Despite its distance (45km), Grasse makes a great day trip from Nice and is a refreshing contrast to the coast with a strong Provencal flavor. Amble the narrow streets winding through the old town and admire the ochre, red and yellow colors. As Grasse is less expensive than the coast, many local artists and artisans have set up shop along the 17th and 18th-century streets.
Except for the Cathedral, most of the sights are centered on Grasse's famous perfume business which provides perfumes for some of the world's most famous fashion houses. Grasse's perfumes emerged as a way to disguise the odor of the tanneries that once made Grasse famous for its gloves. All three of the major perfume houses--Molinard, Galimard and Fragonard--have shops in town. And you can even try your hand at creating a personalized scent.
You'll see the name Fragonard everywhere in town. Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) was a prolific and exuberant painter born in Grasse. He has no relation to the perfume house of the same name or any of the other local businesses.
Bus or Train?
Convenience
No contest. Taking the 500 bus from Nice is far preferable to the train. The train station in Grasse is at the foot of a steep hill, far from the town center. The Grasse bus station (Gare Routiere) is only steps from town.
Price
At €2.50 (€2.10 if purchased in advance) the bus is cheaper than the train which costs €10.70.
Speed
The bus to Grasse leaves from West Nice and takes about an hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The train takes about an hour from Gare Thiers to the Grasse train station. Add on another 20 minutes to catch the bus from the train station to the town center.
Scenic
The part of the train ride that passes from Cannes to Nice is scenic as it passes along the coast. The bus ride becomes more scenic as it leaves the urbanized coast and passes through the woodsy back country. It's a winding road though which could be an issue for those susceptible to car sickness.
Grasse Day Trip by Train from Nice
After leaving the train station the buses to the town center are just outside. Look for buses 6B, 20, 5, C, A. It takes 13 minutes to climb to the Gare Routiere. Check the bus schedules at Sillages. The bus ticket is €1.50 which you buy from the driver.
Grasse Day Trip by Bus from Nice
Take bus line 500 from Nice to Grasse Gare Routiere which is the last stop. Catch the bus either at Parc Phoenix or at the Airport/Promenade stop. I recommend the Parc Phoenix stop as it's right next to the stop on tram line 2. The Airport/Promenade stop connects with local bus 12 which is not as frequent as the tram line. The Grasse tourist office is right at Gare Routiere. Pick up a town map or get further local information here.
Suggested Sights for a Grasse Day Trip
Streets and Squares
From the Gare Routiere follow the main road to boulevard Jeu du Ballon, the main shopping street.
You'll soon come to the Place aux Aires, the heart of downtown Grasse which dates from the 14th century. The shops that line the arcades were once used by Grasse's tanners for soaking and drying animal skins. Don't miss the wrought iron balustrade on the house of Maximilien Isnard at no 33. On Saturday mornings the Place aux Aires hosts a local market filled with Provencale food, flowers and local products.
Just wandering the old streets of Grasse turns up unexpected delights.
Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Puy is well worth a stop. The 13th-century structure contains a wealth of art dating from the 15th to 19th centuries including a rare religious work, lavement des pieds, from Grasse painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Also notable are several works attributed to Peter-Paul Rubens or his school.
Museums
International Museum of Perfumery
Notice the sculpture (above) at the entrance to the museum which depicts a traditional perfumer's dress and toolbox.
The Museé Internationale de la Parfumerie is the world's largest collection of perfumery spanning antiquity to the present day. The medicinal, seductive and cultural importance of perfumes are highlighed in beautiful displays of perfume flasks and distilling equipment.
On the last Saturday of the month, there's a two-hour guided tour of the museum and a perfumery workshop. Reserve in advance at activites.musees@paysdegrasse.fr or call 04 97 05 58 14.
Provence Art and History Museum
Housed in the 18th-century Clapiers-Cabris mansion, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence is an evocative glimpse into the daily life of the eastern Provencal elite. The recreated kitchen, reception rooms and private quarters display the richness of local fine and decorative arts. Don't miss the 18th-century garden planted with citruses, rose bushes, cherry trees and a weeping willow.
Fragonard Historic Museum and Factory
Located in a former tannery, this museum and factory offers free guided tours that take in the whole process of manufacturing perfume from distilling to conditioning, maceration, filtration and bottling. The tour finishes in the Fragonard shop. Tours are available daily; no reservation necessary.
