Grasse is often referred to as the perfume capital of the world. three famous factories are based here, Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard. The last chapter of the book "Perfume" also takes place here.
The city is located near the Cote d'Azur, several kilometers from the sea. From the 16th century, it was a leather production center. Numerous tanneries emitted unpleasant odors that were masked with fragrance oils. This is how Grasse's career as a perfume manufacturing center began. Today, some of the most important factories in France have their headquarters here.
Today's Grasse does not smell like skins as it did centuries ago, but it smells like flowers of jasmine, lavender, citrus and many other shrubs planted in gardens. The small Old Town, located on a hill, is full of shops selling perfumes, aromatic oils and other fragrance accessories. In the center is Place aux Aires, where a traditional market takes place. Next to it is the Romanesque-Gothic austere cathedral Notre-Dame Du Puy De Grasse. An extremely charming place is the square de la Poissonnerie, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and patisseries.
The biggest attractions of Grasse are related to perfumes. The International Perfume Museum operates here, in front of which you can see a statue of a perfumer. Part of the factory and the Fragonard Perfumery Museum as well as the Villa and the Fragonard Museum are also open to the public. In addition to them, in the city you can visit the Museum of Provencal Costume and Jewelery, the Sea Museum and the Museum of Art and History of Provence.
