© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
The world centre of perfume in the heart of the French Riviera
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.
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.
Every Wednesday there is an Antiques Market in the centre of Grasse on the terraces of the Cours Honoré Cresp.
In conjunction with the International Jazz Festival Association, Jazz a Juan will bring you three nights of entertainment with some of the most promising French and international acts on the jazz scene today.
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
Fans of Napoleonic history won't want to miss this re-enactment of the landing of Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On 1 March, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
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.
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.
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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.
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.
The medieval church of Notre-Dame du Puy was raised to cathedral status in 1244, when the bishop transferred from Antibes to Grasse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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.
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.
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.
Located in one of the small old city streets in Grasse, this small wine-bar has a nice atmosphere and a rustic decor.
Restaurant, with 1 Michelin star, overlooking the countryside surrounding Grasse, serves fine cuisine which is full of the fresh flavours of Provence.
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.
Leaves daily throughout the summer months from the Cours Honoré Cresp plaza (across from the Palais des Congrès and main tourist office).
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
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.
Try these tree top adventures, all with various levels of difficulty and with plenty of adrenalin pumping fun!
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
Perched at nearly 500m above sea level this historical site once housed Romans in tents as they overlooked the land below.
This enjoyable half-day hike follows a river linking two of the region’s most beautiful towns, Valbonne and Biot.
The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.
When you think of the Cap d'Antibes you tend to think prestigious villas and residences for billionaires, nestled in the green oasis of the peninsula.
Airxkite offers full courses on kite surfing, including theory and practical. All Airxkite classes in the water take place between April to November.
A small centre that focuses on a personal touch and offers not only beginner diving courses, but PADI certification and also instructor development courses.
Based in Antibes, their kayak & SUP activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Villa Lunetta features four bedrooms (2 master suites and 2 guest rooms) and four en-suite bathrooms and shower rooms spread over two spacious floors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Villa Lunetta features four bedrooms (2 master suites and 2 guest rooms) and four en-suite bathrooms and shower rooms spread over two spacious floors.
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.
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.
Effortlessly elegant and full of charm, this authentic Provençal mas offers a peaceful escape for romantic getaways and family retreats alike.
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.
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
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.
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.
Charming 19th-century manor set in peaceful parkland just outside Cannes, offering elegant rooms, scenic views, and easy access to both the Riviera coastline and picturesque Provençal villages.
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Car Riviera offers a range of cars available for hire with a driver to chauffeur you either to and from the airport, for sight seeing trips or just to and from dinner so you can sit back and relax. Large vehicles such as Espace and Multi vans are at your disposal.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
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.
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See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Markets are very popular, selling everything from local produce to arts & crafts and second-hand objects. There are also plenty of cultural and musical events, including world-famous festivals like Jazz a Juan, as well as regattas and other sports competitions.
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