The town lies in the hills above Cannes and offers a fresher climate than the balmy coastal towns. A little bit scruffy in places, it does have some wonderful grand mansions in the centre and around the outskirts.
Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes
The world centre of perfume in the heart of the French Riviera
Blessed with a mild winter climate and a perfect setting on the southern slopes of Montagne de Doublier, Grasse has attracted visitors for centuries. In the early 19th century Pauline Borghese, Napoleon's favourite sister, spent a winter there. Queen Victoria was so taken by Grasse, its climate and surroundings, that she returned several times to winter at the Rothschild's villa. Today, the town has a substantial population of expatriates: the many villas and apartment complexes on the hill sides are witness to the fact.
Its prime location (only 15km from Cannes, 40km from Nice) is not the only attraction of Grasse. What makes the tourists arrive in droves is the scent of flowers, concentrated and powerful - Grasse is the perfume capital of the world. When you approach the town, you'll soon become aware of that fact. Billboards invite you to a free tour of one of the major perfume factories: Fragonard, Galimard or Molinard. These tours are worthwhile and educational about the intricacies of perfume making. They're not a tourist trap, even though at the end the guides will steer you to the factory store where you can buy fragrances, soaps and other local products.
Beyond its perfume connection, Grasse presents a charming old town with winding streets and surprisingly quiet squares and alleys. When in the main streets of the old town and its string of shops, you'll find yourself transported into the scented world. It's impossible to avoid the displays of dried flower petals (create your own mix), soaps, eau de toilette, and other items of fragrance. Indulge yourself in the richness of scent. If it begins to overwhelm you, find your escape to the Mediterranean sea, or the quiet of a Provençal village, just a few miles to the north or west of this perfume centre of the world.
It has an authentic old medieval centre which you can wander around with the help of a free walking map available from the tourist office. You'll find plenty of cafes and restaurants (Place aux Aires), gift shops, and of course, perfume shops.
Events in Grasse
Every Wednesday there is an Antiques Market in the centre of Grasse on the terraces of the Cours Honoré Cresp.
Events in Grasse
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Grasse
The history of perfume making in Grasse is fascinating.
From the Middle Ages the town was known for its tanneries, glove-making in particular. Then, in the 16th century, scented gloves became highly fashionable in a smelly world and Grasse was eager to follow the trend. Blessed with a surrounding countryside full of flowers, the town and its tanneries quickly became the foremost producer of these fragrant gloves. While the fashion of scented gloves faded away, the attraction to fragrance remained. The tanneries became the perfume houses which remain today.
One thing has changed, however. The flower-growing countryside around Grasse has disappeared for the most part, to make way for villas and apartments. Ingredients that are essential for the fragrances, rose petals, jasmine, or lily-of-the-valley, are now imported from countries such as Turkey.
Sights & Attractions in Grasse
One of the best natural sights to visit in the area is the Gorges du Loup. A beautiful area that is great for walking, hiking or just a Sunday drive along the road.
There are many perfume factories and producers but perhaps one of the best to visit is the Parfumerier Fragonard which is one of the oldest and hosts a great museum about the history of perfume.
If you're a history buff or art lover then you must not miss a trip to the Cathedral in Grasse, with a simple interior yet rich history this building also houses works of art by some of the great masters of painting including Rubens. Follow the signs to the Notre Dame du Puy cathedral, stemming from the 11th century, but completely renovated in the 17th.
Explore the history of Eastern Provence in this small museum. The Musee d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence give you a real flavour of life in Provence through the ages. Entry is free.
Sights in Grasse
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Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Guided tours & perfume workshops
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
Perfume museum in one of the oldest parfumerie's in Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
Bringing together collections devoted to the history & art of eastern Provence
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
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Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy, Grasse 
Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy, Grasse
Romanesque cathedral built in the 12th century
The medieval church of Notre-Dame du Puy was raised to cathedral status in 1244, when the bishop transferred from Antibes to Grasse.
Beaches in Grasse
Beaches in Antibes
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet 
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Pebble beach great for watersports fans with equipment to rent
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
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Plage du Pont du Lys Beach, Juan les Pins 
Plage du Pont du Lys Beach, Juan les Pins
Last beach of Juan les Pins as the coast curves around towards Golfe Juan
This relatively narrow sand beach is a beach of two halves. The town end is mostly taken up with beach clubs offering a pricey, decadent day lolling about on a deckchair or a pontoon.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet 
Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
A pebble beach with watersports, ideal for families
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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Grande Plage Beach, Juan les Pins 
Grande Plage Beach, Juan les Pins
Large public beach located in the west of Juan les Pins
This is the main beach of Juan-les-Pins, and it’s also one of the widest. This is a great beach with lots of sand, a great view and a buzzing energy in the summer months.
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Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot 
Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
Lovely pebble beaches along the coast towards Biot
Antibes sits at the far end of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), a vast sweep of azure blue sea that washes up on a smooth pebbled shore.
