Grasse France travel and tourism, attractions and sightseeing and Grasse reviews PHOTO GALLERY MAP & PLACES TO VISIT Grasse is situated 16 km north of Cannes in southern Provence. The town was originally best known as a centre for leather tanners, but this gave way to perfume production, for which the town is still famous today. There is an International Museum of Perfume here and four important perfume producers are still based in the town and can be visited. But there is much more to Grasse than perfume... Explore Grasse Grasse is a pleasant and quite a sizable town, with the old town and the region around Place aux Aires a good place to start your visit. The old town is the highlight in Grasse and has numerous ancient buildings and a great deal of character - it is very much a traditional Provencal town despite being such a popular tourist destination,and the old town is one of the most extensive in Provence, not unlike the old town in Nice . Many of the tall narrow houses are painted in pastel orange colours to brighten the narrow streets, and there are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants in the open squares that you will discover as you explore.

One slightly curious feature to Grasse - while the town centre is impeccable, if you wander 100 metres off the well-trodden tourist path you find yourself in a different environment, much more 'down to earth' with original 'unpainted' houses along alleys with washing hanging out to dry - a different experience altogether to the 'tourist centre'. It is true that you will also come across rather more run-down areas in the old town and some of the streets are, if not intimidating then at least sufficient to make you think you are in a genuine old town rather than a tourist destination! Among the places of particular historical importance in Grasse are: - the 12th century Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Puy is worth a visit. It is the most important historical monument in Grasse and dominated by a tall square belltower added in the 18th century. The cathedral also contains three paintings by Rubens.

- adjacent to the cathedral is the town hall - don't miss the interior courtyard, with its decorative fountain, and the view across the town centre, while behind the cathedral there are open views north across the surrounding hills - the stone square tower close to here is the Sarrasin tower and was originally the watchtower for Grasse A daily market is held in the main arcaded square in the center of Grasse. There are two Grasse tourist offices but neither is in the old town - both are on the broad boulevard that runs along the north-west side of the historical centre, one near the Palais de Congress and the other a few hundred metres along the same road (remember I told you, otherwise they are hard to find - without the map from the tourist office...!) Unfortunately the map the tourist office provide is also missing many street and place names and largely incomprehensible because the writing is too small to read...but it does include information about where to find some of the more interesting little highlights so still worth getting hold of. Museums As well as the popular Museum of Perfume there is also a museum celebrating Art in Provence, and others dedicated to Marine activities and the Fragonard perfume company.

Grasse Perfume Grasse has had a prospering perfume industry since the end of the 18th century - Grasse is the center of the French perfume industry and is known as the world's perfume capital (la capitale mondiale des parfums). It produces over two-thirds of France's natural aromas (for perfume and for food flavourings). This industry turns over more than 600 million euros a year. Grasse's particular microclimate encouraged the flower farming industry. It is warm and far enough inland to be sheltered from the sea air. There is an abundance of water thanks to its situation in the hills, and the 1860 construction of the Siagne canal for irrigation purposes. The town is 350 m above sea level and 20 km from the Coast (Côte d'Azur). Jasmine, a key ingredient of many perfumes, was brought to the South of France by the Moors in the 16th century. Twenty-seven tonnes of jasmine are now harvested in Grasse every year. The perfumeries in Grasse that are open to the public include Fragonard (you can visit the ancient factory); Galimard; Molinard and Bouchera.

Fête du Jasmin There is an annual Fête du Jasmin in Grasse at the beginning of August. The first festival was on the 3 August–4 August 1946. These days, it is a big event; decorated floats drive through the town, with young women in skimpy costumes onboard throwing flowers onto the crowds. This is known as the "flower battle", and everyone gets soaked by the natural perfume of the flowers. There are also fireworks, free parties, folk music groups and street performers. An interesting way to visit Grasse in early spring is to first follow the scenic Route du Mimosa that starts at Bormes-les-Mimosas (130km away). You can find more local travel ideas in the Alpes-Maritimes guide and the Provence guide .

See also: Hotels in and near Grasse Visit near Grasse with France This Way reviews Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby Jardin de la Villa Fort de France: remarkable garden Gourdon : most beautiful village (8km) Grottes de Saint-Cezaire: site of natural beauty (9km) Cannes : ville fleurie 4* (14km) Abbaye de Lerins (Cannes): religious monument (14km) Parc du château de la Napoule: remarkable garden (15km) Marineland d'Antibes: aquarium (17km) Le Vallon du Brec: remarkable garden (18km) Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret: remarkable garden (18km) Baou de Saint-Jeannet: site of natural beauty (20km) Market days in Grasse, France Regular market(s) are held in Grasse each Wednesday & Tuesday.

(Markets are held in the morning unless stated.) The French version of this page is at Grasse (Francais) French perfume - About-France.com .intlink a { color: #666666; font-weight: normal; } About-France.com a thematic guide to France French Perfume The About-France.com thematic guide to France Travel and tourism, life and institutions Perfumes of France..... A short introduction to French perfumes and the history of the French perfume industry - from its roots in the Provencal city of Grasse, to today's great internationally famous perfume houses in Paris When it comes to the art of perfumes, no country ranks more highly than France. Many of the greatest names in the perfume industry, Chanel, Christian Dior or Estée Lauder are French, and in terms of international perfume sales, France is leader, with 30% of the world market. LVMH, one of France's flagship companies, is the greatest luxury-goods company in the world, and French perfumes and cosmetics are among its most important brands. It was not always so. The history of perfume France was certainly not the first country in the world to invent perfumes.

