DESCRIPTION

Called the «Ville d’Art et d’Histoire», the town of art and history - Grasse has a great cultural heritage. As the town of perfume, it has one of the finest collections of ancient objects connected with the history of perfume. Similarly, the factories, distilleries, soap factories and museums should all be visited. Not to mention the “nose workshops,” run by professionals who create new fragrances, seated at their perfume “organs” (a sort of mini-laboratory)..
Located in the hills inland from Cannes, the commune of Grasse includes a large forest estate of which almost a quarter is listed as a natural reserve. As for the undulating, winding roads, these are the delight of experienced cyclists. The town also has the advantage of being close to “La Grande Bleue” – the ocean – and big coastal towns, such as Cannes or Antibes…

HISTORY

The town long managed to retain its independence. At the start of the Twelfth Century, Grasse became a free town and no longer was part of Provence. The town was then able to develop commercially, focusing on the leather trade amongst others. Grasse established its own trade contacts principally with Pisa and Genoa, which also were autonomous towns. However, at the beginning of the Thirteenth Century, the Count of Provence became concerned about the growing influence of the town and laid siege to it. In 1220, after a fierce battle, the County of Provence was able to boast Grasse as part of its territory.
The town did however acquire a good many privileges: free trade, free cultivation and livestock farming, reduction and exemption from taxes... It enjoyed privileges at least until the reign of Louis the XIV. The town’s main income derived from arts and crafts and tannery. It was precisely for this reason that the tale of the capital of perfume began. Grasse leather was renowned. However, the odour of hide often left a lot to be desired. So, Galimard had the idea of creating a pair of perfumed leather gloves which he then gave to Catherine de Medici. The trend had been set ! Thus enraptured, the nobility scrapped over them !
The perfume industry grew rapidly. The characteristic, rare fragrances of Provence, such as lavender, rose, jasmine and mimosa and others, led to its growing success. After about a century, the tannery trade gradually began to die out. Competition, particularly from Nice, started to make its presence felt and the weight of taxation forced Grasse eventually to abandon the leather industry to the benefit of the perfume business. Later, to meet the demands of the growing scent industry, perfumers took up the production of artificial fragrances. Today, perfume represents the principal industrial hub of the town of Grasse. As for its significance on a national level, the town provides half of all French production of scent and fragrances. Even if competition is tough, Grasse retains its status as the World Capital of Perfume because it represents almost 10% of world production. Grasse’s reputation is already established. Even the big brands such as Chanel have their own rose and jasmine plantations right here in Grasse.

ENTERTAINMENT

The town puts on several shows and events throughout the year, such as the Fête du jasmin (Jasmine Festival) which takes place on the first weekend of the month of August, etc.

HAUTE CUISINE

The influence of the town of perfume also extends to the culinary domain. In the Gorges-du-Loup, a confectionery offers sweets made from flower petals, including the famous rose petal jam. Sugar-iced violet, mint and rose petals also delight gourmets. You can also visit the sweet-making workshop.

LEISURE

When going through the old town, you can pass by Place aux Aires. Specially designed areas provide an outstanding view of Cannes Bay in the distance. Other sights to see are the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy (cathedral), the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), which was the former bishop’s palace, and the Tour Sarrasine (Saracen Tower), a 30-metre watch tower. Other churches can be visited, such as the Eglise du Plan de Grasse and the Eglise de Plascassier.
The town also has an Observatory and a series of museums (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Provence (the Provencal Art and History Museum), Musée Provençal du Costume et du Bijou (Provencal Museum of Costume and Jewellery), Musée de la Marine (Museum of the Sea…) including several dedicated to perfumes and their history, such as the Musée International de la Parfumerie (International Perfume Museum), the Villa-Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard (Jean-Honoré Fragonard Villa-Museum) and, naturally, the Galimard, Fragonard and Molinard perfumeries with their museums and workshops... Galimard also arranges visits to their fields of flowers in the village of Gourdon.
The town also has a casino.

SPORTS

When it comes to sport, the Grasse area, located between the sea and the mountains offers many possibilities. In addition to skiing and water sports, there is traditional golf, , which is very sought after in the region. Walkers will be delighted by the hiking and bicycle routes through the hinterland. Horse riding is also widespread with the Club hippique de Grasse and the Ecuries d’Epona (stables). For climbers, there are assault courses in the woods.

PARKS

The town of perfume has many gardens and flower plantations, such as the Domaine de Manon with fields of jasmine and roses. Other sight-seeing attractions are the Jardin de la villa-musée Fragonard (Fragonard Villa-Museum Gardens), the Jardin de la Princesse Pauline (Princess Pauline’s Gardens), the Jardin de la Villa Fort de France (Gardens of the Villa Fort of France), the Jardin de la Villa Noailles (Noailles Villa Gardens) and the Jardin des Plantes (Plant Gardens). Walkers can also go to the Parc Communal de la Corniche (local park).

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

In the hills above Cannes, the town of Grasse enjoys an outstanding setting. It is near the towns of Mougins with its old village (which you absolutely must visit), Mouans Sartoux, La Roquette-sur-Siagne, Opio with its oil mills, Bar-sur-Loup, Saint-Vallier de Thiey , Caussols, Tourette-sur-loup, Valbonne… and so on... Not far away, the “perched village” of Gourdon is home to the flower fields of Grasse for perfume production. Towards the East are the large cities of Antibes, Nice, Monaco, Menton, etc.

By air :
Nice Côte d’Azur International is the closest airport.
By road :
Take the A8 motorway up to Cannes, then the road known as the “Pénétrante Cannes-Grasse”.
By train :
Grasse railway station was reopened in 2005.

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