Renowned for its sweet fragrances, the town of Grasse is a beautiful destination on the Côte d'Azur. Located not far from Antibes, the famous perfume capital reveals the region with a very personal authenticity. From horticulture to pastoral lands, via the surrounding medieval villages, this is definitely a beautiful destination full of charm. Follow us through our 11 top things to do in Grasse!
1. What to do in Grasse Discover the charm of the old town
If, like us, you love strolling through authentic alleyways, follow us into Grasse's old town! There, amidst the ochre facades and shady squares, we simply felt right at home. As we strolled through its charming alleyways, we quickly understood why the town is classified as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire. Every step tells a story, every corner invites you to stop. Ready to be surprised?
2. Let yourself be carried away by the Petit Train de Grasse
Here's a perfect activity to do with children in Grasse! The tourist Petit Train takes you through the streets and alleys of the town. Sometimes they're so narrow you can almost touch the two walls around you. Thehistory of the town and the art of perfumery are recounted in a variety of languages, from the Episcopal Palace to the cathedral and beyond. We love it!
Good to know: the little train is free for children under 3, and pets are allowed.
3. Visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie
What a pleasure to open the doors of France's finest museum of perfumery! Visit musée International de la Parfumerie is a marvel for the olfactory sense. We were delighted to wander through its four floors, discovering the techniques used to make perfume, from the cultivation of flowers onwards. As a bonus, the museum's greenhouse invites you to discover plants with bewitching scents: a real favorite!
Book my perfume workshop in Grasse
4. What to do in Grasse Visit Notre-Dame du Puy cathedral
When you see the façade of notre-Dame du Puy cathedralwe weren't sure what to expect. It may not look like much from the outside, but what a splendid building it is on the inside! As we pushed open the doors, we were struck by the serenity of the place, but also and above all by the wealth of works it houses, including paintings by Rubens (no less!). The blend of Romanesque art and local history made for a fascinating visit: zero regrets!
5. Take part in the Jasmine Festival
If Grasse is sometimes nicknamed "the city of scents", it's not least for its magnificent Jasmine Festival. Although the festival has been held since 1946, we only recently had the pleasure of taking part. What a festival of colors and scents: a true voyage for the senses! Interested? See you every year on the first weekend in August! From the floral floats to the scattering of jasmine petals, it's a truly magical festival, perfectly honoring the flower that made the perfume capital so famous!
Petit Futé Tip: if you visit Grasse in early May, you can take part in ExpoRose, a festival full of color... pink! The decor is pure enchantment, and the festive days are punctuated by dance, music and theater.
6. Discover the Musée Jean Honoré Fragonard
We pushed open the door of the musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard out of curiosity... and we were right to do so! Nestled in the heart of the old town, this museum, which we'd been eyeing for a while, offered us a fascinating journey into the world of the Grasse painter . We were captivated by his works, his lively portraits and even an unexpected religious painting! The venue is elegant, intimate and fascinating... In short, the winning combo!
Make a reservation now: Book this guided tour of the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse, the perfume capital of France. Immediately afterwards, take part in an olfactory workshop and create your own eau de toilette
7. What to do in Grasse Create your own perfume
We discovered that several perfume workshops, including Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard, offer the opportunity to create your own perfume. We were hooked! Also accessible to children, this two-hour activity transported us into an olfactory cocoon full of surprises. What a pleasure to leave with our own little bottle at the end!
Tempted? Click here to book your place at a perfume workshop in Grasse: you'll create your own personalized 30 ml perfume and visit a historic perfume factory.
Children's perfume workshop: Go here to book this Le Petit Parfumeur workshop perfect for children aged 4 to 8. A perfume creation expert will help your child interpret the scents he or she likes best and compose the perfect symphony of smells. A fun and enriching experience for children, who can decorate their own bottle and take it home with them!