In antiquity, the ancient Greeks and Romans were keen users of scents and perfumes; indeed, the art of perfumery can be traced right back to the origins of western civilisation in Mesopotamia. Perfumes were used to hide bad body smells, and make people smell attractive instead. In times before bathing was a common activity, that was very important. It was at the time of the Renaissance that perfumes became particularly popular in Europe, and it is Catherine de Medicis, wife of King Henri II, who is credited with having introduced a fashion for perfumes into France. Originally, before the age of running water, perfume and the sweet scent of flowers were principally used to hide the odours of unwashed bodies. Today, while the big names of the perfume industry are based in Paris, and "perfumes from Paris" are particularly appreciated, the real heart of the French perfume industry is actually the small town of Grasse, in the Alpes Maritimes department, northwest of Nice (Photo) .

Some 20 km from the coast and at an altitude of 350 metres, Grasse enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate that is particularly suited to horticulture, notably the production of jasmine, one of the most important natural aromas used by the perfume industry. But Grasse is also famous for its production of many other natural fragrances, including lavender, myrtle, roses and mimosa. capital of the French perfume industry Visitors to Grasse have plenty of opportunity to discover the history and scope of the French perfume industry , as the town is home to the International Perfume Museum, and to the Fragonard perfume museum. Several perfume houses offer free guided tours. The perfume industry in Grasse involves some sixty different companies, and employs almost 3,500 people; and even though Grasse has had to move with the times and now produces synthetic as well as natural fragrances, it is the natural fragrances for which it remains justly famous. The great art of perfumery is extracting the fragrances of flowers and concentrating them in forms from which they can be transformed into the perfumes that are eventually sold in little bottles at very high prices.

The historic methods of extracting fragrances from flowers are either by maceration (soaking the flowers in a liquid that will absorb their fragrances) or by distillation. The resulting concentrates are known as "essential oils", and it is from these that perfumes are blended and made. A lavender field in Provence. In recent years, particularly at the cheaper end of the scale, the natural fragrances extracted from flowers and other plants have been largely replaced by chemically produced scents, which can be mass-produced anywhere in the world. But in the production of top-of-the-range high quality perfumes, made from natural extracts of plants, nothing can replace the acquired skills of France's master perfume producers. There is something in the secrets and techniques that are passed down from generation to generation under the Mediterranean sun in the area of Grasse, that just cannot be replicated of copied. In spite of the lucrative nature of the French perfume industry, other countries have so far found it impossible to challenge France's reputation as purveyor of fine perfumes to the world. Going further: Websites for some of the major names in French perfumery.

The top French perfume houses and their main brands: many of the main multinational brands are now linked to fashion houses Caron 100-year-old high quality Paris perfume house Chanel Makers of fine French perfume, most famously Chanel N°5 Coty Originally French, now American company; brands include Beyoncé Parfums, Pierre Cardin Annick Goutal Paris perfume house founded in 1981, now owned by Taittinger champagnes Discover Cannes, Grasse & St Paul de Vence Discover Cannes, Grasse & St Paul de Vence Discover Cannes, Grasse & St Paul de Vence Product ID: 45515 At your hotel in Cannes Select date and participants: Discover the French riviera and all its famous sites Hear the history, gastronomy and wines of the region Overview Discover the beauty of provincial life in one action packed day. Your expert guide will show you the art, the churches, the old towns and the markets - that make this France's most celebrated region. What to Expect Discover the French Riviera and its glittering attractions in one action packed day. You will head to Saint Paul de Vence to discover the art galleries, the old streets and fountains.

You will be fascinated by the atmosphere with the medieval streets; the building from the 17 and 18th Centuries. You will see the Foundation Maeght which contains work by modern artists such as Bonnard, Marc Chagall and Joan Miro. In Grasse, you will visit the old city and a famous perfume factory. You will learn the process from the flowers to the perfume. In Cannes you will pass by the palace, the Carlton, and other places. What's Included A Visit to Grasse France: Creating My Own Perfume - Independent Travel Cats A Visit to Grasse France: Creating My Own Perfume - 70 Replies Grasse France might be the sweetest smelling city in Europe, widely known as the perfume capital of the world. Known for its leather tanning work in the Middle Ages, this hilly French town would eventually become the center of the French perfume industry after it began manufacturing perfumed gloves in the 16th century and farming a number of flowers used for fragrances. Grasse still enjoys an international reputation in the perfume industry and is the home of dozens of fragrance companies. Even the flowers used for making the world-famous Chanel N°5 are grown and harvested here.

In addition to the perfume industry, Grasse also provides travelers a break from the crowded Riviera coastal towns and offers a glimpse of the real Riviera away from the tourist route. We spent a full day and night in Grasse and we’ll share what you need to know to plan your own trip to Grasse as well as our own highlights, including the Galimard perfumery workshop where I got to create my own personal perfume! Some Basic Information about Grasse France Getting there? Grasse is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France and is part of the inland French Riviera area. It is located about 10.5 miles northwest of Cannes. Car: Once in Grasse, follow signs for Center-Ville and then locate one of several pay parking garages near the town center. The one closest to the Fragonord perfume tour is at Place du Cours Honré Cresp. Bus: You can get buses to Grasse from nearby towns, including Cannes and Nice. Once arriving by bus, you will then be a 5-7 minute walk from the main attractions in the Old Town. Train: Grasse has a train station that connects with many Riviera towns.

