Grasse, in the hills behind the Côte d'Azur, is known as the world capital of perfume. Its trade grew from 16th-century leather glove-making into the cultivation of fragrant plants such as rose and jasmine, the extraction of natural raw materials, and the art of perfume composition. In 2018 UNESCO inscribed the 'skills related to perfume in Pays de Grasse' on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. As of 2026 historic houses such as Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard still run free factory tours and make-your-own-perfume workshops, while the International Perfume Museum (MIP) traces the history of scent. Visit in summer (July–August) and the jasmine harvest and festival bring the 'city of fragrance' vividly to life.
International Perfume Museum (MIP): a municipal museum tracing perfume from antiquity to today, with raw materials and a vast bottle collection
The three great houses: Fragonard (free guided tours showing distillation and enfleurage), Galimard (founded 1747) and Molinard in its Art Deco villa
Make-your-own-perfume workshops: paid sessions where you blend a scent under a perfumer's guidance (advance booking recommended)
The old town: a hilltop maze of narrow medieval lanes and pastel façades, home to the Fragonard museum and the Notre-Dame-du-Puy cathedral
Grasse rose (Rose de Mai) and jasmine fields: glimpse the flower cultivation that supplies the perfume trade, in bloom for roses in May and jasmine from August to October
Good to know
SeasonTiming matters if you want to see fields in bloom: the Rose de Mai peaks in May and jasmine from August to October. Outside these windows the fields may be bare, so plan around the harvest if flowers are your goal.
SeasonSummers are hot with strong sun, and the town is steep and hilly. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen, and avoid overexerting yourself outdoors in the midday heat.
RulesThe MIP has fixed closing days (e.g. 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec) and seasonal hours, and the perfume houses run timed, language-specific tour slots. Always confirm the latest opening hours and prices on the official sites before you go.
MannersThe 'free' house tours usually end in the boutique, where there may be gentle sales pressure. You are under no obligation to buy, but smelling many scents in a row dulls the nose, so sample slowly.
CautionBe wary of exaggerated 'duty-free bargain' perfume pitches, and of the petition, friendship-bracelet and pickpocket ploys common at Riviera tourist spots. Keep valuables in a front bag, especially in festival crowds.
RulesLarge perfume bottles exceed the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit and must go in checked luggage. Wrap glass bottles well, and keep duty-free purchases in their sealed bag with the receipt.
SafetyThe old town has steep cobbled lanes and steps that can be slippery. Wear low, non-slip shoes, and expect road closures and crowds during the Jasmine Festival (usually the first weekend of August).
Practical info
Grasse is about 1 hour 15 minutes by train or bus from Nice, and closer from Cannes; the old town, the MIP and the perfume houses cluster within walking distance, making a half- to full-day visit ideal. Opening hours, closing days and prices for the museum and house tours change, so check the official sites for the latest details before visiting.
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