8. Marvel at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence
As you enter the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provencewe never thought we'd go so far back into the daily life of the area. Housed in a superb town house, the museum skilfully combines everyday objects, antique jewelry, furniture, paintings and many other surprises from yesteryear. We have to admit: we loved this journey through the centuries! If you like authentic atmospheres and details that tell stories, this museum should speak to you.
Good to know: the low entrance fee to this museum also gives access to the Musée Jean Honoré Fragonard.
9. Escape to Domaine de la Rose
We discovered Domaine de la Rose a little way from the center of town, and what an enchanted interlude it was! On these organic lands, Lancôme combines respect for nature with exceptional know-how. We couldn't take our eyes off the Maison Rose, with its bold architecture. Here, everything exudes the passion of perfume, in a peaceful, refined setting: how could we resist?
10. A bucolic stroll through fields of flowers
Looking for free things to do in Grasse? Look no further, we've got the simplest, most bucolic and romantic activity for you: a stroll through the fields of flowers. And as you'd expect, around a town like Grasse, the flowers are as varied as they are colorful and fragrant. Mimosa, iris, violets: you name it! This little interlude of letting go did us a world of good. For a moment, we simply lived again.
The article to read: Top 11 hikes in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in 2025
11. What to do in Grasse Marvel at the Musée du Bijou et du Costume Provençal
Next to the Fragonard factory, we found the musée du Bijou et du Costume Provençal. It was here that we discovered the work of an enthusiast: Hélène Costa. Throughout her life, she collected traditional jewelry and clothing from the XVIIIᵉ and XIXᵉ centuries. The result is striking, offering a journey back in time that is both unusual and magnificent. Interesting to visit, if you're spending at least a weekend in Grasse.
Where to stay in Grasse?
Grasse is not a big city. If you're staying for a short time, you'll want to head for the city center, so you'll have all the sights close at hand. For a longer stay, you'll find charming hotels not far from the town center, where you can enjoy the natural surroundings.
- The most beautiful setting
At La Bellaudière, it's all about charm: the landscape, the building, the shady terrace, the simple but cosy rooms. You 'll fall in love with this Grasse hotel, which you can book here.
- Family-friendly
At the Auberge des Arômes, you'll feel just like at home... only more pampered! The owners are adorable, the rooms simple but comfortable and the little restaurant succulent. A truly good address, bookable here with a click.
- The most pleasant
Bookable right here, the AEC Village Vacances - Les Cèdres offers a lovely bubble of tranquillity in Grasse. With lovely views from some rooms or the terrace, and affordable prices, it's great value for money that we found here.
What to do in Grasse with children?
Of course, the little tourist train is ideal for visiting Grasse with children. It can even be great fun as it weaves its way through the tiny streets. Perfume creation workshops are also interesting activities to do in Grasse with children.
Another must-do in Grasse with the family: Riviera Nature! Located in a natural park to the north of the town, thisaccrobranche park is a paradise for adventurous little ones! Did you know that you can also take part in an outdoor escape game in Grasse? As a family, follow the clues to find the recipe for a perfume: original, unusual, our favorite! We were also seduced by the concept of Palomano, which opened in early 2025. This edutainment park immerses children in a mini-city to stimulate their imagination. Role-playing, independent learning, games... everything is there to ensure they have a great time!
Which beautiful villages to visit around Grasse?
Have you seen it all? So, what's next in the Grasse area? Head for Gourdona little treasure in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its château and gardens, designed by Lenôtre, make this village one of the most beautiful in the PACA region.
Can you imagine villages in the south of France with cobbled streets, stone houses and surrounding vegetation? That's exactly what you'll find in Auribeau-sur-Siagne, with a special charm all of its own! Of course, you can't leave this little corner of paradise without spending a few hours in the village of Cabris, just outside Grasse. As is so often the case, it too is perched on a hill, offering exceptional panoramic views.
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Like Grasse? Don't hesitate to follow us on our discovery of the Côte d'Azur must-sees: you won't be disappointed! If you don't have a lot of time on your hands, the things to do in the Alpes-Maritimes are a good place to start. In the end, the whole PACA region deserves a little time on its own: let yourself be seduced!
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