Once you arrive at the train station, you can take one of the local buses into the town center. Tourist Information Office Address: Place de la Buanderie, 06130 Grasse, France Phone: 04 93 36 66 66 Website: (has some good info on attractions, transportation, and car parks) How much time should I spend in Grasse? Personally, we enjoyed spending a full day here and staying overnight. However, if you are not very interested in the perfume industry, a half day would be very sufficient to do one of the short perfume tours and do a 1-2 hour stroll through the Old Town. Depending on your itinerary, Grasse can be a good place to combine with a visit to Cannes, other inland Riviera towns, or when heading to Gorges du Loup (the Grand Canyon of France located north of Grasse). There are plenty of scenic drives possible from Grasse as well as nearby interesting caves, such as the Grottes de Saint-Cézaire . What to do in Grasse France? Learn about perfume.

Whether you are interested in the history of perfume making, the state of the current fragrance industry, seeing the flower fields, or just buying some good smelling goodies, Grasse has you covered. For the history of perfume head to the Museé International de la Parfumerie (International Museum of Perfume, entrance fee), where exhibits chronicle over 3,000 years of perfume history and you can view their flower garden for an extra fee. To explore a functioning factory, several of the perfume manufacturers give free guided tours, such as Galimard , Fragonard , and Molinard . The most popular factory tour is the Fragonard Perfumery tour which is the one we chose to do which provides free 25-minute tours regularly throughout the day in several languages. These tours all include an overview of the history of perfume making, an overview of historical and current techniques (with some demonstrations), and a visit to a gift shop where you can purchase fragrance products. If visiting Grasse in the Spring or Summer, you’ll likely have the option to explore one of the nearby fields or gardens that contain the local flowers (such as roses, jasmine, violet, mimosa, lavender) that made Grasse famous and prosperous in the past.

Tours depend on the flowering of the plants, but best bets are Le Domaine de Manon or a visit to the garden associated with the Museé International de la Parfumerie mentioned above. flower petals for perfume Fragonord store Create Your own Perfume At least two perfumeries offer regular perfume creation workshops to the public in Grasse, Galimard and Molinard . Comparing prices, Galimard offers the most attractive price and larger quantities of perfume (100 ml for 45 euros compared to 50 ml for 59 euros in 2014); however, Molinard does offer an option to make a quick 30-minute perfume with a limited number of scent choices for 30 euros that requires no booking in advance. If you really want to take the time to experience this, I would choose the 2-hours workshop with Galimard where you get to take your time, choose from 127 scents, and you come home with 3.3 fl. ounces of perfume. Just make sure that you book ahead at Galimard or Molinard (except for the quick 30-minute option) as the workshops are given by appointment only.

Fragrances can be made for men or women. The Galimard Perfume Creation Workshop: The thought of being able to create my own scent was a big factor in why we included Grasse on our itinerary when visiting Provence and the French Riviera. The thought of being able to learn more about how perfumes are constructed and being able to actually create my own was very exciting. Ethan and I don’t buy many souvenirs, partially to save money and partially because we don’t have the room in our luggage, so we generally each try to get one or two things from each trip that will be memorable. On this trip, the custom perfume I created was my souvenir. Before we left for France, I had booked an appointment online at the Galimard “Le Studio des Fragrances” workshop to create my own perfume. We arrived at the Galimard studio (5, Route de Pégomas) for my 10:00am appointment (Note: the actual perfumery is located nearby but not at the same location as the studio). I was greeted by a woman who might have been the receptionist.

After saying goodbye to Ethan who drove to a café, I was taken back to be seated at a perfumer desk (also known as a perfume organ). The desk was filled with rows of over 120 color scent bottles with various labels and French names. Many of these bottles also had a male or female symbol on them to denote more feminine or masculine scents. the perfumer desk at Galimard After being seated, a male perfumer or “nose” (French “le nez”) came over and introduced himself and began to explain the process. He was nice and his English was good, but it was clearly awkward for him as he was clearly a bit out of his element in instructing tourists in the art of perfume making. Noses are a rare and interesting group of people as they study and train for almost as long as someone with a medical degree or PhD, must have exceptional abilities to identify scents, and must refrain from any activity (drinking alcohol, smoking, eating spicy food, etc.) that might interfere with their olfactory abilities.

I was the only one with a morning studio appointment that day and was lucky to witness a group of them quietly working in the room next door separated by a wall of glass, they looked like a group of scientists. Anyway, the nose explained to me that there are 127 possible notes that I could choose from and that over the course of the next 2 hours, I would choose scents for the Peak Note (top note), Heart Note (middle note), and Base Note. After bit of explanation about the various types, or families, of scents, the nose had me smell several perfumes and pick out the two I like the most. Based on this selection, the nose was able to get a sense of my preferred scent types (I believe mine was a floral and a fruit scent) and then he gave me a group of scents that I could choose from to construct my base scent. I did this by simply smelling each of the selected scents…over and over again, as I often had a hard time narrowing down the choices. Once I chose the scents, I poured the scents directly into a glass beaker to the right measurement and recorded each scent on the provided worksheet.