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet 
Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Sandy beach with disabled access and lifeguard in peak season
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Dining in Grasse
Grasse is abundant with good restaurants and pretty pavement cafes. Provencal food dominates, but there is quite a wide range of cuisines to be found in the old town of Grasse, even Asian if that takes your fancy. If Michelin star elegance, refined Provencal food and a stunning terrace is what you seek, head to Le Bastide St-Antoine, while La Licorne is known for providing excellent food for a reasonable price and La Malouine is the place to head for delicious crepes. There are also some award-winning restaurants to be found in the nearby little villages; such as Au Fil du Temps in Magagnosc.
Restaurants & Dining in Grasse
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Michelin-starred Provençal retreat with creative cuisine and panoramic sea views
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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Cafe du Cycliste, Grasse 
Cafe du Cycliste, Grasse
Located in Chateauneuf de Grasse, just 10 minutes from Grasse
The decor of the cafe is great, relaxed and refined with lots of bike parts decorations. Salma, JB, Stephen and Jenny will welcome you at the Cafe du Cycliste serving fresh, delicious dishes cooked with local ingredients.
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Au Fil du Temps Restaurant
Creative, seasonal dining experience with stunning sea views near Grasse
Tucked away in the hilltop village of Magagnosc, just ten minutes from Grasse, Au Fil du Temps is a delightful address for food lovers seeking creativity, quality and a touch of elegance on the French Riviera.
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L'Oustel des Vins Winebar, Grasse
Wine tasting and gourmet dishes in the world's capital of perfume
Located in one of the small old city streets in Grasse, this small wine-bar has a nice atmosphere and a rustic decor.
Nightlife in Grasse
Bars & Clubs in Grasse
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Bar a Vin le 61 Restaurant 
Bar a Vin le 61 Restaurant
Restaurant in a nice setting overlooking the harbor
Opposite the Old Port, this wine bar has a great selection of wines that you can enjoy whilst looking out over the water, yachts and marina.
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Casino JOA La Siesta
Newly renovated casino right on the edge of the sea on the beautiful Cote d'Azur
In this large complex in the centre of Antibes is a big nightclub and a casino. The casino has 180 machines, roulette, blackjack and poker plus a restaurant.
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Blue Lady Pub
Live music every Friday night in this relaxed pub
This English-speaking pub is located in the heart of Old Antibes. It is a real institution for Captains and crew members.
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Pam Pam, Juan les Pins 
Pam Pam, Juan les Pins
Popular & lively spot since the 1920's - cocktails, music & dancing
Pam Pam and her team invite you to discover or rediscover a wide selection of cocktails, alcoholic or not.
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Le Village 
Le Village
Night club with a spacious dance floor
The club is known for hosting some of Europe’s most popular DJs, as well as its creative theme nights. Imagine a village square at night - cobbled streets, fountains and a lively atmosphere.
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Le New Orleans Bar, Juan les Pins
Jazz & live music bar in the heart of Juan les Pins
Wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Juan les Pins, opposite the Pinede Park that serves up live music as well.
Things to do in Grasse
Fragonard, Galimard, Molinard are three historic perfume-makers which open their doors to run tours. You can also make your own perfume at the Galinard or Molinard workshops, or visit the flower fields that are used to make the fragrances, including those that go into making the famous Chanel no5.
You could take a guided walking tour or ride Le Petit Train to learn the town's proud history and marvel at the gorgeous villas and medieval buildings.
Just out of town, why not test out your high-ropes skills and head to the Riviera Nature Adventure Park, ziplining through the trees and enjoying the spectacular views, or explore some of the limestone caves in the surrounding hills with a spelunking club. You can also join the long range hiking path GR4 as it runs from alpine villages down to the Mediterranean, or visit the truly stunning cliffs and waterfalls of Gorges du Loup.
Things To Do in Grasse
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Fun Kart, Le Bar-sur-Loup 
Fun Kart, Le Bar-sur-Loup
Karting for children, adults & groups - open throughout the year
Located 30 minutes from Nice, Cannes and Antibes in a natural setting of 8 hectares, this karting set offers 3 circuits with a separate one for children, giving visitors the chance to race each other using high-tech go-karts.
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Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
17th century hunting estate offering a technical 18-hole golf course
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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Riviera Nature, Adventure Park, Grasse
Tree top adventure park with numerous challenges & zip lines!
Try these tree top adventures, all with various levels of difficulty and with plenty of adrenalin pumping fun!
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Tourist Train
Explore this historical Old Town of Grasse by train
Leaves daily throughout the summer months from the Cours Honoré Cresp plaza (across from the Palais des Congrès and main tourist office).
Watersports in Grasse
Watersports in Grasse
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Airxkite Kitesurf, Cannes la Bocca
Learn how to kite surf or stand up paddle board in the Bay of Cannes
Airxkite offers full courses on kite surfing, including theory and practical. All Airxkite classes in the water take place between April to November.
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Diamond Diving School
Established diving school based in the Old Port of Golfe-Juan
A small centre that focuses on a personal touch and offers not only beginner diving courses, but PADI certification and also instructor development courses.
