Carnaval de Nice
The 'Carnaval de Nice' almost rivals Rio with its extravagant and colourful parades down the Promenade des Anglais.
Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes
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.
Events in Grasse
Every Wednesday there is an Antiques Market in the centre of Grasse on the terraces of the Cours Honoré Cresp.
Events in Grasse
See all Events in Grasse-
-
La Fete de Mai (Spring Festival)
The start of spring is celebrated every Sunday in May with a grand celebration in the Jardins de Cimiez.
-
Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
-
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
-
European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
History & Culture in Grasse
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.
Sights & Attractions in Grasse
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.
Sights in Grasse
See all Sights in Grasse-
Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
-
Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
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.
-
Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
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.
-
Cathedrale Notre Dame du Puy, Grasse
The medieval church of Notre-Dame du Puy was raised to cathedral status in 1244, when the bishop transferred from Antibes to Grasse.
Beaches in Grasse
Beaches in Nice
See all Beaches in Nice-
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
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.
-
Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
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.
-
Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
-
Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
-
Plages des Flots Bleus Beach, Saint Laurent du Var
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
-
Plage du Carras Beach
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
Dining in Grasse
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.
Restaurants in Grasse
See all Restaurants in Grasse-
La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
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.
-
Cafe du Cycliste, Grasse
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.
-
L'Oustel des Vins Winebar, Grasse
Located in one of the small old city streets in Grasse, this small wine-bar has a nice atmosphere and a rustic decor.
-
Au Fil du Temps Restaurant
Tucked away in the hilltop village of Magagnosc, just ten minutes from Grasse, Au Fil du Temps is a delightful address for food lovers seeking creativity, quality and a touch of elegance on the French Riviera.
Nightlife in Grasse
Bars & Clubs in Grasse
See all Bars & Clubs in Grasse-
High Club Nightclub
This night club is one of the highest rated discos in Nice. Some of the most reputed DJs are constantly invited here to perform to the satisfaction of the public thrown in a raving dancing trance.
-
Le Bar du Negresco
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
-
La Havane Live Jazz
If you are looking for something a little different then this bar could be for you - you will be transported to a different country!
-
Casino du Palais de la Mediterranee
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
-
Ma Nolans Restaurant, Vieux Nice
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
-
Le 6 Nightclub, Vieux Nice
Recently celebrating its 16th anniversary this is certainly the place to be in Nice for a gay-friendly and party atmosphere!
Things to do in Grasse
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.
Things To Do in Grasse
See all Things To Do in Grasse-
Fun Kart, Le Bar-sur-Loup
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.
-
Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
-
Riviera Nature, Adventure Park, Grasse
Try these tree top adventures, all with various levels of difficulty and with plenty of adrenalin pumping fun!
-
Tourist Train, Grasse
Leaves daily throughout the summer months from the Cours Honoré Cresp plaza (across from the Palais des Congrès and main tourist office).
Watersports in Grasse
Watersports in Grasse
See all Watersports in Grasse-
Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
-
-
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
-
Jet Evasion Watersports
Located on Carras beach in Nice, Jet Evasion rents licence-free jet skis & sea scooters.
-
Go Kayak
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.
-
Nikaia Watersports
The beach front of Nice is the best place for watersports and situated at the heart of the city front is the company Nikaia Watersports.
Villas in Grasse
Villas in Grasse
See all Villas in Grasse-
Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
Holidays Rentals in Grasse
Holiday Rentals in Grasse
See all Holiday Rentals in Grasse-
Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
Hotels in Grasse
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.
Hotels in Grasse
See all Hotels in Grasse-
La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
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.
How to get to Grasse
Transfers for Nice
See all Transfers for Nice-
Private airport transfers
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
-
Helicopter Charter Flights
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.
-
Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
-
Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
-
Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
-
Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
Property For Sale in Grasse
Property for Sale in Grasse
See all Property for Sale in Grasse-
-
Villa for Sale
Joint-sole agency. Ideally located in the private and sought-after area of Hauts de Saint Paul, this exceptional Provençal villa enjoys a privileged location, offering a beautiful view of the sea as well as of the emblematic village of Saint Paul de Vence, a true jewel of the French Riviera.
Villa for Sale
€5,980,000 -
-
Villa for Sale
Elegant Provençal estate on the edge of the village of La Colle-sur-Loup
Villa for Sale
€998,000 -
-