After each note, the “nose” came back over and explained the next note and told me the types of scents I could choose from and how many. During the process, I was able to test the smell of the in progress perfume using a perfume paper tester, but the fragrance changes with each added scent so it is difficult to tell what it would smell like until the end. Even after all the scents had been added, I was told that I should wait a couple of weeks before wearing it until the finished perfume “really comes together”. My scent has a very floral base and fruity top notes, and I really love the scent. After I was done they poured the perfume into a bottle, added a custom label with my chosen perfume name, and gave me a personalized certificate. If you really like your scent, they keep the formula and you can order more of it online in the future. The only minor complaint I had about the workshop was that there was much less teaching and interaction with the nose than I had expected. Overall though, It was a unique and really nice experience and I would definitely recommend it to someone interested in creating their own perfume as it makes for a unique and memorable souvenir.

my perfume formula my Galimard certificate and perfume Explore the Old Town of Grasse If you have visited other Provençal or Riviera towns, you’ve likely stopped at many fixed up and postcard perfect little towns scattered all over the Luberon and Côte d’Azur. However, Grasse offers a refreshingly “more real” look at a French Riviera town. While the perfumery tours are a popular stop on the tourist route, most visitors don’t take the time to investigate the rest of the town and even fewer spend the night in Grasse. While it is not chock-full of blockbuster attractions, the Old Town in Grasse is a collection of large squares, narrow alleys, medieval ruins, 17th and 18th century buildings, and steep staircases. I would recommend getting a self-guided walking map from a guidebook or the tourist information office and use it to guide your stroll. The main highlights are the Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy which includes paintings inside by Rubens and Fragonard, and some great views of the nearby countryside from various viewpoints such as the Place du Cours and the viewing point behind the cathedral.

Other sights include the Hôtel de Ville (current City Hall, former Bishop’s Palace), square Sacaren tower, Monument aux Morts (war memorial), and the Jardin de la Princesse Pauline (garden). For those who have difficulty walking around the hilly Old Town, there is a seasonal tourist train available that goes by many of these attractions. bronze perfumer statue sights in Grasse Old Town Monument aux Morts (war memorial) Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy Take in Some Art and History In addition to Museé International de la Parfumerie, there are several other little museums in town that might be of interest. While we did not have time to visit any of these museums and none of these are must-see stops, they may make for interesting detours during a walking tour, especially given that many allow free entrance.

For history lovers, the Museé d’Art et d’Histoire de Provence , houses a collection of exhibits in a 18th century mansion tracing the art and history of eastern Provence, and the small Musée Provençal du Costume et du Bijou offers an authentic collection of Provençal clothing and jewelry dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. To get a glimpse of some historical local art, check out the Jean-Honoré Fragonard Villa-Museum , which was the home of famous French artist Fragonard and includes many of his works, visit the Musée Fragonard for a number of paintings by Fragonard as well as works by Marguerite Gérard and Jean-Baptiste Mallet, and don’t forget to take a look inside the Cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Puy for works by Rubens and Fragonard. For those interested in maritime history, Museé de la Marine traces the life and career of the 18th century Grasse seaman François-Joseph Paul, including his involvement in the American Revolution, and has 30 model ships on display.

Some Final Thoughts on Grasse France We had a lovely visit in Grasse, and it stands out in Ethan’s mind as one of the more relaxing stops on our 3-week trip to France in 2012. We both found Grasse’s history and perfume industry interesting and I enjoyed being able to create my own perfume. While in Grasse, I kept thinking about the dark but strangely captivating movie Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (based the book by Patrick Süskind) about a murderous creepy perfumer, which includes a scene where the townspeople of Grasse are induced into a crazed orgy by the perfect fragrance. But aside from the perfume industry, part of the appeal of our stop in Grasse was that it was a welcome break from hot and crowded Provençal hill towns and popular Riviera coastal towns. Ethan and I shopped and got gas at the giant Leclerc, stopped at the local boulangerie, and strolled the early morning alleys of the Old Town of Grasse, virtually alone on a Sunday morning. We stayed in a room we booked online at Airbnb and spent a wonderful evening in Grasse eating and chatting with the lovely French couple who owned the apartment.

We may even see this couple again this summer on their own trip to the United States. Overall, while Grasse is not full of blockbuster sights, I think it is a must-see stop for those interested in perfume, and a good place for a welcome break for others who find themselves in the area. What do you think? Have you been to Grasse, France or attended a perfume creation workshop? Feel free to ask us any questions below! Share this Post! Grasse & Cote D'Azur / French Riviera | Bastide St. Mathieu EN Grasse & Cote D’Azur / French Riviera Grasse & Surrounding Areas The Bastide is located in Grasse, on the French Riviera / Cote D’Azur, a town long affiliated with the perfume industry since the late 18th century. Located only 15 kms from Cannes and a 30 minute drive from Nice’s international airport, as you appraoch the town the famous terracotta rooftops peak out from lush, green terraced hills at an altitude of 300-400m.

Wander through ancient streets and winding alleys that still waft with the aromoas of lavendar and jasmine or make your way to the town’s ‘Pointe du vue (viewing point) and take in the breathtaking view over the town and surrounding hills. Notable tourist attractions are the 10th century Notre Dame du Puy Cathedrael (that houses works by Ruebens), the “Tour du Guet” watchtower and Place aux aires – the old market square with it’s three tierd fountain. There’s plenty to visit for perfume lovers – Galimard and Fragonard both have displays and giftshops in the centre of town whilst the International Perfume Museum takes you on a fasninating journey in the history evolution of techniques used to produce perfume over hundreds of years. There is a museum that displays a terrific collection of paintings by the artist Jean-Honore Fragonard (1732-1806). Nearby villages worth visiting are Plascassier, which was where Edith Piaf lived up to her death in October 1963 and the celebrated Amercian TV chef Julia Child built a house which she regularly visited, entertaining the her many illustrious culinary friends.

10 minutes from the Bastide is the charming village of Valbonne (meaning ‘Good Valley). This is a village perché but on the side rather than the top of a hill. This ancient gem retains much of it’s 16th century charm and the central square ‘Place des Arcades’, is a compulsory spot to stop by for some delicious French cuisine and feel the warm breeze of history that echoes around the old buildings. Many restaurants surround the square and hide in the back streets; kids play in the square while parents dine. Friday market is a draw from all over the area; even bigger is the monthly antique/bric a brac market ob the first Sunday of each month.

