Grasse: perfumery, old town and Grasse hinterland
Grasse, a perfumery town on the slopes of the hinterland
Grasse lies in the Alpes-Maritimes, about twenty kilometres from Cannes. The town is shaped by slope: tight streets, former production districts, views towards the sea and roads rising towards the Prealps.
From scented leather to perfume plants
Grasse’s history passes through leather trades, then the scenting of gloves in the 16th century. The cultivation and processing of fragrant materials later gave a particular role to May rose, jasmine, tuberose and orange blossom. Grasse perfumery depends as much on these plants as on skills of transformation, composition and trade.
Historic houses and the International Perfume Museum
Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard are among the houses that have marked local history. The International Perfume Museum broadens the subject: raw materials, gestures, tools, social uses, bottles and commercial exchanges. It presents Grasse as a town of trades, not simply as an olfactory showcase.
Old town and Notre-Dame-du-Puy cathedral
The old centre brings together narrow passages, steps, compact squares and tall façades. Notre-Dame-du-Puy cathedral keeps works attributed to Rubens and Fragonard. Markets, flower festivals and open workshops still give the centre activity linked to seasons and materials.
Routes through the Grasse hinterland
Around Grasse, roads lead to Cabris, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, Pays de Fayence and the Prealpine plateaus. A stay can therefore combine town, perfumery, hillside paths and access to the French Riviera, with welcome distance from the seafront.
Bed and breakfast near Grasse
Here is a selection of guest houses, gites and charming places to stay near Grasse, between the Riviera and the hinterland, with direct access to each owner’s website.
Charming Bed and breakfast
L'Escale Provençale
In the country of Fayence, three charming guest rooms in a superb listed 19th century building, in the heart of a 3500 m2 park, in Tourrettes, a picturesque and typically Provencal village, a stone's throw from the Lake of Saint Cassien. Swimming pool and large garden with trees.
Prestige bed and breakfast
Domaine de la Xavolière
Four superb guest rooms in a renovated and eco-responsible Provençal farmhouse in the middle of nature in a wooded property of 10 hectares near Grasse, on the heights of the Cannes hinterland. Swimming pool, park, panorama, electric bikes.
Charming bed and breakfast
Les Chambres de mon Moulin
Five charming guest rooms in an old oil mill dating from the 18th century, completely renovated, a haven of calm and relaxation nestled in a green and narrow valley, in Pégomas, near the Bay of Cannes. Swimming pool.
Planning your stay in Grasse
When is the best time to stay in Grasse?
Spring matches flowering periods and visits to gardens or sites linked to perfume plants. Autumn suits town visits and hinterland roads. Summer is busier on the French Riviera.
Where should you choose a bed and breakfast near Grasse?
You can stay in Grasse, around Cabris, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, Mouans-Sartoux, Pays de Fayence or routes between Cannes and the hinterland.
What can you do in Grasse?
You can visit the old town, historic perfume houses, International Perfume Museum, Notre-Dame-du-Puy cathedral and villages of the Grasse hinterland.