Museum of Costumes and Jewels
Fashionistas will want to check out the Musee Provencal du Costume et du Bijou, a small, free museum that displays 18th and 19th century clothing and jewels. The brightly colored fabrics that now typify Provencal style are derived from India, a trading partner of the perfume industry. The museum is housed in the stately residence of the Marquise of Cabris and retains many of the original features.
Perfume Workshops
Map of Grasse Perfume Workshops
All three perfumeries of Grasse--Galimard, Fragonard, Molinard--offer free tours of their facilities which take you through the craft of perfume making. You'll see the distillery and filtration systems as well as the "organ" that displays an array of scents. The free tours do not require a reservation but do finish with a polished sales pitch.
But maybe you're looking for a more hands-on experience and would like to make your own perfume? All factories are open long hours and offer free parking. There's a reduced rate for those who only want to accompany the "perfume person". A reservation is required. Let's compare the offers.
Molinard Factory
The Molinard factory (60 bd Victor Hugo) is the only one that's easy to reach on foot from the town center. It's only a 15-minute walk from the Gare Routiere, or take bus line 6. The price of €76 includes a one-hour workshop and you leave with a 50ml bottle of your own perfume. Plus, there's a 20% discount on other purchases. Or, opt for the 20-minute workshop and a 30ml bottle of perfume for €30. Reserve here.
Fragonard Factory
As noted above, the historic Fragonard factory (20 boulevard Fragonard) is right in the town center and offers free tours. But the perfume workshop is on the outskirts at 17 rte de Cannes.
From Gare Routiere take bus 20 from the nearby Grasse Gambetta stop, get off at Le Neroli and walk 100m (17 minutes)
Or take bus 5 from the Gare Routiere to "Les Quatre" chemins and walk 270m (27 minutes). Buses 5, 6, 600 and 610 also depart from the train station going uphill to factory. (11 minutes)
The 45-minute workshop costs €29 and you get a 12ml bottle of perfume. Reserve here.
Galimard
To reach the Galimard factory (5 Rte de Pegomas) take bus 20 or 6b from Grasse Gambetta stop near the Gare Routiere. Or take buses 5, 6, 600 or 610 from the train station to the bus stop “Les Quatre Chemins”
For €58 an expert will work with you for two hours to develop your perfume and you leave with a 100ml bottle. Workshops are daily at 10am, 2pm and 4pm.
Related Pages
Grasse Travel Guide
Day Trips from Nice
FAQs
Is Grasse France worth visiting? ›
Grasse itself is full of hidden treasures, so on your wander around this enchanting city make sure you visit and walk the 300 stone steps. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, stone streets and colourful buildings, it's worth taking some time out to appreciate this beautiful place.
Can you do a day trip from Nice to Monte Carlo? ›A Nice to Monaco day trip by train is very easy to organize. The train from Nice to Monaco takes around 24 minutes, although a faster train cuts the journey down to 15 minutes. The train departs from Nice Ville and arrives in Monaco Monte Carlo.
Can you do a day trip from Marseille to Nice? ›A day trip by train from Marseille to Nice is a must to soak up the famous Riviera lifestyle. As the fifth biggest city in France, it's impossible to conquer in a day, making it the perfect excuse to come back again.
Is perfume still made in Grasse? ›Today, the Grasse perfume industry is made up of dozens of companies – including some very famous names. Chanel still cultivates the Mai de Rose there, a flower that for almost a century has made the inimitable style of its Chanel No.
Are there lavender fields in Grasse France? ›Grasse - Most Sauvage Lavender Fields in France
Grasse is known for its perfumes and plethora of flowers but also a short drive away are some wilder or “sauvage” lavender fields. The lavender fields are not exactly in the village of Grasse itself but a drive north from the village.
The territory is around 1 square mile in size and has a population of around 40,000 inhabitants. As such, you can easily walk across the whole of the country in roughly an hour! One day in Monaco is more than enough time to explore all that this destination has to offer.
Is the train from Nice to Monaco Scenic? ›Scenic. Part of the Nice-Monaco train passes along the coast but there are several tunnels. Line 100 is spectacularly scenic.
Can you do Eze and Monaco in one day? ›You can check out the best of french riviera in a day (Eze, Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Antibes) in one day! If you do not have one full day, you can also try this half-day tour to Eze and Monaco.