Other close villages include: Le Rouret, home of Clos St Pierre Restaurant – a classic Provencal village, where an international group play boules on Friday mornings St Paul, the legendary artists village on top of the hill above Nice Mougins with its vieux village and mass of restaurants, now enhanced by the newly opened Musee D’Art Mougins Cabris with its great views over the coast Gourdon, the castellated village high above Grasse, whence you seem to be able to see almost to Africa The French Riviera / Cote D'Azur Sizzling sun, super yachts, artists, film festivals, gorges, mountains, caves and of course, the Mediterranean sea. Visitors could be forgiven for feeling slightly overwelmed on thinking where to start when it comes to seeking the ultimate French Riviera experience. The sheer persity of the area is itself one of the great delights. For those who want to sip chilled Rose and dine with the rich and famous overlooking marinas and beaches there are ample towns and cities along the sun drenched coasts that each have their own charm and beauties.

Monaco is probably one of the most famous - a tax free haven for high flying business people and celebrities, and of course home to it's own very own royal family, the Grimaldi's, with their impressive palace. If it is a slightly quiter and humble visit you're after, there are a plethora of sleepy hill top towns further inland, many of which attracted artists and writers such as Picasso, Van Gough, Aldous Huxley, Auguste Renoir and Matisse during the 19th and 20th centuries, many of whom, were drawn by the rich colours, clear light and inspiring landscapes. For individuals with a thirst for adventure, the Gorge du Verdon is a 25km river canyon that cuts through the limestone mass at up to 700m deep in places. The gorge is considered to be the largest in Europe and the town of Castellane is a good starting point and worth a visit in it's own right. Back towards to the coast, Cannes draws flocks of crowds from the entertainment world with the Cannes film festival each May.

The draw of Cannes is not limited to springtime however, the many casinos that adorn the city tempt those who enjoy a gamble and the floating-hotel sized super yachts can be admired all year round from the Marina. The Cote D'Azur / French Riviera area is geneally ackowledge to stretch even as far as Marseille. Formally, France's black sheep - the city is now considered a chic and up-and-coming place to be. Although some more cosmopolitan parts of the city should still be avoid, 'Le Vieux-Port' (old port) is a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine and enjoy the famous 'Bouillabasse' dish - a traditional fish stew of the region, now considered quite a delicacy. Whatever your appetite, this remarkable region in the south of France will leave your stomach replete but with a hunger to explore more. Special Offers Special offer for September 2017 weekend bookings We are happy to announce that we are offering a special deal for September weekends until the end of January, a 10% discount will be made when you book with us, limited availability! Please enquire with us as soon as possible.

Easter special Easter special, from Saturday 18th of March to the 15th of April the Bastide is available to take on weekly bookings to enjoy the glorious spring weather in the South of France. Prices start at 7,500 Euros per week for complete privatisation including housekeeping – please enquire with us now for further information. Winter special Enjoy a special 3 night getaway for the price of 2 during the winter at the enchanting Bastide St Mathieu. Relax amongst the woodfire ambiance, spacious and luxurious rooms and gardens to explore. A home from home atmosphere where you can totally unwind surrounded by beautiful artwork and tasteful decorations. Ideally located in the center of the cote d’azur close to mountain hikes, golfing in the sun and beach lunches – beautiful museums and perfumeries to explore in some of the breathtaking villages around us. Don’t hesitate to contact us for further information and book your stay with us now! Room prices starting at 180 euros per night subject to availability. © 2015 Bastide St.

Mathieu Grasse, Valbonne and Gourdon Grasse, Valbonne and Gourdon Duration Of The Tour - 8:00 Hours $ 136.30 USD / adult Available Monday,Tuesday,Thursday,Friday,, Departure at 8.45 AM, From Nice Available Daily, Departure at 8:15 AM, From Nice Available Daily, Departure at 8:15 AM, From Nice ... Travel to the French Riviera backcountry regions including the towns of Gourdon and Grasse as well as the city of Valbonne. 618-riviera-backcountry-tour.jpg Share: Overview Experience the unique pleasures of the French Riviera on a tour that takes you to the world’s perfume capital and to charming medieval villages. Stroll along cobblestone streets, take in stunning views of the Mediterranean, and sample fine French wines. What to Expect Head to the quaint town of Grasse, known as the world’s perfume capital, on a full-day tour that begins with a pick-up at your accommodation in Nice, Monaco, or Cannes. You’ll visit the Fragonard perfume factory, and have a chance to explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

The small-group tour continues on, traveling the scenic roads to Valbonne, a charming medieval village, where you can take a break for lunch at one of the charming cafés. Drive along the Loup River, passing stunning waterfalls, and head up to the tiny fortress of Gourdon for sweeping views across the French Riviera. Afterwards you’ll stop at the Bellet vineyards, located just outside Nice. Visit the Chateau de Cremat, built in 1906, and enjoy incredible views of the sea and taste their red, rosé, and white wines. Transportation by air-conditioned minivan (8-seater) Professional guide Hotel pick-up and drop off Wine tasting Grasse visit, photos, travel info and hotels, by Provence Beyond Route Napoléon Grasse has been a popular tourist town for several centuries, with the smell of flowers and clear air. The altitude of the town, from 300-400 m, and the hills behind give Grasse a fresher climate than the beach during the heat of the summer.

