in the departement of Alpes-Maritimes is located in the hills behind the resorts of the Cote d'Azur. Famous as the centre of French perfume production for many centuries, it is surrounded by beautiful Provencal scenery, fields of lavender and spectacular hilltop villages. You can drive from the coast to Grasse in less than an hour, and the town has become a standard day trip destination for tourists staying on the French Riviera. If you don't have your own transport with you, there will probably be a coach trip leaving from the main towns at least once a day throughout the summer months.
The town's perfume industry started at the end of the 18th century, and although methods have changed since then, some brands of perfume are still made in the town. The name of Fragonard has been associated with Grasse for decades, along with the other great perfume companies of Molinard and Galimard. All three still have a presence in the town, including a visitor's tour of the factory and a museum about the traditional ways of making perfume and the history of the companies themselves. The main reason Grasse became such a world-renowned centre for perfumeries is the climate, which is ideal for growing many of the exotic and tropical flowers used, such as jasmine and lavender. The town itself, as well as the surrounding fields, is still full of these flowers, even if most of those used in perfume making are now imported from abroad.
The town itself is a pretty, typically Provencal community, with an old town and church on the top of a hill, and the more modern buildings and developments spreading out around it. It can be quite a steep climb to the main square at the top of the old town, though you are rewarded with a fantastic view that stretches all the way to the coast on a clear day. However, if you don't want to climb the winding, narrow streets yourself there is a small tourist train that makes the journey several times a day, with a guided commentary to the sights you are passing as well. There are several cultural festivals in Grasse each summer, most based around the perfume industry, such as the Jasmine Festival which takes place each August and features musical and theatrical performances, a procession through the streets of the old town and a fireworks display. There is also an annual rose exhbition held in the town.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Grasse? Then below is a selection of gites in Grasse and villas in Grasse that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
