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Provence Holidays
Grasse Grasse - 1543
Grasse Grasse - 1544
Grasse Grasse - 1545

Grasse, Cote d'Azur/French Riviera

Located on the Côte d'Azur, about fifteen kilometers from Cannes, Grasse is a city of art and history that has retained its charm of yesteryear. But it is also the world capital of perfumery! It will therefore attract lovers of heritage and lovers of flowers and aromas.

What makes this town special?

Grasse is a very attractive city, because it offers many activities in a green site of mountains and forests. But it is also a peaceful place where it is good to relax.

Places not to be missed on holiday in Grasse, France

The city tour is a must. It has mansions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and splendid 19th century villas which give it an undeniable charm. In the heart of Grasse, Place aux Aires is the ideal place for a well-deserved break. Lined with arcades and red and yellow ocher houses, it has a pretty fountain and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

The old centre, made up of old houses and buildings, with porches and squares, takes the visitor back to the Middle Ages. Notre-Dame-du-Puy cathedral dates from the 12th century , but it has been renovated over the centuries and its bell tower was added in the 17th century . On entering this pretty church, you can admire many works of art, including an altarpiece by Louis Bréa, canvases by Rubens and a painting by the painter Fragonard.

Grasse is visited above all for its unique status as the capital of perfume. As early as the 16th century, the city had tanneries which generated powerful and nauseating smells. She then worked to find scents that would perfume gloves, belts and bags.

A craft was born before becoming a real industry in the 17th century . Today, the capital of perfume is home to three famous perfume houses: Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard. In order to get to know this industry, you can visit one of the three perfumeries, Fragonard being certainly the most famous.

You can also visit the International Museum of Perfumery, which traces the 4,000 years of perfumery history. It also has a botanical garden in Mouans-Sartoux, near Grasse, a real little corner of paradise that promises a nice walk!

Places to Visit on Vacation from Grasse, France

Since you are on the Côte d'Azur, now is the time to discover the most emblematic cities of this region: Cannes, Nice, Antibes and Saint-Tropez!

Don't overlook the delicious hilltop villages in the surrounding area: Gourdon, Auribeau, Le Bar-sur-Loup, Opio, Châteauneuf, Spéracèdes, Cabris... These towns, built high up to protect themselves from invasions in the Middle Ages, have preserved their authentic character and offer breathtaking panoramas!

Finally, if you want to attend an unforgettable show, discover the Saint-Cézaire cave: twenty minutes from Grasse, it promises you an unforgettable journey 40 meters underground!

Location

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