Princess Pauline Bonaparte, the Emperor's sister, spent the winter of 1807-08 in Grasse, recuperating her mental and physical strength. Queen Victoria vacationed through several winters in Grasse, staying at the Rothschild's or at the Grand Hotel. Napoléon himself passed through Grasse on 2 March 1815 , but didn't have time for vacationing. The old town ("vieille ville") is large, old, and extremely interesting. Tiny streets wind forever between the 17th and 18th century buildings, up and down ancient steps, passing through arched tunnels and sometimes opening out onto large squares. Many of the streets aren't as clean as they should be, but still worth a wander. The principal square near the top of the old town is the Place aux Aires. A pretty, three-tiered fountain splashes in the center and arcades line one long side. Until recently (2004) this was the site of the daily market of flowers and regional foods, now sadly gone. The nearby shops (butchers, bakers, etc.) are still in business.

Somewhere down in the old village a narrow street comes out onto the Place du Petit Puy (and through the archway into Place Godeau) with the 10-11th-century Notre Dame du Puy cathedral (rebuilt in the 17th c.) and its huge 18th century clock tower. Inside the cathedral are three paintings by Rubens, commissioned from the then-unknown artist in 1601 by the Archduke Albert for the Santa Croce di Gerusalemme in Rome, and offered to Grasse in the 19th century. There's also the 1754 painting Christ Washing the Feet of the Apostles by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Also in the Place Godeau is 12th-century "Tour de Guet" (watch tower) at the Mairie, which was the Bishop's Palace. Perfume The French perfume industry began in Grasse in the 16th century. Have a look at our Perfume page . Walking Tours An historical walking tour of Grasse (about 90 minutes) has been laid out by the Office de Tourisme.

A free map has information about each numbered site, and numbered panels are located at the appropriate points throughout the old town. Optionally, you can rent a portable CD with an audio description of the tour. Caves, Grottos In the porous limestone hills north of Grasse there are a number of holes and grottos for visiting or exploring (with the local spelunking clubs). Many of the holes are on the Plateau de la Malle, about 4 km north of Grasse, which rises up to the Plateau de Caussols The "Trou du Curé goes down 60 meters. The Grotte de la Cascade de St. Sauveur has 150 m of cave developed for exploring. Favorite Sons The English writer and actor Dirk Bogarde lived in Le Pigeonnier in the hills of Chateauneuf-Grasse just to the east of Grasse.

History of Grasse Name First record, 11th century Prehistoric, Roman: There are a number of very ancient artifacts in the region of Grasse: bronze-age and Hallstatt-era tumulus at St-Christophe and megaliths at the Siagne; oppidum at Pey-Loubet and St-Christophe; ruins of a mausoleum and sculpted items at La Paoute; a funerary stela at La Malle (now in the museum). Medieval: Grasse is a true medieval town that withstood Saracen raids in the 9th century. Grasse was an independent republic in the 12th century, with diplomatic relations with the neighboring city-state republics of Genoa and Pisa. In 1227, the Count of Provence, Raymond Bérenger brought Grasse into his control. It was the Bishopric of Antibes from 1244 to 1790. In 1536, Charles-Quint invaded the city-state of Nice and sacked Grasse, on the order of the governor of Provence.

In 1589, the "Ligueurs" layed siege to Grasse and took the town during the Wars of Religion . During the French Revolution Grasse was the capital of the Var. In 1860, after the County of Nice became a part of France, Grasse was attached to the Alpes-Maritimes. Tourist Office Dates Market day: Sat. Feb - Route d'Or 2CV (Deux Cheveaux cars) gathering of this iconic car and rally coinciding with the Mimosa fetes. Apr - Grasse-Alpine Auto Rally May - Expo Rose - International Rose Festival, for 4 days Aug - Fete de Jasmin - The famous Jasmin Flower Festival with flowered floats Museums Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence This museum of Provençal art and history, located in the old "hôtel particulier" (town house) of the Marquise de Clapier-Cabris, an 18th-century mansion that's also called the Petit Trianon. features archeology and ethnology as well as painting, pottery and history.

Musée International de la Parfumerie You'll find here information about the entire process of creating perfume, and antique items relating to 3000 years of perfumery. The key treasure is Marie Antoinette's travel case, and there's also a very fragrant greenhouse growing aromatic plants. Musée Fragonard The Jean-Honoré Fragonard museum is located in the 17th-century Villa Fragonard where the painter and his family stayed while visiting Grasse in March 1791. Musée de la Marine - Amiral de Grasse (Navy Museum) This museum is in the old 18th century Hôtel Pontevès-Morel, at the top of the steps leading down past the pretty little park at the bottom of the Bvd. du Jeu de Ballon (the main street through Grasse). Featured is the career of the Amiral de Grasse who fought actively in America's war of independence, especially in winning the battle of Yorktown. Olive Oil Mills We have 3 olive oil mills listed for Grasse ( click ).

Hiking Maps IGN (1/25,000) #3543 ET "Haute Siagne" The GR51 Balcony of the Cote d Azur runs through the hills just a short way above Grasse. A shuttle bus from the town goes up to the swimming pool. Around the bend of the road (the N85, Route Napoléon) are the Grasse tennis courts. The GR51 east passes the front of the tennis courts, into the woods, and goes on to Magagnosc, Bar-sur-Loup , Gourdon and up the Gorges du Loup . The GR51 west crosses the road and goes down the hill towards the west, eventually passing Auribeau-sur-Siagne and on into the Massif des Maures. At the left end of the tennis courts (nearest the road), the GR4 hiking trail goes straight up the hill (zig-zagging of course) to the Plateau de Caussols and on to the Plateau de Calern where it passes the domed telescopes of the observatory . Transportation Grasse Grasse-Nice.