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Kayak Hire
1hr, 2hr, half day or full day hire, to discover the French Riviera
Based in Antibes, their kayak & SUP activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
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Stade Nautique Municipal Watersports
Local public swimming pools
If you feel like a change from the beach, take a trip to the local public swimming baths. There is a 25-metre swimming pool inside, plus an outdoor 50-metre pool with a diving board.
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Easy Dive School, Juan les Pins
An experienced dive centre close to the heart of Antibes
Easy Dive is a diving shop and diving centre in Antibes. There are a range of different courses for all levels from complete beginner to advanced and instructor courses.
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Antibes Jet Passion, Juan les Pins
Offering jet ski hire along with a variety of other watersports
You can hire a jet ski, or enjoy a guided day out with an instructor who will show you the sites of the wonderful coastline and the islands of the Cote d'Azur.
Holiday Rentals in Grasse
Holiday Rentals in Grasse
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Hsud0043 Villa
6km from Valbonne in the town of Roquefort-les-Pins, beautiful Provencal farmhouse renovated in 2021, located on a plot of approximately 3,000 m².
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Hsud0080 Villa
At 6km from Valbonne, in the commune of roquefort-les-pins, in a quiet area, charming villa situated on a plot of land of about 2100 m².
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Hsud0054 Villa
In the town of Vallauris, we present the villa "Luma" located in height, without direct vis-à-vis, with a very beautiful sea view, on a plot of 800 m².
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Arte Villa
In your own artistic villa with contemporary interiors, a stunning pool and unobstructed views of the forest of Valmasque in a region of the French Riviera that so inspired Picasso, Matisse and Miró, you will stay just 18 km from the lively city of Cannes
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Hsud0017 Villa
Located in Vallauris, 10 km from Cannes, in a leafy residential area with sea view, luxurious villa set in 2500 m² of wooded, fenced grounds.
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Hsud0818 Villa
In the area of Roquefort les Pins in 6 km from Valbonne, in a residential and green area, nice villa on a land of 2600 m².
Hotels in Grasse
With plenty of fine hotels you'll be spoilt for choice in this beautiful location. From five star luxury to small boutique hotels and lovely guest houses, there is something to suit everyone and every occasion.
Hotels in Grasse
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Les Rosées Hotel
A timeless Provençal retreat where historic charm meets modern indulgence
Effortlessly elegant and full of charm, this authentic Provençal mas offers a peaceful escape for romantic getaways and family retreats alike.
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Charming Provençal retreat with luxury suites, panoramic terrace, and Michelin-starred dining
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
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Le Mas de Mougins B&B
Charming guesthouse accommodation in a traditional Provencal Mas
Set in a secluded, tranquil location surrounded by ancient oaks, olive trees, oleanders, and the sweet fragrance of jasmine, it’s easy to see why this peaceful haven was a favourite of Picasso.
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Royal Mougins Hotel
Luxurious suites with golf course views, a spa, and gourmet dining, just minutes from Cannes
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
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Hotel de Mougins
Peaceful Provençal hideaway surrounded by sun, gardens and timeless charm
Set in a historic 18th-century bastide, the four-star Hôtel de Mougins offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Provence. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and filled with Provençal charm, it’s the perfect base for unwinding and exploring the Côte d’Azur.
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Les Armoiries Hotel, Valbonne
Charming boutique hotel in Valbonne Village, close to dining and shopping
Nestled in the heart of the charming medieval village of Valbonne, just a short drive from the international technopole Sophia-Antipolis and only 20 minutes from Cannes and Nice International Airport.
How to get to Grasse
Transfers for Antibes
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Private Airport Transfers
Nice Airport to Antibes from €88 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
With years of Alpine transfer experience through its sister brand, this private airport transfer service brings reliable, professional travel to the Côte d'Azur, with trained, English-speaking drivers who know the local area. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, including Mercedes models and spacious people carriers, offer Wi-Fi and complimentary mineral water, while airport meet and greet, flight and traffic monitoring, free child seats and clear pricing help make your journey easier. With automated pick-up reminders, door-to-door service and twenty-four-hour summer telephone support, you can arrange your transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Property For Sale in Grasse
Property for Sale in Grasse
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Villa for Sale | VAL260137
This property enjoys exceptional, panoramic views over the sea and the surrounding hills, offering a constantly changing spectacle throughout the hours of the day and the seasons. Nestled in absolute tranquility, sheltered from any disturbance, it perfectly embodies the Provençal art of living, where nature, light, and serenity come together.
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Villa for Sale | val260172
Elegant villa with breathtaking panoramic views
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Villa for Sale | val260157
Set in a privileged countryside environment, south‑facing and in absolute peace and quiet, this superb property of approximately 210 sqm of living space has been fully renovated between 2024 and 2026 and is located just a few minutes from the centre of Roquefort‑les‑Pins.
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Villa for Sale | VAL250093
Nestled at the summit of a prestigious residential estate, this new 575 sq m contemporary villa embodies the very essence of luxury.
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Villa for Sale | val260160
Contemporary Sea View Villa Within Walking Distance of the Village
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Villa for Sale | CDA250038
A stunning villa in a secure estate
