Grasse: TravelGuide

Grasse has been a perfume town ever since the 17th century, and today as the world's perfume capital, its reputation speaks for itself. If you like statistics you'll be pleased to learn that the Grasse perfume and food aroma industry represents two thirds of total French production and employs... More

Grasse has been a perfume town ever since the 17th century, and today as the world's perfume capital, its reputation speaks for itself. If you like statistics you'll be pleased to learn that the Grasse perfume and food aroma industry represents two thirds of total French production and employs 2,700 people generating a turnover of 600 million euros. Every year some two million tourists arrive from all over the world to visit the perfume museum, perfume factories and perfume shops. The three historic perfume manufacturers - Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard - open their doors to provide free guided tours. You will learn all about the mysteries of how a perfume is made, from the raw materials to the perfume itself, by means of distillation and enfleurage. You can then set off to discover a little known but nevertheless fascinating historic town. As you leave Place des Aires, with its arcades and Louis XV fountain, walk along the beautiful streets that are so busy and cool in the summer, packed with typical boutiques and stalls. You will become deliciously disoriented in the narrow winding streets and stairways, and you will discover a square Saracen tower, remains of the 16th century ramparts, the mayor's office housed in what was formerly the bishop's palace, the medieval houses raised in the 17th and 18th centuries, superb private mansions (Hôtel de Cabris, Hôtel de Pontevès, Court de Fontmichel) and magnificent 18th century villas ... as well as the Belle Epoque casino (now converted into a conference centre). You'll also come across gurgling fountains and picturesque squares with welcoming café terraces, vaulted passageways, freshly painted red and yellow ochre housefronts. Don't miss the Notre-Dame du Puy cathedral built in the Provençal Romanesque style in the 11th century and frequently altered since. Inside is a beautiful altar piece attributed to Louis Bréa, three canvasses by Rubens and a painting by Fragonard, plus stained glass windows and statues by Baillet: pretty impressive stuff. Cavers can descend into the depths of the Trou du Curé (60 metres underground) or explore the cave at the Saint Sauveur waterfall. If you prefer the open air you can set off on an excursion to the Loup valley, or simply admire the panoramic view of the coast and L'Estérel from the majestic Cours Honoré-Cresp, or else perhaps from the gardens of Princess Pauline, where an orientation table gives a detailed explanation of this grandiose panorama. To have something to eat after all these visits, try some "Fassoum", a local speciality consisting of courgette flower doughnuts ... marvellous. Less