The Grasse-Nice bus line pass through Pre-du-Lac, Le Rouret, Roquefort, Villeneuve-Loubet, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Nice Airport and Nice. There are at least 10 busses a day in each direction, 7 days a week. Local Towns and Villages. The STGA bus line provides service between Grasse and: Antibes, Auribeau-sur-Siagne, Biot, Gare de Biot, Cannes, Magagnosc, Mouans-Sartoux, Mougins, Peymeinade, Le Plan-de-Grasse, Pont du Loup, Plascassier, Sophia Antipolis, Spéracèdes, Le Tignet, Valbonne, and Vallauris. For Cipières and Gourdon , there's one bus a day, from Mon-Fri, leaving Grasse at 15h30. Castellane-Grasse-Nice. Bus service is provided once a day, every day (including Sundays) between Castellane, Grasse and Nice.

Bus Line 600 Cannes - Grasse Bus line 600, Cannes - Grasse, serves Cannes, Mougins, Mouans-Sartoux and Grasse. The route near Grasse is the Cannes-Grasse road via the Quatre Chemins. The full trip takes about 50 minutes and costs 1 euro. An official list of Alpes-Maritimes bus lines, with links to the schedules for each line (PDF), is available on the following link: Perfume Making Short Break , Grasse, France Course Itinerary Perfume Making Short Break booking Holiday itinerary Set in the beautiful French town, Grasse, surrounded by rolling fields of lavender, jasmine, mimosa, orange blossom and violets, your hotel provides the perfect base for a perfume making short break. Just 30 minutes from Nice airport and 10 minutes from the main Boulevard in Cannes, the perfume school and fragrance studio is just 800 meters away. You will have three exceptional days of tuition that will give you a deeper understanding of perfumery.

Enthusiastic and engaging professional Nose, Caroline and Aromatherapy specialist, Patricia, will guide you through the architecture of a good perfume’s top, middle and base notes. You will learn about the different families of scents along with their typical ingredients and discover the secrets of achieving a truly harmonious combination for the perfect perfume. The Rose de Mai perfume course will encourage you to explore your creative side and free your imagination to create your own perfume which you can take home in your own personalised perfume bottle. On the Creative Aromachologie course you will discover how essential oils can influence moods, emotions and promote physical and spiritual well-being. The benefits of Aromachologie show that plants have tremendous powers, with a selection of the noblest essentials oils for your well-being, you will revitalise, purify and relax your senses creating room scents or pillow mists to take home with you. The Organ of Flavours course will bring you an entirely new perfumery concept. It will heighten your senses to the extreme. Here you will have the pleasures of an Organ of 40 fragrances related to cuisine.

Let the magic of the scent take you back to the sweetshop delights of childhood, evoke memories of your favorite culinary delights and tantalise your taste buds to create a delicious home fragrance. Just like a professional chef, you will select several scents from within your chosen menu (Summer Flavours, Childhood Flavours, Oriental Flavours or Aromatic Flavours) to form your creation. You will take home with you your Home Fragrance spray and its matching Scent Diffuser as a delicious souvenir of your visit to the perfume school. Accommodation is set in the 4* Best Western Elixir Grasse, with comfortable en-suite rooms. The hotel offers a lovely unheated swimming pool for guests to take advantage of too. Suitability - Perfume making holidays are suitable for all levels from beginners seeking an introduction to the joys of perfume making through to advanced practitioners. - A perfect short break if you would like an in-depth understanding of perfumery - Excellent for anyone who is looking for an extended long weekend or a short break that is packed with fun and learning - Great if you want to mingle with like-minded creative people - Minimum age 18 Travelling Solo?

- This perfume making short break makes a great singles holiday - You can book your own private double/twin room for a compulsory single supplement, to check prices see the 'costings and extras' tab - Shared single rooms for solo travellers are not offered as an option at this hotel Perfume Making Short Break Start Days - Dates are flexible and you can start any day throughout the year - Perfume making short breaks are for 3 nights/4 days - Please note: you will be in tuition until 12pm on the day of departure please inform us at the time of booking if you have early flights on day 4 and we will do our best to accommodate your third lesson on day 3 - The perfume school is closed on Sundays from October-14 April and no lessons will take place on a Sunday during this period.

Scheduled lessons will instead take place on the same day as another lesson (2 courses in 1 day) - If you wish to stay for extra nights please email to check availability for your preferred duration and we will do our best to accommodate you - If dates appear ‘on request’ please email us hello@golearnto.com and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible Perfume Making Short Break Itinerary The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change but is typically as follows: Please note: the perfume school is closed on Sundays from October-14 April and no lessons will take place on a Sunday during this period. Scheduled lessons will instead take place on the same day as another lesson.

Day 1- Arrival - Arrival at the hotel where you can check into your room any time after 2pm, take your time to explore the area or even take a swim in the lovely swimming pool - Why not venture out into the town to enjoy the wonderful food and atmosphere on offer - The centre of Grasse is a 40 minute walk uphill or you can take a bus or taxi from the hotel Day 2- Rose de Mai perfume course - Enjoy a leisurely French breakfast at the hotel - Your perfume class starts at 10am each day and lasts for around 3 hours - Today you will enjoy your Rose of May course where you will learn to make your own personalised perfume - You will spend most of the 2 hours at your workspace - There will be 1 Creation Master for every group of students to guide you - Choosing from 140 essences (natural and a small amount of synthetics), you will design your own signature scent - At the end of the class, toast your creation with a complimentary glass of champagne - Following your class you can walk across to the factory to enjoy a guided tour (you will need to make your own way to the factory) - Please note that the perfume factory is on a hill and so there