Is 1 day enough for Marseille? ›Though Marseille is fairly large (one of the largest cities in France), one day is more than enough to see all of the major attractions that the city has to offer.
Can you do a day trip from Nice to Provence? ›There are many Provence day tours from Nice to choose from. Whether you're seeking a half-day wine tour of the Côtes de Provence or looking for some sightseeing around the Verdon River Gorges there is a tour to suit every budget and taste.
Is the train from Marseille to Nice Scenic? ›
The train is the most straightforward way to travel between the cities. Direct high-speed TGV lines hug the coast for a scenic, comfortable, and affordable trip in under three hours.
Can you visit flower fields in Grasse? ›Discover the perfume plants at Domaine de Manon, 10 minutes from Grasse (booking required). Visit the fields of centifolia roses (May to mid-June) or jasmine (August to October).
What is the fragrance capital of the world? ›GRASSE, France — The town of Grasse sits in the hills above the more famous French Riviera city of Cannes, and it doesn't have the Mediterranean Sea at its doorstep. What it does have is fields of flowers — jasmine, May rose, tuberose, lavender. It is known as the perfume capital of the world.
What French perfume brands are in Grasse? ›Three major perfumeries hold court in Grasse – Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard. Fragonard, with its cheery, buttery yellow facade, sits overlooking the rest of the town. Founded in 1926 by Eugène Fuchs, it was named after the renowned French painter, Jean-Honore Fragonard.
What is the best month to visit the Lavender Farm? ›The best time to see the plants in bloom is from the last week of June to the beginning of August. Peak bloom is around mid-July – although this may vary year to year depending on the rainfall.
How do I get to lavender fields in Grasse? ›To have a look as fields of wild lavender, drive up to the Plateau de Calern north of Grasse (about 1 hour to 1h30 from Nice). Amidst the rocky terrain and fields of other wildflowers, the hillsides to the east of the telescopes are covered thickly with wild lavender.
What month does lavender bloom in France? ›Provence's fields start to bloom in June – by the end of the month, most of the region's lavender will be flowering. The fields peak in early to mid-July. The higher the altitude of the field, the later the flowers will bloom.
Can you wear sneakers in Monaco? ›Photo ID is required to enter the casino, and all visitors must be over the age of 18. The cost is €17 (or €14 if attending as a member of a group of more than 10). You must dress smartly to enter, meaning no shorts, sports shoes or flip flops to be worn at any times.
Is there a dress code in Monaco? ›Monaco itself doesn't have a strict dress code, although much of the principality is high-class and home to wealthy individuals. If you are planning a visit to any of Monaco or Monte Carlo's spectacular, historic casinos, you'll want to make sure you look the part.
What month is best to go to Monaco? ›The best time to visit Monaco is in the spring or fall. April and October are both ideal months for a vacation: the weather is balmy and the room rates are reduced.
How long is the boat ride from Nice to Monaco? ›
The trip departs from Nice in the morning to cruise over to Monaco, which takes roughly 45 minutes. Once you've docked at the harbour you can freely explore the various attractions which include the Prices Palace, The Casino, The Oceanographic Museum, The Cathedral and the Exotic Gardens.
How much does a train ticket from Nice to Monaco cost? ›There are normally 44 trains per day travelling from Nice Ville to Monaco—Monte-Carlo and tickets for this journey start from €4.20 when you book in advance.
Do you need your passport to get into Monaco from Nice? ›You don't need a passport to cross the border, since Monaco shares border control with France, so if you get into France, then you get into Monaco.
Is Monaco a day trip from Nice? ›A small principality on the French Riviera, Monaco is an easy day trip from Nice. And, with it being so small, you can easily spend a few hours soaking up the glitz and glamour of this high-rolling place without forking out for an exorbitant hotel in Monte Carlo.
How long is the walk up Eze? ›How long does it take to walk the Nietzsche Path? It will take you about 1 hour 30mins if you are walking up the path from sea-level with a 1000ft hike up-hill. Walking down from Eze village will be much easier and take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Can Lake Como be a day trip? ›From Milan, Italy and Lugano, Switzerland it's very easy to take a day trip to Lake Como. When planning your day trip to Lake Como, you first have to decide where you want to go. Lake Como is big and with only one day you will not have enough time to see all of it.
