Visiting Grasse: The Perfume Capital of the World

Perched in the hills of the French Riviera, the charming town of Grasse is best known as the world’s perfume capital. With its winding streets, historic buildings, and fragrant heritage, it’s the perfect short stop on any Côte d’Azur itinerary.

• How to get there

• Parking

• What to see in Grasse

• Accessibility

• How much time to spend in Grasse

---

How to Get to Grasse

Grasse is easily accessible by both car and public transport. From Nice, it’s about a 50-minute drive, while from Cannes it’s just 30 minutes. You can also take a direct train from Nice or Cannes to Grasse station, followed by a short walk or local bus ride into the old town.

Parking in Grasse

If you’re arriving by car, there are several convenient parking options near the town center. The Parking Notre-Dame des Fleurs and Parking La Foux are both within walking distance of the main sights. Streets can be narrow and busy in high season, so using a parking garage is usually your best bet.

What to See in Grasse

Grasse is all about perfume, and the top attraction is the Fragonard Perfume Museum, where you can learn about the history of perfumery and even take a free guided tour with a short workshop. There are also other perfume houses such as Molinar and Galimard, offering similar experiences.

Stroll through the old town to admire its pastel-colored buildings, small squares, and artisan shops. Don’t miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy, with artworks by Rubens and Fragonard himself.

If you have a bit more time, the International Perfume Museum (Musée International de la Parfumerie) offers a more in-depth look at the cultural and scientific aspects of perfume-making.

Accessibility in Grasse

Grasse’s historic center is built on a hillside, which means steep streets, uneven pavements, and lots of stairs are part of the experience. While this adds to the town’s charm, it does make accessibility a bit challenging for visitors with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs.

That said, some areas of the old town are accessible, especially around the Place aux Aires and Place du Petit Puy, where the streets are wider and flatter. There are also ramps and elevators in a few places, particularly near the Fragonard Museum, although not all shops and restaurants are equipped with step-free entrances.

If you’re visiting by car, it’s helpful to know that several parking garages have accessible spots, and from there you can reach the main sights with some planning. The Fragonard Perfume Museum is partially wheelchair accessible, and guided tours can be adapted upon request — it’s a good idea to contact them in advance to arrange assistance.

If mobility is a concern, you may want to focus your visit on just one or two key sites, such as the Fragonard Museum and nearby squares, and avoid the steepest backstreets.

How Much Time to Spend in Grasse

A visit to Grasse typically takes about 2 hours, making it an easy and rewarding detour. It’s perfect to combine with nearby destinations like Cannes, Gourdon, or even a scenic drive through the hills of Provence.