 is a steep walk to and from the factory and it takes about 10 minutes - You can take the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax, take a swim or explore the magnificent surroundings Day 3- Creative Aromachologie course - You’ll start the morning with breakfast - You creative Aromachologie class will begin at 10am - You will spend most of the 2 hours at your workspace in the perfume laboratory - There will be 1 creation master and an assistant for every group of students to guide you through the process - Choosing the essential oils, you will design your own signature compisition, which you will take away with you either as a pure 15ml extract, or a 100ml Room Scent - At the end of the class, toast your creation with a complimentary glass of champagne - You can take the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax, take a swim or explore the wonders of the area Day 4- Organ of Flavours course and departure - You’ll start the morning with breakfast - Your Organ of Flavours class will begin at 10am before departure - You will spend most of the 1.5 hours at your workspace in the perfume laboratory - There will be 

1 creation master and an assistant for every group of students to guide you through the process -You will create your Home Fragrance just like a real perfume, with its head notes (starter), heart notes (main course) and base notes (dessert) - At the end of the class, toast your creation with a complimentary glass of champagne - Please note that if your flights leave early on day 4 we will need to accommodate your day 4 lesson on day 3 and we must be notified at the time of booking - Check out, returning home feeling relaxed and inspired with new skills and knowledge about perfume making and your very own unique perfume Your Perfume And Aromachologie Tutors - Your perfumery tutors are known as the ‘Nose’ or creation masters and both tutors have many years experience in perfumery and Aromachologie - They are enthusiastic and accommodating focusing on individuals within the group - With a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon their professional approach will inspire your perfume making practice - Lessons can be taught in either French or English, please state your preference during the booking process Ingredients Used - 140 essences are available to choose from - These essences are classified in 14 olfactive families, and in top notes

/heart notes/base notes - They are compositions of several ingredients, all created by our Parfumeur to allow for harmonious blends Organ of Flavors : - 40 fragrances related to cuisine and aromas Creative Aromachology: - A choice of 18 pure and natural essential oils made from plants, fruits, and woods What Will I Learn?

- Learn about the architecture of good perfume and how to balance top, middle and base notes - You will learn about the different families of scents including their ingredients and traditional components - You will discover the secrets of creating a harmonious balance of all the notes to create your own personalised perfume that you will be able to take home with you - Choosing from 140 essences (natural and a small amount of synthetics), you will design your own signature scent with the help of the creation master - How to create a Brume d'Oreiller or a Parfum d'Ambiance with essential oils - You will learn how these Aromachologie formulas can be created to enhance balance, energy and sleep as well as helping to manage stress -You will learn how to use your olfactory memories to create a delicious Home Fragrance - You will enjoy a tour of the traditional factory where you will discover the excellent collection of museum pieces as well as the antique production equipment - Please note: the perfume factory is closed daily between 12-2pm - The tour will guide you through the laboratory and the conditioning room where you will enjoy a thorough explanation of the extraction methods of aromatic raw materials, flowers, plants and aromatic woods - The benefits of Aromachologie

 come from using the noblest essentials oils for your well-being revitalise purify and relax your senses - You will learn all about how a perfume is made from the raw materials to the perfume itself, by means of distillation and effleurage -The Organ of Flavours will teach you how to seamlessly blend taste and smell sensations to create a home fragrance The 4* Best Western Elixir Grasse Accommodation - The lovely 4* hotel is just a short walk (10 minutes downhill) from the perfume school - The Best Western Elixir Grasse is located in a peaceful area outside of the centre of Grasse (about 1.6km from Grasse center) - If you wish to visit the centre of Grasse, you can take a bus from outside the hotel or it is a 40 minute walk uphill - It is just 8.1 miles (13 km) from Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, 23 minutes from Nice airport and close to the town's 3 golf courses - The accommodation where you’ll stay is modern and comfortable and all twin/double rooms were renovated in 2009 and have air conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, safe and bathroom with shower or bath

 - Ideally located for the exploration of Grasse, Nice, Cannes and the surrounding areas, a perfect setting for your perfume making short break - The hotel offers a beautiful swimming pool for all guests (not heated) - Prices are based on 2 people sharing a room - If you are travelling solo, you can reserve your own private room for a compulsory single supplement (shared rooms for solo travellers are not offered at this hotel) - Accommodation is included for 3 nights / 4 days - Check in any time after 2pm on day 1 and check out by 11am on day 4 Meals - Breakfast at the hotel is included in the price and is typically a French continental style breakfast Compulsory Extras - Please note that there is a small fee for the French tourism government tax that will be added at the time of booking - Please note that if you are travelling solo, a single supplement must be selected from the ‘extras section’ and added to your booking in order to confirm your room at the hotel Free Time In Grasse - As France’s perfume capital there are so many things to do in this enchanting area of France - Grasse’s winding streets are fantastic for a spellbinding meander through the historical town - In Grasse you will discover

 many beautiful squares fountains, cafes and restaurants which are perfect for watching the world go by - You can visit Notre-Dame du Puy cathedral built in the Provençal Romanesque style in the 11th century - There are many fields, gardens and conservatories filled with perfumed plants from the region of Grasse, a botanical garden at the Bastide du Parfumeur is a highlight - The Grasse area is good for outdoor activities, including hiking in the hills horse riding, mountain biking and playing golf and tennis Practice perfume making in this fascinating French haven of rich culture and natural beauty.

Breathe the fresh air and take time out for yourself on this new concept perfume making short break and discover the perfume that is unique to you.

Question: The French region of Grasse is famous for making what?
Answer: Perfume