Grasse, Hilltop commune in Alpes-Maritimes, France
Description
Grasse is a commune in Alpes-Maritimes, southern France, sitting on hills inland from the Mediterranean coast. The old town rises in layers of stone houses, stepped alleys and small squares connected by staircases, with gardens and fountains scattered throughout the upper quarters.
History
During the Middle Ages, the town developed as a leather tanning center before craftsmen started perfuming gloves in the 16th century. This combination of skill and scent eventually led to the town becoming a center for perfume making on its own.
Culture
The International Perfume Museum presents the evolution of fragrance production through artifacts, explaining techniques from ancient Egypt to modern industrial processes.
Practical
Three perfume houses in town offer daily guided tours and workshops where visitors can create their own scents. The old town is best explored on foot, though the steep paths require comfortable shoes.
Did you know?
Surrounding fields produce several tonnes of jasmine flowers each year, all picked by hand in the early morning to preserve their scent. This harvest follows a rhythm unchanged for centuries, timed to the opening of the blossoms.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (arrondissement of Grasse).
The French Riviera between Monaco and Saint-Tropez features a diverse architectural heritage reflecting centuries of history. Visitors can explore medieval villages such as the historic center of Grasse, known as the perfume capital since the 16th century, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, home to the Maeght...
Grasse Cathedral
54 m
Musée international de la parfumerie
279 m
Château de Mouans
5.5 km
Église Notre-Dame du Brusc
4.8 km
Espace de l'art concret
5.4 km
The Provence Art and History Museum
231 m
Villa Fragonard
257 m
Ancien hôtel de Clapiers-Cabris
249 m
Hôtel de Clapiers-Cabris, Grasse
255 m
Temple protestant de Grasse
1.1 km
Hôtel Court de Fontmichel
213 m
Golf de la Grande Bastide
4.5 km
Golf Country Club de Saint-Donat
4.1 km
Musée Fragonard
195 mDolmen de Stramousse
2.7 km
Golf Grasse Country Club – Claux Amic
2.9 km
Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard de Grasse
196 m
Église Saint-Laurent-de-Magagnosc de Grasse
3.7 km
Église Saint-André, Mouans-Sartoux
5.6 km
Sanctuaire de Notre-Dame-de-Valcluse
4.8 km
Base de Loisirs de Mouans-Sartoux
4.3 km
Église d'Auribeau-sur-Siagne
4.8 km
Église de l'Oratoire de Grasse
224 m
Riou-de-Bar tunnel
6.1 km
Église Saint-Trophime d'Opio
4.7 km
Monument à Léon Chiris
169 m
Église Saint-Martin de Châteauneuf-Grasse
4.5 km
Chapelle Saint-Thomas de Grasse
135 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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