How many days do you need in Nice? ›3 days in Nice is perfect to get a taste of the capital of Côte d'Azur and the French Riviera because it allows you to see the best places in the city and visit a nearby town. If you have more time, you can spend a week in Nice, use it as a base to explore other parts of the French Riviera.
Why is Marseille so famous? ›Marseille is famous all over the world for its Bouillabaisse. Go to the bouillabaisse. The famous fish soup of Marseille jumped on the shark. Aggressive marketing has pushed up its cost to 60-100 euros.
What is so special about Marseille? ›Marseille is known for many things but primarily for its unique culture and cuisine, including the garlic- and saffron-flavoured fish stew called bouillabaisse.
What is the best day trip from Nice? ›- Villefranche-sur-Mer. Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the easiest day trips from Nice by train. ...
- Villa Ephrussi Rothschild & Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. ...
- Eze Village. ...
- Monaco. ...
- Menton. ...
- Cannes.
Which is better Provence or Tuscany? ›
There's no doubt Tuscany is the ideal culinary destination but even so, Provence stands as a worthy adversary. Home of Ratatouille, Aioli, Nicoise salad and Bouillabaisse, Provence boasts a rich culinary culture with Mediterranean influences, a myriad of Michelin-starred restaurants and charming local markets.
Is Marseille worth visiting? ›Marseille has some very unique landmarks and sights to see. It is home to the biggest port in France, which is also the 7th largest port in Europe. Then there are Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica and the Cathédrale La Major—two stunning churches worth visiting.
What is the most famous scenic trains of all times? ›THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
Probably the most famous train in the world, and one of the best train journeys in Europe, the legendary Orient Express has now been reimagined by Belmond to emulate the Golden Age of travel.
Grasse, The Perfume Capital Of The World, Is A Hub For Fragrance Makers Its jasmine and roses are prized by perfumers and those eager to learn the trade. But the French Riviera town of Grasse didn't always smell sweet. Centuries ago, it was known for leather tanneries.
What is the most beautiful province of France? ›- Normandy. ...
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine. ...
- Occitanie. ...
- Pays de la Loire. ...
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. ...
- Guadeloupe. ...
- Mayotte. What is this? ...
- Réunion. Lying to the east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, the tropical island of Reunion has an incredible array of natural sights for you to enjoy.
Become part of this refined world by participating in a perfume workshop in the perfume capital of the world. The three largest perfumeries in Grasse invite you into their prestigious spheres to create your own fragrance.
Why are there pink umbrellas in Grasse? ›This year in Paris, there are 600 umbrellas in two shades of pink and the inspiration is neither more nor less than Audrey Hepburn, with her famous quote “I Believe in Pink”. This is where the starting point for this installation, which has already gone viral on social networks, comes from.
Does Grasse have a train station? ›The Train station of Grasse is a hub in the French transport network enabling travellers to reach the region around Grasse (Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alps-French Riviera). This place provides an easy connection to other forms of road transport if necessary.
Where are the lavender fields in Grasse? ›To have a look as fields of wild lavender, drive up to the Plateau de Calern north of Grasse (about 1 hour to 1h30 from Nice). Amidst the rocky terrain and fields of other wildflowers, the hillsides to the east of the telescopes are covered thickly with wild lavender.
What is the prettiest town in France? ›Colmar, Alsace
The capital of the Alsace wine region is arguably the prettiest town in France. Resembling our very own Little Venice, the small canals and brightly coloured houses are something out of a fairytale.
What is the prettiest city in France? ›
Paris, the Capital
Look no further: Paris is the most beautiful city in France and also the most romantic. For many people, Paris is the first contact with the country, the final destination or the starting point for fun road trips through France.
Chanel. Chanel is arguably the best French perfume brand on the market. It's proof that art and style often go hand in hand, producing a range of timeless fragrances that rightfully deserve a spot on every woman's dressing table.
What is the only country to declare a national perfume? ›However, Lithuania is the only nation with a national scent.
What does Milton Lloyd Grasse smell like? ›Description by Milton Lloyd:
Fresh bergamot and green notes lift from a floral heart of rose, jasmine, geranium and mild camomile gently warmed by spicy notes of clove and coumarin, resting on a sensual base of apatchouli, vetiver, castoreum and musks.
This umbrella street in Portugal is one of the most instagrammable and colorful places in the world. Not many people know it and the tourist scene isn't yet exploding here which made it feel even more special. Agueda is a wonderful hidden gem in Portugal located 23 km east of Aveiro.